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THE DICTIONARY 
 
 EVERY-DAY DIFFICULTIES 
 
 m KEADIXG, WEITINa, AND SPEAKINa THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE; 
 
 lAUD WOEDS MADE EASY. 
 
 A COMPLETE EPITOME OF 
 
 VALUABLE EXPLANATIONS AND DEFINITIONS OF DIFFICULT ENGLISH AND 
 FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, AND EXPRESSIONS, 
 
 WITH THE COKRECT PRONUNCIATION OF EACH WORD. 
 
 EDWARD SHELTON, 
 
 ATTIEOK OP "THB HISTOUtCiL FIJfGER-POST ;•• ASSISTANT BDITOR OF *' THE DICTIONART OF OlILT 
 WAKTS," " HINTS AND HELPS EOE EVBliX-DAT EMEE&BIfCIES," &C. &C. &C. 
 
 TWELFTH THOUSAND. 
 
 [ 
 
 LONDON: 
 WARD, LOCK, AND TYLER, 
 
 WARWICK HOUSE, PATERNOSTER ROW. 
 
 i/1 
 
New Books a7id New Editio7is. 
 
 AN ENTIRELY NEW DOMESTIC CYCLOPAEDIA. 
 Price 2J. dd. cloth, uniform with Mrs. Beeton's "All About Cookery." Being the 
 
 Second of the "All About It" Books. 
 BEETON'S ALL ABOUT EVERYTHING AND EVERY- 
 DAY INFORMATION. 
 
 Universally and deservedly popular in every Jioitsehold has beco7neM.KS. Beeton's 
 All About Cookery, by virtue of its thoroughly reliable and essetttially Practi- 
 cal and Econo7}ucal Cookery Recipes. From the same cause equally popular will 
 become Beeton's All About 'EvEKWai-tiG, co7iiai7utig, as it will be found on 
 consultatioti to do, the best and jnost valuable Recipes on all -useful matters con- 
 nected with the Family afid Household. 
 
 BEETON'S "ALL ABOUT IT" BOOKS. 
 
 Post 8vo, price 2s. 6d. 
 BEETON'S ALL ABOUT COOKERY. Vv^ith numerous Illus- 
 trations. By Mrs. Isabella Beeton, Author of "The Book of Household 
 Management." Being the First of the " All About It " Books. 
 
 *** Mrs. BEETON prepared this volujne in co7npliance with the wishes of a 
 
 great 7i7iniber of correspo7ide7its who were desirojis of possessi7ig a Book of Eco7iO' 
 
 77iical Recipes, which i7iight be tJioroughly relied 07i, a7id which could be purchased 
 
 \ for a lower p7Hce tha7t the Household Management. It has passed throiigh 
 
 nu7iiero7is editio7is, and each day i7icreases i7i favour with Middle-class Fa7nilies. 
 
 Price One Shilling, containing 208 pages, 477 Recipes, and Formulae for Mistresses 
 
 and Servants. Also, with Coloured Plates, price is. 6d. 
 MRS. BEETON'S ENG-LISHWOMAN'S COOKERY BOOK. 
 
 Comprising Recipes in all Branches of Cookery, and accurate Descriptions of 
 
 Quantities, Times, Costs, Seasons, for the various Dishes. 
 
 *** The capital Coloured Plates render the Eightee7ipe7i7iy Editio7i of The 
 Englishwoman's Cookery 'Qr:>oK. absolutely 7C7iapp7-oachahle i?i poi7it of excellence 
 a7idcheap7iess. There are i7ifi7iitely 77tore Recipes i7i this vohi77ie tha7i i7i a7iy oilier 
 Clieap Cookery Book, their accicracy ts beyo7id qicesticn. a7id the additio7i of these 
 Coloured Plates removes all possibility of successful rivalry which maybe attempted 
 by ii7iitaiive and meretricious displays. 
 
 One Hundred and Ninety-Seventh Thousand. 
 New Edition, post Svo, half bound, price -js. 6d. ; half calf, 105. 6d. 
 
 BEETON'S (Mrs.) BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT. 
 Comprising every kind of Practical Information on Domestic Economy and Mo- 
 dern Cookery, with numerous Woodcuts and Coloured Illustrations. 
 "Mrs. Isabella Beeton's 'Book of Household Management' aims at being a compendium of 
 household duties in every ^rade of household life, from the mistress to the maid-of-all-vvork. It is 
 illustrated by numerous diaoframs, exhibiting the various articles of food in their original state, 
 and there are also coloured plates to show how they oug-ht to look when dished and ready for the 
 table. The verdict of a practical cook of °p:eat experience, on returriing- the book to her mistress, 
 was, ' Ma'am, I ccnsider it an excellent work ; it is full of useful-information about everything-, 
 •which is quite delightful ; and I should say any one might learn to cook from it who never uied 
 before."— 7"/i^ Atheii<EU77t. 
 
 Ptihlished by Ward, Lock, and Tyler. 
 
•^ PREFACE. 
 
 WThe title-page of tliis book will suflS.ciently indicate its contents and pnrpose. 
 
 /,^It aspires to be, so far as the space it contains will allow, a complete 
 
 m. " Dictionary of Every-Day Difficulties" — an epitome of those terms, i^brases, 
 
 and expressions which continually puzzle the ordinary reader, and respecting 
 
 . whose meaning, scope, and derivation, he here finds himself enlightened, in 
 
 the simplest and most concise manner, consistent with accuracy and clearness. 
 
 Especially to the numerous class of self-educating students, who have not had 
 
 ■ the advantage of finished instruction, or University experience, is it addressed. 
 In our English language thousands of words and phrases are daily used by 
 persons who have no definite idea of the meaning of the terms they are 
 employing, and ludicrous misapprehensions and strange blunders are the 
 result, some of them suggestive of the immortal Mrs. Malaprop's headstrong 
 allegory on the banks of the Mle ; or of that lady's equally well-expressed wish 
 that the ]jast may not be antici;pctted, but that all retrospections may be reserved 
 for tliefature. Such words, for instance, as regatta, regurgitate, refectory, are 
 constantly occurring, and frequently misappHed, from a lack of knowledge of 
 their meaning and derivation ; while of our English Law Terms, it may truly 
 be said, that scarcely one person in a score among those in whose mouths they 
 are constantly found, is aware of the precise signification and value of the 
 terms he has been employing. 
 
 The more educated class of readers may, perhaps, be incHned to take 
 exception at the almost homely words in which many matters are here ex- 
 plained; but the Editor has considered that, in a Work like the present^ 
 
clearness was of primary, and elegance of diction of very secondary importance 
 THis is not intended exclusively as a book for tlie finished and polished scholar, 
 hut rather for the paiastakiag but unclassical learner, who has been his own 
 instructor, and wishes, therefore, to meet with a book which he can under- 
 stand without foreign aid. 
 
 One peculiar advantage of this Work will be found in the very complete 
 and correct system of pronunciation which is given of each word, as well a& 
 its derivation. The importance of this feature will be apparent to students, 
 heads of families, and aU engaged in educational labour. 
 
 One thing can safely be promised. No reader who carefully goes through 
 the definitions in this Volume, can fail to acquire accurate ideas concerning, 
 a, great throng of words, of whose meaning he ought not, as an intelligent 
 Englishman, to be ignorant. The best authorities have been consulted, to 
 insure the accuracy of the definitions and explanations. 
 
TSiL 
 
 mCTIONARY OF DIFPICULTIES, 
 
 ABA 
 
 A, in commerce, stands for " accepted ; " 
 a for " to ; " and @ for " at." 
 
 A, in logic, denotes a universal affirma- 
 tive proposition. A asserts, and E denies : 
 thus, in harhara, A, thrice repeated, de- 
 notes so many of the propositions to be 
 vmiversal. 
 
 A, in music, is the nominal of the sixth 
 note in the natural diatonic scale, and the 
 natural key in the minor mood. It is the 
 open note of the second string of the 
 vioHn, by which the other strings are 
 attuned and regulated. 
 
 A 1, A term or mai'k used to denote the 
 highest Ciassification of ships at Lloyd's; 
 it is sometimes used in the more intensitive 
 form of " fii'st-class, letter A, Xo. 1." 
 Conventionally, this expression is employed 
 to signify anything of the very best kind 
 or quality. 
 
 Aam, awm. A Dutch liquid measui'e, 
 equal to 41 gallons at Amsterdam, 36| at 
 Antwerp, 38^ at Hamburg, and 39' at 
 Frankfort. 
 
 A^. An abbreviation of ariium lacca- 
 laureiis, bachelor of arts. 
 
 Ab. A Latin preposition, allied to 
 many English words, and changed in com- 
 position into a, abs, au. It denotes motion 
 in any direction from a fixed point, as 
 ab-rupt, broken off ; abstain, to refrain 
 from ; a-vert, to turn from ; au-gur, to pre- 
 dict from. See Ad. 
 
 _Ab. When the names of places begin 
 with this syllable, it generally implies a 
 connection with an abbey, as ^Singdon. 
 
 Aback, a-bak (Saxon, on Icec, back- 
 wards), A word chiefly used in a nautical 
 sense, to express the positions of the sails of 
 
 a vessel when their surfaces are pressed aft 
 by the force of the wind. All ahacJc im- 
 plies that all the sails are aback. The 
 sails are laid alach when they are inten- 
 tionally adjusted in the above manner, 
 either to stop the ship, to slacken her 
 speed, or to make her move astern. They 
 are taken aback when suddenly thrown 
 backward by a change of the wind, or 
 through the neghgence of the helmsman. 
 
 Abacus, ab-akus (Latin, abacus, Greek, 
 abax, a slab). An instrument for facili- 
 tating arithmetical calculations. It con- 
 sists of an oblong frame, with a number of 
 wires stretched across, upon which balls 
 are arranged to express units, tens, hun- 
 dreds, thousands, &c. In China, this 
 instrument, called shawnpan, is in very 
 general use. 
 
 Abaft, a-baft (Saxon, bceftan, behind). 
 A sea tei-m, sig-nifying the hinder vaxi of 
 a ship, or aU those parts, both withia and 
 without, which lie towards the stern, or 
 aft division. 
 
 Abalienate, ab-ale-yen-ait (Latin, ah, 
 from ; alienus, another person's). To make 
 over to another. In civil law the term is 
 used to signify the transference of property 
 from one person to another. 
 
 Abatement, a-batement (Saxon, bea- 
 tan). A lessening or decreasing; a reduction 
 of price or quantity. In heraldry, abate- 
 ment is an accidental figure, supposed to 
 have been added to coats of arms to denote 
 some dishonour or stain. 
 
 Abatis, ab-atis (French, abatis). A 
 species of entrenchment, affording an 
 excellent and ready addition to the defence 
 of a post ; being simply trees felled, and 
 laid with their branches so interwoven as 
 
ABA 
 
 ABL 
 
 to present a thick row of pointed stakes 
 towards the enemy. This kind of fortifica- 
 tion is generally used at a short distance 
 from the parapets of field works ; so that 
 while the enemy is endeavouring to remove 
 them, he is exposed to a destructive fire 
 from the defenders. The abatis conse- 
 quently proves one of the most effectual 
 obstacles in retarding the enemy's advance. 
 
 Abattoir, abat-war (French, abhatre, 
 to knock down). The name given to the 
 public slaughter-houses in France, estab- 
 lished by a decree of Napoleon I. 
 
 Abba, ab-bah. Literally, the Syriac 
 name for father. Figuratively, it is used 
 to express a superior in age, dignity, or 
 affection. 
 
 Abbe, ab-bai (French, able). Oi'i- 
 ginally an abbot, and a title formerly 
 considered as a badge of honour, and a 
 mark of piety and learning. The title is 
 now assumed by ecclesiastics without 
 charge, devoted to teaching, literature, &c. 
 
 Abbreviation, ab-brevy-ashun (Latin, 
 ah, from ; hrevis, short). Anything made 
 shorter ; usually applied to words in speak- 
 ing and writing, as don't, for do not ; Dr., 
 for Doctor ; P.S., postscript. 
 
 Abdicate, abde-kate (Latin, ah, from ; 
 clico, give up). To give up ; to abandon ; 
 to renounce. A sovereig-n or any function- 
 ary abdicates when he gives up the duties 
 of his office before the expiration of his 
 term. It differs from resignation as being 
 unconditional, and without any formal 
 surrender. Example : — James II., of 
 England, abdicated ; Charles V., of Spain, 
 resigned in favour. 
 
 Abdomen, abd-omen (Latin, aMo, to 
 conceal). The large cavity commonly 
 known as the belly, containing the organs 
 more immediately concerned in the process 
 of digestion, as the stomach, liver, spleen, 
 bowels, &c. It is so called because it hides, 
 or conceals, the lower portion of the bowels. 
 
 Abductor, ab-duk-tur (Latin, ah, from ; 
 duco, to draw away). Any muscle that 
 contracts, or draws back : such as those 
 which separate the fingers from each other, 
 or the muscle which draws up the mouth. 
 
 Abecedarian, abbe-sedarian (from 
 A. B. C), One who teaches, or who is 
 learning the alphabet. The term abecedary 
 is sometimes applied to those compositions 
 the parts of wiuch are disposed in alpha- 
 betical order. 
 
 Aber. A Celtic prefix to the names of 
 many places, which imports that they are 
 
 situated at the mouth of a river, as Aher- 
 deen. 
 
 Aberration, aber-ray-shun (Latin, 
 ah, from ; erro, to wander). The act of 
 wandering from the common track ; an 
 alienation of mind. In astronomy, aberra- 
 tion of light means the difference between 
 the apparent and the true place of a star. 
 In optics, a deviation of the rays of light, 
 when inflected by a lens, or speculum, by 
 which they are prevented meeting at the 
 same point. 
 
 Abeyance, a-bay-yens (French, bayer, 
 to hanker after). A state of suspension, 
 expectation, or waiting for. This term is 
 used in law, in reference to an inheritance 
 which is not vested in any one, and which 
 is left unappropriated until the lawful in- 
 heritor shall establish his claim. 
 
 Abigail, abbe-gal (Hebrew). A beau- 
 tiful woman whom David, the psalmist, 
 took to wife after the death of her hus- 
 band, Nabal. This name is also applied 
 generally to waiting women, although upon 
 what grounds is not precisely ascertained. 
 
 Ab-initio, abin-isheo (Latin, ah, from ; 
 initio, the first). From the beginning. 
 
 Abjuration, abjoo-rayshxm (Latin, ab, 
 from ; juro, to swear). The act of abjiuring; 
 a renouncing upon oath. An abjuratio7i of 
 the realm is a renunciation upon oath which 
 a person makes to leave the kingdom for 
 ever. The Oalh of abjuration is an oath 
 asserting the title of the present royal 
 family to the crown of England, and ex- 
 pressly disclaiming any right to it by the 
 descendants of James the Second. 
 
 Ablactation, ablak-tayshun (Latin, 
 ab, from ; lac, milk). A weaning of a child 
 from the breast. Also, a term used to ex- 
 press the mode of gi-afting a scion of one 
 tree to that of another, and when the union 
 has taken place, dividing the shoot from 
 the parent stem. 
 
 Ablaqueation, ab-lak-we-ayshun 
 (Latin, ab~ivom ; laquear, a covering). The 
 process of opening the ground about the 
 roots of trees and plants, in order to 
 expose them to the action of light, air, and 
 water. 
 
 Ablative Case, ablah-tiv (Latin, ah, 
 away ; latus, carried). The «;ixth case in the 
 Latin declension of nouns, and expressive 
 of the words— from, in, for, by, with ; 
 words which in the English language are 
 prepositions, but in the Latin understood 
 as part of the noun, when in its ablative 
 case. Instead of saying *'vrith the king," , 
 
ABL 
 
 ABS 
 
 as in English composition, the ablative 
 case of the Latin word rex, rege, implies 
 these prepositions, the translation being, 
 "•with, for, in, bythe king," the translator 
 accepting whichever of the four words best 
 suits the context and sense of the passage. 
 Thus the term ablative signifies the taking 
 away or removing.. 
 
 Able-Bodied, a-bul bod-ed. Having 
 a sound, strong body, or a body of com- 
 petent strength for service. An able-bodied 
 seaman is one who is able not only to work, 
 but also one who is well skilled in seaman- 
 ship ; in maritime language, such a man is 
 commonly termed an A. B, 
 
 Ablegation, ablee-gayshun (Latin, ab, 
 from ; lego, to send). A sending abroad. 
 
 Ablution, ab-lew-shun (Latin, ab, 
 from ; luo, to wash). Ordinarily, the act of 
 washing away or cleansing ; also, a reli- 
 gious ceremony practised by the people of 
 all Eastern nations as a part of their creed. 
 
 Abnegate, abnee-gate (Latin, ab, 
 from; nego, to deny). To deny. ' 
 
 Abnodate, abno-date (Latin, ab, from ; 
 nodus, a knot). To cut oft' the knots of 
 trees. 
 
 Abnormal, ab-normal (Latin, ah, from ; 
 norma, a model). Irregular; against rule. 
 
 Abolitionist, abbo-lishun-ist. One 
 who is in favour of abolition, especially as 
 applied to slaveiy. 
 
 Aborigines, abo-ridjin-ease (Latin). 
 The earliest inhabitants of a country. This 
 term was originally applied to the ancient 
 inhabitants of Italy. 
 
 Abortion, ab-orshun (Latin, ab, from ; 
 ortus, a source). Miscarriage ; untimely 
 birth. 
 
 About (Saxon, abi'Jan, around). In 
 circumference, about is equivalent to 
 around ; in number or quantity, it signifies 
 near. To bring about, to bring to the 
 point or state desired. To. come about, to 
 change or turn. To go about, to enter 
 upon ; to propose. In maritime affairs, 
 to go about is used when a ship changes 
 her course. Abotit ship! are orders for 
 tacking. 
 
 Above, a-buv. Higher in place, as, 
 above the Don ; higher in station, as, a 
 marquis is above an earl ; beyond, as, abc'X 
 one's comprehension ; longer in point ot 
 time, as, ahove three months ; exceeding in 
 weight, as, above six pounds ; too proud or 
 dignified, as, above asking a favour. 
 
 Abracadabra, abrehkeh-dabreh. A 
 
 term of incantation used in superstitious 
 ages as an antidote against fevers. This 
 word was written on a piece of paper or 
 vellum, with the letters disposed in a tri- 
 angular form, and suspended about the 
 neck of the patient. 
 
 Abranchia, abran-keah (Greek, a, not ; 
 branchia, gills). Animals destitute of gills, 
 and having no apparent organs of respira- 
 tion. 
 
 Abrasion, ab-rayzhun (Latin, ab, from ; 
 rado, to scrape). A wearing away ; a rub- 
 bing off. In numismatics, this term is 
 used to signify the wear and tear which 
 coins undergo in the course of currency. 
 
 Abreast, a-brest. Side by side. In 
 naval tactics, the situation as regards the 
 line of battle at sea. Abreast line, the line 
 abreast is formed by the ships being equally 
 distant, and parallel to each other, so that 
 the length of each forms a right angle with 
 the extent of the squadron or line abreast. 
 Abreast of a place, is directly opposite to it. 
 Abreast, vsithin the ship, implies on a pa- 
 rallel line with the beam. 
 
 Abreuvoir, a-breu-vwar (French, 
 abreuvoir). A watering-place for horses. 
 In masonry, the joint between two stones ; 
 or the cavity to be filled up with mortar, or 
 cement, when either are to be used. 
 
 Abrogation, abro-gayshun (Latin, ab, 
 from ; rogo, to make a law). The act of an- 
 nulling or setting aside. This term implies • 
 especially the act of aboUshing a law by 
 the authority of its maker. 
 
 Abscind, ab-sind (Latin, ab, from ; 
 scindo, to tear). To cut off ; to pare off. 
 
 Absent v^ithout leave. In the 
 
 army, a milder term often used for deser- 
 tion. All officers who absent themselves 
 without permission, or fail to join their regi- 
 ments at the expiration of their leave, are 
 placed under arrest, and their pay sus- 
 pended until an explanation of the cause 
 of their absence be given. 
 
 Absentee, absen-tee. A term of com- 
 paratively modern origin, f iifi;fying a per- 
 son who lives away fromlii? 'sstate. The 
 name is especially applied to a numerous 
 class of land-owners in Ireland. 
 
 Absolution, abso-lewshun (Latin, ab, 
 from ; solvo, to free). The forgiveness of 
 sins, which the Church of Eome claims to 
 itself the power of granting ; in civil law, 
 a sentence whereby the party accused is 
 declared innocent of the crime laid to Jii^i 
 charge, 
 
 B % 
 
ABS 
 
 ACC 
 
 Absolutism, abso-lew-tism. A doc- 
 trine charged on the Calvinists, which con- 
 ceives that the salvation of mankind is 
 dependent on the mere pleasure of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 Abstergent, ab-stur-junt (Latin, ahs, 
 from ; tergeo, to wipe). Having a cleansing 
 quality ; medicines which have the power 
 of cleansing the body from obstructions 
 and impmities, are so called. 
 
 Abstract, abs-trakt (Latin, als, from ; 
 trako, to draw). A summary, or epitome, 
 containing the substance ; a general view 
 or the principal heads of a subject. In 
 metaphysics, an abstract idea is a partial 
 conception of a complex subject. 
 
 Abstraction, ab-strakshun. The act 
 of drawing from ; absence of mind ; inat- 
 tention. 
 
 Abstruse, ab-stroos (Latin, ahs, from ; 
 iruso, to thrust violently). Hidden ; ob- 
 scure ; thrust away from the imderstand- 
 ing. 
 
 Abutment, a-butment (French, about, 
 the end). The extremity of any body 
 joining another, as the piers on which an 
 arch rests. Also the junction or meeting 
 of two pieces of timber. 
 
 Abyss, a-biss (Greek, a, without ; bussos, 
 bottom). Any deep pUce that is bottom- 
 less, or supposed to be so. 
 
 Ac, ak, ake. These syllables occur- 
 ring at the beginning or the termination of 
 a name of a town or place, convey the 
 Saxon sig-nification of oah; as Acto/i, or 
 oak-town. 
 
 Academy, a-kaddymee (Greek, A7m- 
 demos. an Athenian, whose garden was con- 
 verted into a gynmasium ; academe). A 
 jdace of instmction next below a college ; 
 an association for the promotion of science 
 or art. 
 
 Acanthus, a-kanthuss (Latin, acan- 
 thus). A prickly shrub ; an ornament in 
 architecttu'e resembling its leaves. 
 
 Acceleration, ak-selly-rayshun (Latin, 
 ad, towards ; celer, swift). The act of 
 hastening. In physics, the increase of the 
 motion of moving bodies ; as the accelera- 
 tion of a falling stone as it nears the earth. 
 
 Accent, ak-sent (Latin, ad, to ; cano, to 
 -sing). The modulation of the voice in pro- 
 nounciag certain words or syllables ; also, 
 marks or characters used in writing, to 
 direct the stress of the voice in pronuncia- 
 tion, as the acute ( '), the grave ( "), and the 
 circumflex C or ")• The first indicates 
 that the voice is to be raised ; the second, 
 
 that it is to be depressed ; and the third, 
 that the vowel is to be uttered with an un- 
 dulating sound between high and low. 
 In music, accent denotes the modulation of 
 the voice to express certain passions. 
 
 Acceptance, ak-septanse (Latin, ad, 
 for ; captum, to take). Reception with ap- 
 probation. In commerce, an acceptance is 
 when a person renders himself responsible 
 for the sum mentioned in a biU of exchange, 
 by writing the word '^accepted" on it^ 
 and signing his name. An accer)tor is the 
 person who thus signs a bill of exchange. 
 
 Accessory, ak-sessoiy (Latin, ad, to : 
 cedo, to agree). Contributing ; joined to. 
 In law, a person who aids in the commis- 
 sion of a felonious act. An accessonj before 
 the fact is one who suborns another to com- 
 mit an offence, and who, though not ac- 
 tually concerned in the commission, is 
 accounted equally as guilty as the actual 
 offender. An accessory after the fact is one 
 who assists, comforts, and harbours the 
 offender, knowing him to be such. 
 
 Accidence, aksy-dens (Latin, acciden- 
 tia, chance). A book containing the first ru- 
 diments of grammar, and intei-preting the 
 attributes of the several parts of speech. 
 
 Accidental Colour. A name given 
 to the colour which an object appears to 
 have, when seen by an eye which at the 
 time is strongly affected by some par- 
 ticular coloui' ; thus, if we look for a short 
 time upon any bright object, such as a 
 wafer on a sheet of paper, a similar wafer 
 will be seen, but of a different colour, and 
 this wlU be what is called the accidental 
 colour J if the wafer be blue, the imaginary 
 spot will be orange ; if red, it will be changed 
 into gTeen ; and yellow will become purple. 
 
 Accipitres, aksippy-trees (Latin, ac- 
 cipiter, a plunderer). The first order of birds, 
 according to the classification of Linnaeus, 
 including the falcon, vulture, kc. ; the 
 chief characteristics being a hooked biU, 
 strong legs, and sharp claws. This order 
 includes the birds ofirreyj hence the desig- 
 nation. 
 
 Acclimatise, aklyma-tize. To accus- 
 tom to a foreign chmate ; to inure to 
 the temperature of a new climate ; a term 
 applied alike to plants, animals, and human 
 beings. 
 
 Acclivity, ak-klivitty (Latin, ad, ap- 
 proaching towards ; clivus, a slope). The 
 ascent of a hill ; steepness reckoned up- 
 wards. See Declivity. 
 
 Accolade, akko-laid (Latin, ad, apper- 
 
ACC 
 
 AGO 
 
 taining to ; collum, the neck), A ceremony 
 used in conferring knighthood, either by 
 embracing, falling on the iieck, or by 
 striking a blow on the shoulder. The cere- 
 mony of knighthood, as pi-actised in Eng- 
 land, consists in the recipient of the 
 honour kneeling at the feet of the person 
 who confers the honoui*, when the latter 
 strikes the shoulder of the former a blow 
 \iith a sword, at the same time exclaiming, 
 " Arise, Sir ." 
 
 Accompaniment, ak-kumpany-ment 
 (Latin, ad, with ; con, together ; panis, head). 
 An addition by way of ornament. In 
 music, an instrumental part added to the 
 composition by way of embellishment, and 
 for the purpose of assisting the principal 
 melody. 
 
 Accord, ak-kord (Latin, ad, with ; cor, 
 the heart). To harmonise, to agree with. 
 In music, it is used to imply an instrument 
 in perfect tune. In law, it signifies the 
 compensation or satisfaction which an in- 
 jured party agrees to receive, and who 
 thereby disqualifies himself from taking 
 any legal proceedings in the matter which 
 has been thus settled, 
 
 Accouclieur, ak-koo-shur (French). A 
 man who assists women in child-birth. 
 This term is now generally used instead of 
 the old designation of man-midwife. 
 
 Accountant, ak-kowntant (Latin, ad, 
 with; con, together; piito, to think). In 
 general terms, a person skilled in accounts, 
 or engaged in keeping them. In commerce, 
 one whose especial business it is to inves- 
 tigate and cast up books of accounts, more 
 particularly in cases of bankiiiptcy and 
 insolvency. 
 
 Accoutre, ak-kootm* (French, accoutrer, 
 to dress out). To equip ; to arm ; to fit. 
 
 Accredit, ak-kreddit (Latin, ad, upon ; 
 credo, to place trust). To procure credit in 
 favour of ; also, to beheve ; to place trust 
 in. An accredited agent is a person fur- 
 nished with letters ana other documents, 
 to confirm the mission upon which he is 
 sent. 
 
 Accrescimento, _ ak - kres- se - mento 
 (Italian, accrescere, to increase). In music, 
 the increase by one-half of its original 
 duration which a note gains by having a 
 dot appended to the right of it. 
 
 Accrue, ak-kroo (French, d, from ; cr^, 
 growth). To spring up ; to follow as a 
 natural result. 
 
 Accubation, akku-bayshun (Latin, ad, 
 to ', cuho, to lie down). A posture of the 
 
 body between sitting and lying : reclining 
 sideways, as on a couch. 
 
 Accum.ulate, ak-kewmew-late (Latin, 
 ad, upon; cumulus, a. heap). To increase; 
 to heap together. 
 
 Accusative Case, ak-kewsativ (Latin, 
 accuso, to accuse). The fourth case in the 
 declension of Latin nouns, corresponding 
 with the objective case in English gram- 
 mar; namely, denoting or accusing the 
 object towards which any action is direc- 
 ted. 
 
 Aceldama, assel-daymah (Hebrew, 
 aceldama, a field of blcod). Used to ex- 
 press a frightful scene of slaughter or 
 bloodshed. 
 
 Acephalan, as-seffahlan (Greek, a, 
 without; kejihale, the head). A class of 
 animals having no head, of which the 
 oyster is an exampU. 
 
 Acerbity, a-serbitty (Latin, acerlus, 
 bitter). Sourness of taste ; shai'pness of 
 temper. 
 
 Acetate, assee-tait (Latin, acidus, sour). 
 A salt resulting from a combination of 
 acetic acid with an alkaline, earthy, me- 
 tallic, or vegeto-alkaline base — four varie- 
 ties which may be exemplified by the 
 acetates of soda, lime, lead, and morphia. 
 
 Acheron, akky-ron (Gi'eek, Acheron). 
 The fabled river of the infernal regions. 
 
 Achievement, atch-eevment (French, 
 a chef). Performance ; some great exploit, 
 feat, or meritorious deed. In heraldry, the 
 escutcheon or shield, upon which the crest, 
 arms, or quarterings are emblazoned. 
 
 Achrom.atic, akkro-mattik (Greek, a, 
 without; cAroma, colour). Devoid of colour. 
 In optics, a term applied to telescopes con- 
 structed so as to destroy the coloured 
 fringes which surround the image of an 
 object viewed through a lens, or prism. 
 
 Acidimeter, assid-immetur (Latin, 
 acidus, som'). An instrument employed 
 for ' ascertaining the strength of acids, in 
 commerce or manufactiires. 
 
 Acme, ak-mee ''Greek, acme, the highest 
 point). A word used to imply the summit 
 of excellence, or the perfection of art. In 
 medicine, the term denotes the height 
 of a disease, or the crisis of a fever. 
 
 Acolyte, akko-lyte (Greek, aholouthos, 
 an attendant). A servitor in the Romish 
 Church. This word is frequently used 
 in a conventional sense, to imply a humble 
 assistant in any occupation. 
 
 Acotyledon, akotty-leedon (Greek, 
 
6 
 
 AGO 
 
 ACT 
 
 o, witliout ; cotylcchn, seed-loue). A class 
 of plants, the seeds of which have no lobes 
 or divisions. 
 
 Acoustics, a-kowstiks (Greek, aJcouo, 
 M hear). A science treating of the pro- 
 perties of sound, and the theory of hear- 
 ing; also medicines or instruments which 
 assist imperfect hearing. 
 
 Acquiesce, akwe-ess (Latin, ad, with ; 
 quies, rest). To comply with, to yield ; 
 used especially to express consent given 
 after much solicitation, and with a view of 
 obliging the soliciter rather than one's 
 self. 
 
 Acquire, ak-kwire (Latin, ad, for ; 
 qticero, to ask). To gain; to obtain by 
 labour or research. 
 
 -Acquisitiveness, ak-wizitiv-ness. In 
 phrenology, an organ of development 
 which displays a desire for and power of 
 gaining or obtaining. 
 
 Acrasy, ay-crasy (Greek, a, without ; 
 hrasis, temperament). Excess, irregu- 
 larity. In medicine, the predominance of 
 one quality above another. 
 
 Acrid, ak-rid (Latin, acer, sharp). 
 Biting and hot to the taste, pungent, 
 sharp. 
 
 Acrobat, akro-bat (Greek, acros, high ; 
 baino, to go). In ancient times, rope- 
 dancers, and those who performed various 
 feats from lofty positions, were desig-nated 
 Acrooates. The street-tumblers of the 
 present day assume the name of acrobats, 
 as the representatives of these ancient 
 performers. 
 
 Acrogens, aki-o-jens (Greek, acros, 
 the point or apex ; zennao, to produce). A 
 term appUed to those plants which, like 
 the tree-ferns, increase by additions to the 
 growing point, and never augment in 
 thickness after once formed. The acrogens 
 axe an flowerless. 
 
 Acronical, akronny-kal (Greek, acro%, 
 high; ne, not, or opposed to). A term, in 
 astronomy, applied to the rising of a .star 
 at sunset, or its setting at simrise. 
 
 Acrospire, akro-spire (Greek, acrm^ 
 the point ; speira, to sprout from). A 
 shoot or sprout from the ends of seeds. 
 Another term for what in botany is called 
 the germ, or plume. 
 
 Acrostic, a-krosstik (Greek, acros, ex- 
 treme or eccentiic ; sticlws, averse). In 
 poetry, a kind of ingenious composition, 
 disj)osed in such a manner that the initial 
 Of extreme letters of the verses form the 
 
 ! name of some person, place, motto, &c., 
 j &S, tfie wt.Td Friendship, in the foUo'ft^ng 
 example : — 
 F riendship, thou'rt false! I hate Ihy Gattering 
 
 smiie! 
 R etura to me those years I spent in vain. 
 I n early j'outh the victim of thy guile, 
 E ach joy took Tving ne'er to return again — 
 X e'er toVeturn ; for, chUled by hopes deceived, 
 D ully the slow-paced hom'S now move ahmg; 
 S o changed tlie time when, thoughtless, I be- 
 lieved 
 H er honeyed words, and heard her syren song. 
 I f e'er, as me, she lure some youth to stray, 
 P erhaps, before too late, he'll listen to my lay. 
 
 Acroteria, akro-teeryiah (Greek, 
 acros, the extreme point ; tereo, to keep). 
 A term implying generally the extremities 
 of the bod}'-, as the hands, feet, ears, nose, 
 &c. In architecture, small pedestals, 
 usually placed at the extremities of pedi- 
 ments ; and upon which globes, vases, or 
 statues are supported. 
 
 Act of Honour. In commerce, a 
 proceeding usually conducted by a notary, 
 which consists in drawing up an instru- 
 ment for the security of a third person 
 who interferes for a coiTespondent abroad, 
 in preventing his bill from being returned 
 or dishonoured for want of regular accept- 
 ance, -or payment by the party on whom it 
 is drawn : it is often done for indorsers on 
 such disgraced bills of exchange, and not 
 only prevents the heavy expenses of re- 
 exchange, but likewise preserves the credit 
 of the parties concerned. 
 
 Actinism, aktin-izzum (Greek, acti)i, 
 a ray). A property in the rays of light 
 which produces chemical changes, as in 
 daguerreotyping. 
 
 Actinometer, aktinno-meetur. An 
 instrument employed for the purpose of 
 ascertaining the intensity of heat in the 
 direct rays of the sun. 
 
 Active Principles. In chemistry, 
 the spirits, oils, and salts : so called be- 
 cause their parts, being briskly in motion, 
 infuse action into other bodies. 
 
 Acts of Pariiament. In England, 
 statutes or laws passed by the two Houses 
 of Parliament, and assented to by the 
 Sovereign. They are distinguished as 
 Public General Acts, which are judiciously 
 taken notice of as such by all judges and 
 justices ; Local and Personal Acts, which 
 may be especially pleaded in courts of 
 law, or elsewhere, and be judicially re- 
 cognised ; Private Acts which are printed, 
 and Private Acts which are not printed. 
 
 ActLiary, aktew-airy (Latin, actum. 
 
ACU 
 
 ADI 
 
 the doing of a thing). The chief clerk or 
 person who compiles minutes of the pro- 
 ceedings of a company, or business. In 
 insurance ofl&ces, the person who conducts 
 the calculations of insurances, and the 
 general statistics of a similar character. 
 
 Acumen-, akew-men (Latin, acuo, to 
 sharpen). Mental shai-pness, or keen dis- 
 cernment ; great intellectual capacity. 
 
 • A.D., Anno Domini. The year of our 
 Lord. 
 
 Ad. A Latin preposition, prefixed to 
 several English words, expressing motion 
 towards an object, or the relation of one 
 thing to another ; as addict, to give up to ; 
 address, to speak or apply to ; advance, 
 to go towards. It is also sometimes 
 changed to AC, as accost, to speak to ; ac- 
 crue, to be added to. See Ab. 
 
 Adagio, aday-djeo (Italian, adagio, to 
 move slowly). In music, a mark or sign of 
 slow movement ; a degree quicker than 
 grave time. 
 
 Adage, ad-edj (Latin, adagium, a pro- 
 verb). A remark which has obtained credit 
 by long use, and frequent repetition; a 
 maxim ; a proverb. 
 
 Adamant, addah-mant (G¥.eek, a, 
 not ; damao, to conquer). A very hard 
 stone ; a name given to different minerals 
 of excessive hardness, as the diamond. 
 
 Adaptation, adapt-ayshun. The act 
 of fitting or suiting; state of fitner,s. 
 Plays from the French, or any foreign 
 language, rendered fit for representation 
 on the English stage are termed adapta- 
 tions. 
 
 Adatis, a-dajiiis. A kind of muslin 
 manufactured in India, in pieces measuring 
 fifteen yards long, and three-quarters of a 
 yard wide. 
 
 Ad eaptandum, ad-kap-tandum 
 (Latin, ad, towards ; captatio, catching or 
 aiming). To attract or please ; to capti- 
 vate the vulgar. Any phrase in a wiitten 
 composition, or a speech, which appeals to 
 the passions or the prejudices of the 
 auditory, is called an ad eaptandum senti- 
 ment. See Clap-trap. 
 
 Addendum, ad-dendum (Latin ad, to ; 
 do, to give). Something to be added ; an 
 appendix. The plural of this word, used 
 to express more things than one added, is 
 Add^ida. 
 
 Addict, ad-dikt (Latin, ad, to ; dico, to 
 devote). To devote ; to dedicate to ; to 
 give up to habituallv. 
 
 Addle-head <=>d, addal-headed (Saxon, 
 cidlian, to be empty). Empty-headed ; 
 barren of brains. 
 
 Adduce, ad-duse (Latin, ad, to ; duco, 
 to lead). To advance by way of proof ; to 
 allege ; to quote ; to cite. 
 
 Adelantado, addy-lantahdo (Spanish). 
 The Spanish governor of a province. 
 
 Adeling, addel-ing (Saxon, adel or £thel, 
 noble ; li7ig, young). A title of honour 
 which the Saxons bestowed upon the 
 children of princes, and upon young 
 nobles. 
 
 Adelite, addel-ite. A name formerly 
 given, in Spain, to conjurers who predicted 
 the fortunes of persons by the flight and 
 singing of birds, and other accidental cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 Adelphi, a-delfy (Greek, adelphos, 
 a brother). The block of buildings situated 
 in the Strand, London, bears this name, on 
 account of having been built by the 
 brothers Adam. 
 
 Adenology, adden-oUodjy (Greeic, 
 aden, a gland ; logos, a discoui'se). The 
 doctrine of the glands, their natm-e and 
 uses. 
 
 Adept, ad-ept (Latin, ad, to ; aptum, 
 fitted). One well skilled in any art; 
 thoroughly versed ; skilful. 
 
 Adhere, ad-heeur( Latin, ad, to ; luereo, 
 to stick). To cling to ; to hold on by ; to 
 attach. 
 
 Adhesion, ad-heezhun. The act or 
 state of adhering ; the espousing a party 
 or cause. 
 
 Adhibit, ad-hibbit (Latin, ad, reference 
 to ; haheo, to have). To apply to ; to make 
 use of. 
 
 Ad Hominem, ad-hommy-nem(Latiu^ 
 ad, to ; liominera, the man). Personally ; 
 specially ; individually. An appeal made 
 to one's predilections or principles, is 
 styled an avgumentum ad hominem. 
 
 Adieu, a-due (French, d Dieit, to God). 
 An elliptical expression, equivalent to " I 
 commend you to God." See Good-bye. 
 
 Ad Infinitum, ad-infe-nytum (Latin, 
 ad, to ; finis, the end). To endless extent ; 
 continuing without cessation. 
 
 Ad Interim, ad-interim (Latin, ad, '' 
 in ; interim, the meantime). During the 
 interval ; while a case is pending. 
 
 Adipocere, addy-po-sere (Latin, adeps, 
 fat ; cera, wax). A soft, oily, or waxy sub- 
 stance, of a light-brown coloui-, into which 
 
8 
 
 ADI 
 
 ADYs. 
 
 the muscular fibres of dead animal bodies 
 are converted, when protected from 
 atmospheric air by long immersion in 
 water or spirit, or by burial in moist 
 places. 
 
 Adipose, addy-]30ze (Latin, adeps, fat). 
 Adipose cells are the bags which contain 
 the fat. Adipose membrane, the tissue 
 which incloses the fat in animal bodies. 
 Adii^ose tumour, the accumulation of fat in 
 large quantities. 
 
 Adit, ad-it (Latin, ad, to ; eo, to go). 
 The horizontal entrance to a mine, some- 
 tunes called the drift. It is usually made 
 in the side of a hill. The term air-shaft 
 is frequently employed to express the same 
 meaning. 
 
 Adjacent, ad-jaysent (Latin, ad, to ; 
 iaceo, to be near). Lying near, close, or 
 contiguous ; bordering upon. 
 
 Adjective, adjek-tiv (Latin, ad, to ; 
 iacio, to tlirow). In grammar, a word used 
 with a noun to express a quaUty of the 
 thing named, or something attributed to 
 it, or to limit or define it, or to specify or 
 describe a thing, as distinct from some- 
 thing else. Adjectives are of four kinds : 
 — 1. Nominal; those which distinguish 
 certain species by some qualitj'', which 
 arises either from the nature of the thing, 
 or from its form, situation, &c., such as 
 good^ black, round, external. 2. The verbal 
 or participial, which always end in ed or 
 ing; as loved, domineering, and denote 
 some accidental quality, which appears to 
 be the effect of an action that passes, or 
 has passed, in the thing tinder considera- 
 tion. 3. Numeral adjectives, which place 
 any substantive in numerical order, as 
 JiYSi, second, last. 4. Pro-nomijial, which do 
 not mark either species, action, or arrange- 
 ment, but are merely indications of indi- 
 viduality. These adjectives are either 
 personal, as viv. thv; or they have a vague 
 and indeterminate meaning* such as 
 soriie, one, many; or, lastly, they serve 
 the purpose of mere indication, as this, 
 Viat, sri/k. 
 
 Adjourn, ad-jum (French, journee, a 
 day's work,\ To put off or defer to 
 another day ; used, in a general sense, to 
 denote a format, intermission of business, 
 a putting off to any future meeting of the 
 ' same body ; as an adjournment of the 
 House of Commons, or of a public meet- 
 ing. 
 
 Adjudication, ad-joodee-kayshun 
 (Latin, ad, for; judex, judge). The act of 
 adjudging or passing sentence. In Scottish 
 
 law, a process by which land or other 
 heritable estate is attached in satisfaction 
 of debt ; or an action by which the holder 
 of a heritable right, laboming under a 
 defect in point of form, may supply that 
 defect. 
 
 Adjunct, ad-junkt (Latin, ad, to ; 
 junctus, joined). Something added to 
 another, but not essentially a part of it; 
 as water absorbed by cloth or sponge, is 
 its adjunct. Also a body joined to another. 
 In grammar, words added to illustrate or 
 amplify the force of other words ; as the 
 History of the American Revolution. The 
 words in italics are the adjuncts of 
 History. 
 
 Adjure, ad-joor (Latin, ad, to ; juro, 
 to swear). To swear solemnly ; to impose 
 an oath on another ; to charge or summon 
 with solemnity. 
 
 Adjust, ad- just (Latin, ad, to ; Justus, 
 exact). To make exact ; to fit or frame ; 
 to cause the several parts to correspond ; 
 to make accurate ; to settle, or bring to a 
 satisfactory state, so that parties are 
 agi'eed in the result ; as to adjust accounts, 
 to adjust differences. 
 
 Adjutant, adjoo-tant (Latin, ad, to ; 
 juvo,^ to help). In mihtaiy affaii's, an 
 officer whose business is to assist the major, 
 by receiving and communicating orders. 
 Each battahon of foot, and each regiment 
 of horse, has an adjutant, who receives 
 orders from the brigade-major to commu- 
 nicate to the colonel, and to the subordi- 
 nate officers. Adjutant-General, is one 
 who assists the general of an armj''. 
 
 Administration, ad-minnis-trayshun 
 (Latin, ad, to ; ministro, to assist). The act 
 of administering or conducting any em- 
 ployment, as the conducting of the public 
 affairs, or dispensing the laws. The execu- 
 tive part of Government, which, in Eng- 
 land, is termed the Administration, is 
 usually composed, as follows : — First T/Ovd 
 of tne IVeasury ; ijora Jdign Chancellor ; 
 Chancellor of the Exchequer ; Secretary 
 of State for Foreign Affairs ; Secretary of 
 State for the Colonial Department: Secre- 
 tary of State for the Home Department ; 
 President of the Co'incil : Lord Privy 
 Seal; Fu-st Lord of the Admiralty; Pre- 
 sident of the Board of Control ;. Chancel- 
 lor of the Duchy of Lancaster ; First 
 Commissioner of Inland Kevenue; Secre- 
 tary at War ; Commander-in-Chief. Such, 
 in general, compose the Administration; 
 but there are many other ministers, as 
 Lord Chamberlain, President of the 
 
ADM 
 
 ADU 
 
 9 
 
 Board of Trade, Postmaster-General, &c. ; 
 some of whom are occasionally included in 
 the JMinistry ; while, on the other hand, 
 any one or more of those specified above 
 may be excluded. 
 
 Administrator, ad-minnis-traytur. 
 In English law, one who has the effects of 
 a person dying without a will committed 
 to his charge. In Scottish law, a person 
 legally .empowered to act for another, 
 whom the law presumes incapable of acting 
 for himself. The term is usually applied 
 to a father, who has the power over his 
 children and their estate during their 
 minority. The feminine of this word is 
 administratrix. ' 
 
 Admiral, ad-meral (Latin of the 
 middle ages, amira, an emir, or com- 
 mander). In the British navy, an officer 
 of the highest rank in the fleet, dis- 
 tinguished by a square flag, which is 
 carried above the main-mast. The Vice- 
 A dmiral is the second in rank. He carries 
 his flag above the fore-mast. The Rear- 
 Adrairal comes next, and carries his flag 
 above the mizen-mast. These admirals 
 are classed into three squadrons, named 
 after the colours of their respective flags, 
 the red, the ^chite, and the Ihie. 
 
 Admiralty, adme-ralty. In Great 
 Britain, the office of Lord High Admiral. 
 This office is discharged by one person, or 
 by commissioners, called iLords of the 
 Admiralty, usually seven in number. 
 
 Admiration, Wote of. ; In gram- 
 mar, the character (!) used after' a word, or 
 at the close of a sentence of a remarkable 
 or emphatic nature. 
 
 Admonition, admo-nisshun (Latin, 
 ad, against ; moneo, to warn). A waoming 
 or notification of a fault ; a mild reproof. 
 In ecclesiastical affairs, a reproof given to 
 a member of the church for a fault either 
 publicly or privg.tely ; the first step of 
 church discipline. It has a like use in 
 
 Adnascent, ad -naysent (Latin, ad, to ; 
 nascens, growing). Growing to or upon 
 something else. Adnate, in botany, refers 
 to the growing together of the different 
 parts of plants. 
 
 Ad Wauseum, ad-naws-eum (Latin). 
 The repetition of anything until it be- 
 comes nauseous. 
 
 Adolescence, addo-lessens (Latin, oxl, 
 to ; oleo, to grow). The state of growing 
 applied to the young of the human race ; 
 youth, or the period of life between child- 
 
 hood and the full development of the 
 frame, extending in males from about 
 fourteen to twenty -five, and in females 
 from twelve to twenty-one. 
 
 Adonis. In mythology, a youthful 
 hunter beloved by Venus. This term is 
 applied colloquially to a favourite of 
 women. 
 
 Adopt, a-dopt (Latin, ad, for, opto, to 
 desire). To choose to one's self. To take 
 a stranger into one's family as son and 
 heir. To take or receive as one's own that 
 which is not naturally so, as to adopt the 
 opinions of another ; or to receive that 
 which is new, as to adopt a particular 
 mode of husbandry, 
 
 Adosculation, a-doskew-layshun 
 (Latin, ad, to ; osculatio, a kissing). The 
 impregnation of plants by means of the 
 pollen falling on the stigma. 
 
 Ad Pondus Omnium (Latin). Lite- 
 rally, " to the weight of the whole." These 
 words after the name of any ingi-edient, in 
 a medical prescription, sigTiify that the 
 weight of such ingredients is equal to that 
 of all the others put together. 
 
 Ad Referendum, ad refer-endum 
 (Latin). For further consideration. 
 
 Adriati(?, adre-atik (Latin, Adria, the 
 Gulf of Venice). Pertaining to the Gulf 
 of Venice. 
 
 Adrift, a -drift (Saxon, adrifan, to 
 drive). A nautical term, denoting the 
 condition of a vessel broken from her 
 moorings. 
 
 Adroit, a-droyt (French, droit, right, 
 straight). Dexterous, skilful in the use of 
 the hand ; readiness of the mental powers ," 
 quickness of invention. 
 
 Adscititious, adsy-tishus (Latin, ad, 
 for ; scisco, to seek out). A term applied 
 to that which is taken in to complete some- 
 thing else, as adscititious advantages. 
 
 Adstriction, ad-strikshun (Latin, ad, 
 to ; siringo, to bind fast). The act of bind- 
 ing together ; contracting into a lesser 
 compass. 
 
 Adulation, addu-layshun (Latin, adu- 
 latic, originally, the wagging of a aog's 
 tail to his master). Servile' flattery ; praise 
 in excess, or beyond what is merited ; high 
 comphment. 
 
 Adult, a-dult (Latin, adultus, grown to 
 maturity). A person gTOwn to full size 
 and strength, or to the years of manhood. 
 It is also applied to full-grown plants. 
 
JO 
 
 ADU 
 
 AEE 
 
 Adulterate, a-dulter-ate (Latin, ad, 
 to; alter, second self). To corrupt, debase, 
 or make impure by an admistui-e of baser 
 materials. 
 
 Adumbrate, ad-umbrate (Latin, ad, 
 to ; uiiibra, shadow). To shadow out ; to 
 give a faint likeness ; to exhibit a faint re- 
 semblance, like that which shadows afford 
 to the bodies which they represent. Adum- 
 hration, in heraldiy, is the shadow only of 
 any figure outlined, and painted of a dai-ker 
 colour than the field. 
 
 Aduncity, a-dunsy-te (Latin, ad, to ; 
 U7icv^, a hook). Hookedness; a bending 
 in the form of a hook. 
 
 Adust, a-dust (Latin, adustus). Burnt 
 up ; scorched ; become dry by heat. 
 
 Ad Valorem, ad Ta-lorem (Latin). 
 According to the value. The Customs' 
 duties upon certain goods at so much per 
 cent, on the value is called an ad valorem 
 duty. 
 
 Advance, ad- vans (French, avancer ; 
 this word is formed on d, to, and va'/i, the 
 front). To biing forward ; to promote ; to 
 improve, or make better ; to forward or 
 accelerate the growth of. In commerce, 
 an advance is a giving beforehand ; a fur- 
 nishing of something, on contract, before 
 an equivalent is received, as money or 
 goods, towai'ds a capital or stock, or on 
 loan. In mUitaiy affau-s, an advance guard 
 is a detachment of troops which precedes 
 the march of the main body. 
 
 Advent, ad-vent (Latin, ad, to ; ve7iio, 
 to come). A coming; appropriately the 
 coming of our Saviour, and in the calendar 
 it includes four Sabbaths before Chiistmas. 
 
 Adventitious, adven-tishus (Latin, 
 adve'/ititiov^). Foreign, strange ; that which 
 is added, not essentially inherent. 
 
 Adverb, ad-vurb (Latin, ad, to ; verhum, 
 a word). In grammai', a word used to mo- 
 dify the sense of a verb, participle, adjec- 
 tive, or attribute, and usually placed near 
 it ; as, he writes loell; paper e:dremely white. 
 
 Adversaria, ad-ver-sayreah (Latin, 
 adversus, opposite). Among the ancients 
 a book of accounts, answering to the mo- 
 dem ledger, and so named from the debit 
 and credit being placed in o'ppositioii to 
 each other. The word also imports, among- 
 literary persons, a qoecies of common-place 
 book, in which the notes are not digested 
 under regular heads. 
 
 Advert, ad-vurt (Latin, aA, to ; verto, 
 to turn). To turn the mind or attention 
 to ; to regard, observe, or notice. 
 
 Advocate, advo-kate (Latin, ad., to ; 
 voco, to call). This word, in its primary 
 sense, sig-nifies one who pleads the cause of 
 another in a court of civil law ; hence it 
 came to be applied to a pleader in any 
 judicial coui-t : in England they are of two 
 degrees. Barristers and Seijmnts. In Scot- 
 land the FacvJty of Advocates is a society 
 of eminent lawyers, who practice in the 
 highest com-ts. In France the Avocats 
 form a separate order, of which each mem- 
 ber is attached to a particular local court .; 
 there are also those who plead, and those 
 who practice only. 
 
 Advowson, ad-vowsun (Latin, ad, to ; 
 voveo, to vow). In English law, a right of 
 presentation to a vacant benefice ; or, in 
 other words, a right of nominating a 
 person to officiate in a vacant chm-ch. 
 Advowsons are of three kinds — presentative, 
 collative, and donative — presentative, when 
 the patron presents his clerk to thQ bishop 
 of the diocese to be instituted; collative, 
 when the bishop is his patron, and insti- 
 tutes, or collates his clerk, by a single act ; 
 donative, when a church is founded by the 
 king, and assigned to the patron, without 
 being subject to the ordinary, so that the 
 patron confers the benefice on his clerk, 
 without presentation, institution, or induc- 
 tion. Advowsons are also appendant, that 
 is, annexed to a manor : or, in gross, that 
 is, annexed to the person of the patron. 
 
 Adsmamy, adin-amee (Greek, a, with- 
 out ; dynamis, power). Diminution of the 
 vital powers ; debdity ; prostration of the 
 action of the senses, -and of the muscular 
 system. 
 
 7F. . A diphthong in the Latin language. 
 In Anglicised words it is generally super- 
 seded by e, as Eolian for ^olian, Edile for 
 CEdHe, &c. 
 
 Aerated, ay-erayted (Greek and Latin, 
 aer, air). Combined with carbonic acid, 
 formerly called fixed ah*. Aerated wate7's 
 is a term applied to a variety of acidulous 
 and alkaline beverages, more or less im- 
 pregnated with carbonic acid. 
 
 Aerial, ay-eryal. Belonging to the air 
 or atmosphere ; as, aenal regions. Con- 
 sisting of air ; partaking of the nature of 
 air. Aerial plants, those which absorb 
 much of their food from the atmosphere. 
 Aerial perspective, that branch of perspec- 
 tive which treats of the relative diminution 
 of the colours of bodies, in proportion to 
 their distance from the eye. 
 
 Aerolite, ayro-lite (Greek, aer, air : 
 lithos, a stone). A stone which falls from 
 
AER 
 
 AGA 
 
 11 
 
 tile air under certain circnmstances, which 
 has given rise to a variety of theories and 
 conjectures, without any positive conclusion 
 being arrived at. 
 
 Aerometer, ayr-om-etur (Greek, aer, 
 air ; metron, measure). An instrument for 
 weighing air, or for ascertaining the mean 
 bulk of gases; also, an instrument for 
 ascertaining the density or rarity of air. 
 
 Aeronaut, ayro-nawt (Greek, aer, air ; 
 nautes, a sailor). One who sails through 
 the air ; commonly applied to persons who 
 ascend in and guide balloons. 
 
 Affable, affah-bul (Latin, ad, to ; fari^ 
 to speak). Easy to be spoken to, or a 
 readiness to speak to any one ; courteous ; 
 complaisant. 
 
 Affeto, Affetuoso, or Con Affetto 
 (Italian, from Latin, affecto, to strive after). 
 In music, a direction to perform certain 
 notes in a soft and affecting manner, and 
 therefore rather inclined to slow than the 
 revei-se. 
 
 Affiance, af-fyans (Latin, ad, to ; fides, 
 faith). To betroth ; to pledge one's faith 
 or fidelity in marriage, or to promise 
 marriage. 
 • Affiche, af-feesh (French, afficJie). A 
 placard, or notice, publicly exhibited. 
 
 Affidavit, affe-dayvit (Latin ; an old 
 law verb signifying "he made oath;" from 
 ad, in ; fides, faith). A declaration on oath, 
 before a competent authority, more par- 
 ticularly when reduced to writing and 
 signed by the party. 
 
 Affiliation, affiUy-ayshun (French, affi- 
 lih', to adopt. Latin, ad, to ; filius, a son"). 
 To adopt ; to receive into a family as a 
 son. In law, the proving of parentage in 
 the case of illegitimate children. 
 
 Affinity, affiny-te (Latin, ad, to ; finis, 
 the end), Kelationship by marriage. It 
 is distinguished into three kinds : direct 
 affinity, as subsisting between the husband 
 and his ■wife's relations by blood ; secondary 
 affinity, as subsisting between the hus- 
 band's and wife's relations by marriage ; 
 collateral affinity, as subsisting between 
 the husband and the relations of the wife's 
 relations. In general terms, agreement ; 
 relation ; conformity ; resemblance. 
 
 Affirmation, affur-mayshun (Latin, 
 ad, to ; firvio, to make firm). The act of 
 strengthening or supporting any opinion. 
 In law, the solemn declaration made by 
 Quakers, Moravians, and any others who, 
 from conscientious scruples, refuse, or are 
 unwilling to take an oath in cases where 
 
 an oath is required from others. False 
 affirmations made by such parties are 
 punishable in the same way as perjury. 
 
 Affix, af-fiks (Latin, ad, to; fixur,i, 
 united). To unite at the end. A particle 
 added at the close of a word, either to 
 diversify its form, or to alter its signifi- 
 cation. The following list includes the 
 principal afiixes to English words : — 
 
 Ish, some degree. 
 
 Isiii, doctrine, theory. 
 
 Ive, ic, jcal, ile, ine, ing, 
 it, ial, ent, ant, per- 
 taining to, having the 
 quality, relating to. 
 
 Ize, to make. 
 
 Less, icithout. 
 
 Ly, like, resembling. 
 
 Ness, quality of. 
 
 Oid, resembling. 
 
 Ous, ose ) nature of. 
 
 Ory, some ) like, full of. 
 
 Ric, dom, possession. 
 
 Ship, office. 
 
 Ude, state of heir,g. 
 
 Ure, act of, state of being. 
 
 Ward, in a direction. 
 
 Age, rank, office. 
 
 Ant, ent ) °^- 
 Ate, ary, having. 
 Ble, that may he. 
 Bleness, the quality of 
 
 being able. 
 Ely, in a manner. 
 Cy, ty, y, ity, state, con 
 
 dition. 
 En, in. 
 Er, or, an, ian, ex, ess, 
 
 eer, ist, ite, san, zen, 
 
 the person who. 
 Fy, to make. 
 les, science, art. 
 Ion, ity, ment, the state 
 
 or act of. 
 
 Afflatus, af-flaytus (Latin, ad, to ; 
 flatus, blowing, or breathing). A blast or 
 breath of wind. Inspiration ; communica- 
 tion of Divine knowledge, or the power of 
 prophecy; usually alluded to as the ''Di- 
 vine afflatus." 
 
 Aft, ahft (Saxon, ceft, after, behind). 
 In nautical language, a word used to denote 
 the stern, or what pertains to the stern 
 part of a ship. Fore and aft, signifies the 
 whole length of a ship. Right aft is in a 
 direct line with the stem. 
 
 After- Clap. An unexpected subse- 
 quent event ; something happening after 
 an affair is supposed to be at an end. 
 
 After-Math.. The second mowing of 
 grass in the same season ; also, the stubble 
 cut after the reaping of corn. 
 
 After-Pieee. A theatrical piece per- 
 formed after a play ; a farce or other light 
 entertainment. 
 
 Aflusion, af-fewzhun (Latin, ad, on; 
 fvndo, to pour out). In medicine, a mode 
 of treatment for fever and other diseases, 
 which consists of pouring water upon the 
 patient or on the part affected. 
 
 Agapemone, agap-emony (Greek, 
 agape, love). A modern association of 
 men and women living in common ; osten- 
 sibly, in love and piety ; and on a general 
 fund made up of the f ortimes or donations 
 of the associated members. The persons 
 
AGE 
 
 AIT 
 
 fonniug this sect live retired from the 
 world, in a house furnished with every 
 convenience and comfort ; with gardens 
 attached, tastefully laid out, and grounds 
 adjacent for the recreation of the mem- 
 bers. Theu' religion is a free interpreta- 
 tion of Chiistianity, and they have a leader 
 who professes to be divinely commissioned. 
 The establishment of this name in England 
 is situated at Bridge water, in Devonshire. 
 
 Agenda, a-jendah (Latin, ago, to act). 
 Literally, things to be done ; a memoran- 
 dum-book of things to be daily attended 
 to ; the service of the office of the Church. 
 In theology it is used to distinguish what 
 one is bound to perform, in opposition to 
 Credenda, or things which he is bound to 
 beheve. 
 
 Agio, adj-eo (Italian, aggio, an ex- 
 change of money for some consideration). 
 In commerce, the difference in point of 
 value between metaUic and paper money, 
 or between one sort of metallic money and 
 another rate of exchange. Thus, if a mer- 
 chant sells goods with the stipulation that 
 they shall be paid for, either 100 livres 
 bank money, or 105 cash or current money, 
 the agio in such a case is said to be 5 per 
 cent. 
 
 Agistment, ajist-ment (Nonnan, agiser, 
 to lay or throw do^vn). In law, the taking 
 of other people's cattle to graze, especially 
 in the royal forests, and also the profits 
 thence arising. This term also denotes a 
 tax, burden, or charges, levied for repair- 
 ing the sea-banks in different parts of 
 England. The agistment-tithe is a tithe paid 
 to the vicar for ]pasturage of barren cattle. 
 
 Agglomerate, ag-glommy-rate (Latin, 
 ad, to ; glomero, to wind round, from 
 glomus, a ball of yam). To wind, or col- 
 lect into a ball ; to gather into a mass. 
 
 Agglutinate, ag-glew-tenait (Latin, 
 ad, to ; gluten, glue). To unite one part 
 to another, to cause to adhere ; used gene- 
 rally m a medical sense. 
 
 Aggrandize, ag-grandyze (Latin, ad, 
 to ; grandis, great). To increase ; to make 
 great by enlargement ; to exalt ; to im- 
 prove in power, honour, or rank. 
 
 Aggregate, a{^--gTesgait (Latin, ad, to ; 
 grex, a flock). To collect in troops or 
 flocks ; to bring together ; to collect par- 
 ticulars into a smn, mass, or body, as the 
 aggregate amount of charges. 
 
 Aggression, ag-greshun (Latin, ad, 
 to : gradior, to go). The advancing against 
 another ; the &:st attack or act of hosti- 
 
 lity ; the commencement of a quarrel, or a 
 war, by some act of injury. 
 
 Agonistic, ago-nistik (Greek, agoti, the 
 contest for the prize). Eelating to prize- 
 fighting. The word agony is derived from 
 the contoi-tions or twistings of the body in 
 an athletic contest or struggle. 
 
 Agnomen, ag-no-men (Latin, ad, to ; 
 nonien, a name). A name given to a per- 
 son on account of, and in connection with, 
 some extraordinary action or circumstance ; 
 thus, the agnomen "of Kars" was given 
 to Sir Fenwick Williams, on accoimt of his 
 gallant defence of a place of that name, 
 dui-ing the Eussian war. 
 
 Agnus Dei, agnus de-i (Latin, agnus, 
 lamb ; Dei, of God). The figure of the 
 Saviour under the form of a lamb, in ac- 
 cordance with the symbohcal words of St. 
 John. In Catholic countries medallions 
 of wax or dough are stamped with the 
 figure of the Lamb supporting the cross, 
 and these are supposed to preseiwe those 
 who carry them, in faith ; to guard them 
 from accidents, &c. 
 
 Agrarian, agra-rean (Latin, oger, a 
 field). Eelating to fields or grounds. . 
 Agrarian laics are those which relate to 
 the distribution of land, and especially ap- 
 pUes to a mode of allotment, by vs'hich the 
 number of acres assigned to each person 
 is limited, so that all should have a portion 
 of land, and none become monopolists. 
 
 Aid-de-Camp, ay-day kong (French, 
 aid, or aide, assistant ; de, of ; camp or 
 chanif, field). A military officer appointed 
 to the staff of a general officer, wnose 
 orders he receives and distributes. These 
 orders are to be obeyed with the same 
 readiness as if delivered personally by the 
 general officer to whom the aid-de-camp is 
 attached. 
 
 Aisle, ile (French, alle, a wing. Latin, 
 ala, a wing). The wing of a building, usually 
 applied to the lateral divisions of a church, 
 which are separated from the central part, 
 called the nave, and choir, by piUars and 
 piers. The nave is frequently, though in. 
 correctly, termed the middle aisle, and the 
 lateral divisions the side aisles. 
 
 Ait, ate (supposed to be a corruption of 
 islet). A small island in a river, generally 
 overgrown with sedges and wild, rank vege- 
 tation ; the resort of aquatic birds, and 
 particularly ducks and swans. There are 
 several places answering to this descrip- 
 tion in the river Thames, between Twicken- 
 ham and Eichmond. 
 
AJU 
 
 ALE 
 
 13 
 
 Ajutage, a-jootaaj (French, ajouter, to 
 add, to supply). The tube fitted to the 
 mouth of a vessel, through which the water 
 of a fountain is to be played. It is by- 
 means of this .tube that the water is di- 
 rected into any desired figure, so that the 
 diversity of fountains consists chiefly in 
 'the different structiu-e of their ajutages. 
 
 Alabaster, ala-bastur (Greek, Alabas- 
 iron, a town of Lower Egypt, where the 
 substance was found of excellent quality). 
 A soft kind of marble, which is of a granu- 
 lar texture, of a white colour, and possess- 
 ing a certain degree of transparency. 
 
 Alamode, alah-mod (French, d, to ; la, 
 the ; mode^ fashion). According to the 
 fashion, or the most stylish manner. 
 
 Alarmist, a-larmist (French, alarme! 
 to arms !). One who excites alarm ; one who 
 is ready to take alarm at, and to circulate 
 and exaggerate, any sort of bad news, par- 
 ticularly in regard of political affairs. 
 
 Albata, al-baytah (Latin, alius, white). 
 The name given to a species of white metal 
 largely used in many branches of manu- 
 facture. 
 
 Albino, al-beeno (Latin, alius, white). 
 A person of imusually fair complexion, 
 with light hair and pink eyes. Albinos are 
 occasionally found as a variety of the 
 Tauman race in every climate. 
 
 Albion, al-beon (Latin, allus^ white). 
 The name given by the Komans to the 
 island of Great Britain, on account of the 
 chalky or xohite cliffs, which first met their 
 eyes. 
 
 Album, al-bum (Latin, alius, white). 
 A book originally blank, in which are in- 
 serted from time to time any autographs, 
 poems, drawings, &c., as memorials of 
 friend? and distinguished individuals. 
 
 Albumen, al-bewmen (Latin, alius, 
 white). A su.bstance so named from the 
 Latin, for the white of an egg, in which it 
 exists abundantly, and in its purest natural 
 state. It enters lai-gely into the compo- 
 sition of the animal fluids and solids. In 
 botany, it represents that solid, fleshy, bony, 
 or homy consistence secreted in certain 
 seeds, between the embryo and the skin. 
 
 Alburnum, al-bumum (Latin, alius, 
 white). The outer, latest formed, and 
 white portion of the wood, of plants, some- 
 times caUed sap-wood. 
 
 Alcaics, al-kayiks. Several kinds of 
 verse, so called from Alcseus, a lyric poet of 
 Mitylene, their inventor. 
 
 Alcaid, al-kaid (Arabic, hada, to go- 
 vern). Among the Moors, Spaniards, and 
 Portuguese, a governor. In Portugal, the 
 chief civic magistrate in a town or city ; 
 also, the jurisdiction of certain judges of. 
 appeal. In Spain, the governor of a castle 
 or fort ; also a jaUer. The Cadi of the 
 Turks is similarly derived. 
 
 Alchemy, al-ke-me (Arabic, al, the ; 
 
 I kimia, secret art). A chemical art, by 
 
 ! which the adepts of former times sought 
 
 to transmute baser metals into gold, and to 
 
 prepare a flmd, called Elixir vitce, by which 
 
 disease and death were to be avoided by the 
 
 Alcohol. A word of Arabic derivation, 
 used to denote the essence of bodies, sepa- 
 rated from the grosser parts. It nov;- 
 signifies ardent spirit of wine, and forms 
 the intoxicating principle of wine, beer, 
 and other spirituous liquors. 
 
 Alcoran, al-koran (Arabic, al, the ; 
 Tcoran, book). The book which contains 
 the Mohammedan doctrines of faith and 
 practice ; which the Mohammedans state 
 was given to Mahomet by the angel Gabriel, 
 a verse at a time, and at different places, 
 during a period of twenty-three years. 
 
 Alcove, al-kove (Spanish, alcola, com- 
 posed of al, with the Arabic kalla, to con- 
 struct with an arch). A recess in a room, 
 separated from it by a screen of columns, or 
 by a balustrade, or by draperies, for the 
 reception of a bed, and having its floor 
 generally raised above the floor of the 
 room. Also a lateral recess in a library f oi' 
 the reception of books. Likewise an arched 
 and covered seat in a garden. 
 
 Ale Conner {ale and con, to know or 
 see). An ofiicer whose business it is to in- 
 spect the measures used in public-houses, 
 to prevent frauds in selling liquors. 
 
 Alee, a-lee. In nautical language, on 
 the side opposite to the wind, that is, op- 
 posite to the side on which it strikes. The 
 helm of a ship is alee, when pressed close 
 to the lee side. Hard alee, or luff alee, is 
 an order to put the hehn to the lee side. 
 
 Alembic, a-lembik (Arabic, al, the; 
 amlixon, chemical vessel). A chemical 
 vessel used in distillation ; usually made 
 of glass or copper. This vessel is not so 
 generally used now as the worm-still and 
 retort. 
 
 Alexandrine Verse. A kind of verse 
 consisting of twelve syllables, or of twelve 
 and thirteen alternately ; so called from a 
 
14 
 
 ALE 
 
 ALL 
 
 poem written in French, on the life of Alex- 
 ander. The Alexandrine, in English, con- 
 sists of twelve syllables, as will be seen 
 by the following specimen :— 
 
 "A needless Alexandrine ends my song, 
 "VVliich like a wounded snake drags its slow length 
 along." 
 
 .AJe-"wife, or Aloof. This word is pro- 
 perly aloof, the Indian name of a fish, but 
 the estabUshed pronunciation is ale-wife,. 
 It is an American fish, and somewhat re- 
 sembles the herring. 
 
 Al Fresco, al-fresco (Italian). In the 
 open air, usually applied to entertainments, 
 refreshments, &c. 
 
 AlgaB, al-je (probably from the Latin 
 alligo, to bind). An order of plants which 
 comprehends the who]e of the sea-weeds. 
 
 Algebra, alje-brah (Arabic, al, the ; 
 gaboron reduction of the whole to a part). 
 A branch of mathematics, in which symbols 
 are employed in the place of figui-es. A 
 species of calculation which takes the quan- 
 tity sought, whether it be a number, or a 
 line, or any other quantity, as if it were 
 granted, and by means of one or more 
 quantities given, proceeds by consequence, 
 till the quantity at first only supposed to 
 be known, or at least some power thereof, 
 is found to be equa] to some quantity or 
 quantities which are known, and conse- 
 quently its own value, or quantity, or num- 
 ber, is determined. 
 
 Alhambra, al-hambrah. An ancient 
 palace and castle in Grenada, formerly the 
 residence of the Mohammedan monarchs. 
 This building is, to outward appearance, 
 wholly divested of ornament, but the in- 
 terior decorations afford specimens of the 
 decorative art which, for gorgeousness of 
 coloiir and beauty of design, are unequal- 
 led. 
 
 Alias, aily-as (Latin, alias, otherwise). 
 A word used to link the several names 
 which a person assumes for the purposes 
 of concealment; as, Johnson, alias Rich- 
 ards. In law, a duplicate execution or writ, 
 issued when the original has proved in- 
 efficient in enforcing the judgment. 
 
 Alibi, alle-by (Latin, alibi, elsewhere). 
 A plea set up by a person charged with a 
 crime, to show that he was at some place 
 remote from that at which the offence was 
 committed at the time of commission, and 
 therefore establishing the impossibility of 
 his being the real offender. 
 
 Alien, ale-yen (Latin, alius., another). 
 A foreigner ; one born in, or belonging to, 
 
 another country. In France, children bora 
 
 of residents who are not citizens are aliens. 
 
 j In Great Britain, the children of aliens 
 
 j born in that country are for the most part 
 
 j natiu-al born subjects ; as also are the 
 
 I children of British subjects owing aUegi- 
 
 I ance to the crown of England, though born 
 
 in other countries ; and both are entitled to 
 
 the privileges of resident citizens. An alien 
 
 is incapable of inheriting lands in England 
 
 till natm-ahsed by Act of Parliament ; and 
 
 in Scotland, he is disqualified from either 
 
 acquiring or inheriting property. 
 
 Alimony, alle-munny (Latin, alo, to 
 feed). An allowance which a husband has 
 to make to his wife when separated from 
 her. The sum is usually fixed by the judge, 
 and is regulated according to the income 
 or earnings of the husband. 
 
 Alkalies, alkah-lees (Arabic, al, the ; 
 Tcali, the name of a plant which produces 
 the substance by burning). A class of 
 bodies, possessing a very bitter and hot 
 taste, and which exercise a corrosive action 
 upon all animal matter. They have also 
 the power of changing vegetable colours, 
 turning blue to green, and turmeric to 
 brown. 
 
 Allah. The Arabic name for God, com- 
 posed of the particle al and elah, — the 
 Adorable. 
 
 Allegiance, al-lejans (Latin, ad, to ; 
 ligo, to bind). The duty or fidelity which 
 a subject owes to his sovereign or govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Allegory, alle-gory (Greek, alios, 
 another ; agora, discourse). A description 
 of one thing imder the image of another, so 
 that some other meaning is intended than 
 that which is conveyed by the mere words 
 used in the description. An allegory is 
 represented in the following : — " Stop the 
 currents, the meadows have drunk suffici- 
 ently;" that is, let your music cease, our 
 ears have been sufficiently delighted. 
 
 Allegro, al-laygro (Italian, leggiere, to 
 be merry). In music, a word denoting a 
 brisk movement ; a sprightly part or strain. 
 There are two other degrees of the same : 
 allegHssimo, very lively ; allegretto, or poco 
 allegro, a little Lively. The word jomI, more, 
 is sometimes prefixed to strengthen the 
 meaning. 
 
 Alleluiah., al-le-loo-yah (Hebrew,aZ6Zoo- 
 eeay, praise to Jah, or lah). Praise Jeho- 
 vah ; a word used to denote pious joy 
 and exultation, chiefly in bymns and 
 anthems. 
 
ALL 
 
 AT.T 
 
 Alligation, aUe-gayshun (Latin, ad, 
 to ; ligo, to tie together). A rule in arith- 
 metic to find the value of compounds, con- 
 sisting of ingredients of different values. 
 
 Alliteration, al-litty-rayshun (Latin, 
 ad, to ; lite)-a, a letter). The repetition 
 of the same letter at the beginning of two 
 or more words immediately succeeding 
 each other, or at short intervals, as in the 
 two following lines, applied to Cardinal 
 Wolsey : — 
 
 "Begot by butchers, but by bishops bred, 
 How high his honour holds his haughty head!" 
 
 Allocation, allo-kayshun (Latin, ad, 
 to ; loco, I place). The act of putting one 
 t.hirig to another ; the admission of an article 
 in reckoning, and addition of it to the 
 account. In law, an allowance made on an 
 accovmt in the Exchequer. 
 
 Allodium, allo-deum (Celtic, all, all ; 
 odh, property). Freehold estate; land 
 which is the absolute property- of the 
 owner ; real estate held in absolute inde- 
 pendence, withoiTt being subject to any 
 rent, service, or acknowledgment to a 
 superior. It is thus opposed to feudal. 
 
 Allonge, al-lunj (French, allonger, to 
 throat). A pass Avith a sword; a thrust 
 made by stepping forward and extending 
 the arm ; a term used in fencing, often 
 contracted into lunge. 
 
 Allons, al-long (French, allons, let us 
 go). A word used to express " let us pro- 
 ceed," " let us on with our story," &c. 
 
 Allopathy, allop-athy (Greek, alios, 
 other; pathos, disorder). The method of 
 medical practice in which it is attempted 
 to cure disease by the production of a con- 
 dition of the system either different from, 
 opposite to, or incompatible with, the con- 
 dition asserted in the disease to be cured. 
 
 Alloy, al-loy (Latin, ad, to ; ligo, to 
 bind). A baser metal mixed with a finer ; 
 the mixture of different metals ; also, evil 
 mixed with good^ misery with pleasure^ &c. 
 
 Allusion, al-lewzhun (Latin, ad, upon ; 
 ludo, to play). A reference to something 
 not explicitly mentioned ; in composition, 
 a figure by which some word or phrase in 
 a sentence calls to mind, as if accidentally, 
 another similar or analogous subject, as 
 " these words were the only ' open sesame' 
 to their feelings and sympathies." Here 
 the words '' open sesame" recall to mind 
 the charm by which the robbers' dungeon 
 in the Arabian tale of 2'he Forty Thieves 
 was opened. 
 
 Alluvium, al-lew-voum (Latin, ad, to- 
 wards ; luo, to wash). The insensible in- 
 crease of earth on a shore, or bank of a 
 river, by the force of water, as by a cur- 
 rent, or by waves. 
 
 Alma Mater, al-mah may-tur (Latin, 
 alma, fostering ; mata, mother). Mild, 
 benign, or fostering mother. This tei'm is 
 used by students to designate the univer- 
 sity in which they were educated. It is 
 also applied to nature and to the earth, 
 which affords us everything- we enjoy. 
 
 Alms, ahmz (Saxon, almes). Anything 
 given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as 
 money, food, or clothing. 
 
 Aloft, a-loft. Any part of a vessel up 
 in the rigging, or above the masts or yards ; 
 particularly above the lower masts. 
 
 A I'Outrance, ah-loo-trawns (French, 
 d I'outrance, extreme, excess). This 
 phrase is used to express a determination 
 to maiatain or defend to the, utmost, 
 despite aU obstacles, objections, or oni- 
 mons. 
 
 Alpha, al-fah (Hebrew, alooph, an ox, or 
 leader). The first letter in the Greek al- 
 phabet, answering to A, and used to denote 
 first, or beginning, as "I am Alpha and 
 Omega, t\ie first and the last." 
 
 Alphabet, alfah-bet (Greek, alpha, a ; 
 heta, b). The letters of a lang-uage ar- 
 ranged in the customary order, and so 
 called from the two leading Greek letters. 
 
 Alpine, al-pine (Latin, Alpimis, from 
 Alps). Pertaining to the Alps, or to any 
 lofty mountain ; as Alpine plants, Alpine 
 scenery. 
 
 Aliquant, alle-kwant (Latin, aliquan- 
 tum, a little). In arithmetic, a number or 
 fraction which, however repeated, is not 
 equal to another number without a re- 
 mainder. Thus : 7 is an aliquant part oi 
 22, for 3 times 7 are 21, leaving a re- 
 mainder 1. 
 
 Aliquot, aUe-kwot (Latin, aliq^iotus, 
 sometimes). A number capable of dividing 
 another number without leaving a re- 
 mainder; thus, 2, 4, 5, and 10, ai-e aliquot 
 parts of 20. 
 
 Alterative, altur-ativ (Latin, altera, ta 
 change). A medicine which produces a 
 change in the system. A remedy which 
 re-estabUshes the health by almost imper- 
 ceptible degrees. 
 
 Alter Ego, altur-eego (Latin, alter, 
 another ; ego, self). A duplicate ; the 
 counterpart or second impersonation of 
 
IG 
 
 ALT 
 
 AME 
 
 one's self. Thus in the drama^of The Cor- 
 sican Brothers, the same actpr usually per- 
 forms both characters, that is to say, his 
 own and the alter ego. 
 
 Alternate, al-turnat (Latin, alternatus, 
 changed by turns). Being by turns, one 
 following the other in succession of time or 
 place. 
 
 Alternative, al-tum-ativ. That which 
 may be chosen or omitted ; a choice of two 
 things, so that if one is taken or adopted, 
 the other must be left or reHnquished. 
 Thus, if a person be asked to speak the 
 truth, or to keep silence, he is expected to 
 obey one of the two injunctions, which 
 may be called alternatives. 
 
 Alto, al-toe (Italian, fronj^ Lg^in, altzis, 
 high). In music, a term applied to that 
 part of the. great vocal scale which lies 
 between the soprano and the tenor, and 
 which is assig-ned to the highest natural 
 adult male voice. 
 
 Alto Relievo, alto-releavo (Italian, 
 alto, high ; relievo, relief). In sculpture, 
 the projectioi^ of a figure to the extent of 
 one-half or more, without being entirely 
 detached. 
 
 Alumnus, a-lumnus (Latin, alo, to 
 nourish). A pupil ; one educated at a 
 seminary or university is called an alum- 
 nus of that institution. 
 
 A. M. An abbreviation of a7ite meri- 
 dian, before noon. 
 
 A. M. stand for artiwn magister, mas- 
 ter of -arts, the second" degree given by 
 univfef sities and colleges. 
 
 A. M. stand also for anno mundi, in 
 the year of the world. 
 
 Amalgam, a-malgam (Greek, ama, 
 together ; and gamio, to wed). A com- 
 pound of quicksilver with another metal ; 
 a mixture of different things. 
 
 Amanuensis, a-man-u-en-sez (Latin, 
 a, from ; manus, hand). A person em- 
 ployed to write what another dictates. 
 Literally, one who is useful from his manual 
 labour. 
 
 Amaranth., amah-ranth (Greek, a, 
 not; maraino, to fade). The name of a 
 plant, poetically supposed to be endued 
 with unfading properties, and to possess 
 immortality. 
 
 Am.ateur, ahmah-tur (French ; from 
 Latin, amo, to love). A person attached to 
 A particular pursuit, study, or science, for 
 the mere pleasure it affords him, and with- 
 
 out any view to gain or remuneration, as 
 an amateur actor. 
 
 Amazon, amah-zim (Greek, a, without ; 
 mazos, breasts ; without breasts, figura- 
 tively). A warlike or masculine woman ; 
 a virago. The Amazons are reputed 
 by historical writers to have been a warlike 
 race of women, who denied themselves the 
 society of man, and by their warlike enter- 
 prises to have conquered and alarmed 
 sui-rounding nations. 
 
 Ambassador, am-bassay-dur (French, 
 amhassadeur. Spanish, embaxadw). A 
 person sent in a public manner from one 
 sovereign power to another as its repre- 
 sentative. 
 
 Ambidextrous, ambe-dekstruss 
 (Latin, avibo, both ; dexter, right-hand). 
 Displajdng equal facility in the use of both 
 hands ; double dealing ; practising on both 
 sides. ^^ 
 
 Ambiguous, ambig-ewus (Latin, ambi, 
 from side to side ; ago, to act). Doubtful ; 
 having more than one meanuig ; eq"uivocal ; 
 imcertain. 
 
 Ambrosia, am-brozhea (Greek, a, not ; 
 hrotos, mortal). The imaginary food of tho 
 gods ; hence whatever is very pleasing to 
 the taste or smell is so called. 
 
 Ambulance, ambew-lans (Latin, am- 
 hulo, to move from place to place). A Ught 
 caravan, furnished with surgeons', assis- 
 tants andt orderlies, for attending the 
 wounded on the field of battle. 
 
 Ambush, am-boosh (French, en, in ; 
 lois, a wood or bushes). The place of con- 
 cealment where soldiers or assassins are 
 placed in order to rush out upon the enemy 
 unexpectedly. Lying in ambush, is hiding 
 in any concealed situation with a like 
 purpose. 
 
 Ameliorate, amealy-orate (Latin, ad, 
 to; melior, hetter). To make better; to 
 improve. 
 
 Amen. This word, with slight dif- 
 ferences of orthography, is in all the 
 dialects of the Assyi'ian stock. As a verb, 
 it signifies to confirm, establish, verify; 
 to trust or give confidence. As a noun, 
 truth, firmness, trust, confidence. As an 
 adjective, firm, stable. In Enghsh, after 
 the Oriental manner, it is used at tho 
 beginning, but more generally at the end 
 of declarations and prayers, in the sense 
 of, be it firm, be it establislied. 
 
 Amenable, a-menay-bul (French, d, 
 to ; mener, to conduct : also, from Mdn- 
 dat d'amener, an order to bring a person 
 
AME 
 
 into court). Liable to be brought to ac- 
 count; responsible; subject to. 
 
 Amende Honorable, amalind- 
 hono-rahbl (French, amende honorable). 
 Formerly, in France, an infamous punish- 
 ment inflicted upon a traitor, parricide, or 
 sacrilegious person ; now, a public acknow- 
 ledgment of injury done to another. Con- 
 ventionally, the term amende honor able 
 signifies apology. 
 
 Amerce, a-murs (old French, a, to ex- 
 act; tnercio, goods). To punish with a 
 pecuniary penalty ; to exact a fine ; to 
 inflict a forfeiture. 
 
 Americanism, a-merrikan-izum. A 
 word, idiom, or some other thing peculiar 
 to the American people. 
 
 Ammonia, am-mo-neah. A volatile 
 alkali, originally obtained in Lybia, by 
 burning the droppings of camels, while 
 their drivers were sojourning near the 
 temple of Jupiter Ammon. 
 
 Amontillado Sherry, amontil-lahdo 
 (Spanish, signifying like or similar to 
 Montilla). This wine possesses a pecu- 
 liarly delicate flavour, and is highly 
 prized. Montilla is situated in Upper 
 Andalusia, and takes its name from its 
 mountainous character. 
 
 Amoroso, am-orozo (Italian). A man 
 enamoured of the fair sex. 
 
 Amour-Propre, amoor-propr 
 (French, amour, love ; propre, belonging to 
 oneself). Self-love; thus an appeal is made 
 to a person's vanity, or amour-propre. 
 
 Ampllibious, am-fibbyus (Greek, 
 amphi, on both sides ; Mas, life). An ani- 
 mal so constituted that it can lire either 
 in or out of water. 
 
 Amphitheatre, amfy-theatur (Greek, 
 amphi, on both sides ; theatron, theatre). 
 In antiquity, a building of a circular or 
 oval form, encompassed with rows of 
 seats rising gradually one above the other, 
 and capable of accommodating an immense 
 number of persons. This name is some- 
 times given to a circus in modern times ; 
 and in gardening, to an elevated terrace 
 having steps descending to a series of ter- 
 races formed on the side of a rising 
 ground. Natural scenery answering to 
 this description is also termed amphi- 
 theatrical. 
 
 Amplification, amply-fe-kayshun 
 
 (Latin, amplus, large). The expansion of 
 
 a subject, either in speaking or writing, by 
 
 enumerating circumstances which are 
 
 i' intended to excite more strongly, in the 
 
 ANA 
 
 17 
 
 hearer or reader, feelings of approbation 
 or of blame. 
 
 Amputate, ampu-tate (Latin, am, 
 about ; puto, to cut). To cut off, as a 
 Umb. 
 
 Amulet, amew-let (Latin, amolior, to 
 repel). Something worn about the person, 
 as a gem, stone, coin, paper, or other sub- 
 stance, from a behef that it is capable oi 
 charming away diseases. The wearing of 
 amulets was much practised in former 
 times. 
 
 Ana, an-a (Greek, ana, again). , In 
 medical prescriptions, a word used to im- 
 ply the like quantity of each, as wine and 
 honey, ana, 5ii. — that is, wine and honey, 
 each two ounces. Ana is occasionally used 
 as a temiination, to denote collec"^ons of 
 memorable sayings of celebrated indivi- 
 duals, or anecdotes of them, or extracts 
 from their works, as the well-known book 
 entitled " Johnsoniana," relating to Dr. 
 Johnson. "' ■ 
 
 Anabaptist, annah-baptist (Greek, 
 ana, again ; hap tizo, to dip ) . The wordis Ap- 
 plied to a person who has been re-baptised; 
 it is also given to a Christian sect, because 
 they objected to infant baptism, holding 
 that none should be baptised imtU they 
 are capable of understanding and profess^ 
 ing the Christian faith, and that the cere- 
 mony should be performed by immersion 
 or dipping of the whole body in water. It 
 should be obsoi'ved that the sect itself 
 repudiates the prefijE ana, as appUed to. 
 them, and simply term themselves BaptisM^, 
 
 Anachronism, an-akron-izum (Greek,- 
 ana, again ; chronos, time). An error in 
 computing time, by which events are mis- 
 placed in regard to each other, as, for in-" 
 stance, speakiag of the Gunpowder Ploti ■ 
 in the reign of James 11. 
 
 Anacreontic, anak-re-ontic. ^ I*er-;| 
 taining to Anacreon, a Greek poet^ wIiq, 
 wrote chiefly in praise of love and wine. A 
 poem written in this style and spirit is 
 thus called. 
 
 Anagram, anah-gram (Greek, oTijt;^ >, 
 back ; gramma, a letter). A trahsposi-^ '' 
 tion of letters, so as to form other words' 
 of a different meaning. Thus the letters 
 which compose the word stone may bo 
 arranged so as to form the words tones, 
 notes, seton. This ingenious transposition 
 has been frequently applied to the aames 
 of celebrated persons, as, Horatio l^'EEf 
 SON, Honsr est a Nilo — " My honour is from 
 the Nile." 
 
 
 
18 
 
 ANA 
 
 ANN 
 
 Analysis, a-nallysis (Greek, ana, 
 through; luo, to wash away). The sepa- 
 ration of a compound body into those 
 parts of which it consists. A mode of 
 imparting instruction which commences 
 with those objects that are most known ; 
 examines their properties and relations ; 
 compares them together; traces back ef- 
 fects to causes ; and so advances until 
 general principles and laws are arrived at. 
 
 ; Analogy, an-allo-jy (Greek, ana, 
 tfearcmgh ; logos, reason). A term which, 
 in ordinary acceptation, denotes a partial 
 resemblance between different objects. 
 By analogy is understood an agreement in 
 one or more particulars in material objects 
 which are otherwise unlike ; thus, the bark 
 of a tree bears analogy to the skin of an 
 animal, because it is related to the plant in 
 the same manner as the skin is to the 
 animal. 
 
 Anapest, anah-pest (Greek, ana, 
 again ; paio, to strike). In poetry, a 
 inetrical foot, containing two short 
 syllables and one long, as cSntr&vene. 
 
 An£ireh.y, anar-ky (Greek, a, without ; 
 arclie, sovereignty). Want of government ; 
 disorder ; political confusion. 
 
 Anastrophe, anah-strofy (Greek, ana, 
 again ; strophi, turning). A figure in rhe- 
 toric, whereby words that should have been 
 placed before are placed after, as "all 
 London I searched about," for " I searched 
 about all London." 
 
 Ajiatlieina, an-athy-mah (Greek, anM, 
 up ; tithemi, to place). This term was 
 originally applied to something hung up 
 in a temple as an offering ; and hence, it 
 came to signify anything consecrated or 
 devoted to the gods. Its enlarged mean- 
 ing is an ecclesiastical curse, by which a 
 person is separated from the Church, and 
 in Eoman Catholic countries, also from the 
 privileges of society; a curse pronounced 
 by a reclaimed heretic against the doc- 
 trines he formerly held and now abjures. 
 
 Ajiatoniy, a-natto-my (Greek, ana, up ; 
 temno, to cut). The art of dissecting the 
 body, also the art of dividing intellectual 
 subjects ; by way of irony, applied to a 
 very thin, meagre person. 
 
 Ancestor, an-sestur (Latin, ante, 
 before ; cesso, to cease). One from whom 
 a person is descended-; one who has gone 
 or lived before us. 
 
 Anehorage, ankor-adj. In maritime 
 affairs, a bottom suitable from its depth 
 and the nature of the ground, for casting i 
 
 anchor upon. Anchorage also implies a 
 duty charged against ships for the use of 
 the roadstead or harbour. 
 
 Anchorite, ank-orite (Greek, ana, 
 apart ; ch&reo, to dwell). A hermit ; a per- 
 son who retires from the world and dwells 
 in solitude. 
 
 Andante, an-dahn-te (Italian, andante). 
 In music, express, distinct, exact. An- 
 dante Largo, signifies that the notes must 
 be distinct, the music slow, and the time 
 accm*ately marked. 
 
 Andiron, and-irun (corrupted from 
 hand-iron). Iron at the end of a grate in 
 which the spit turns. 
 
 Andrea Ferrara. A name frequently 
 given to a sword from a famous maker of 
 sword-blades of that name. 
 
 Anent, a-nent (derivation uncertain). 
 Concerning ; having reference to. This is 
 a word of common use in Scotland. 
 
 Anemometer, anny-mommy-tur 
 (Greek, anemos, the wind; mety'oii, a. mea,- 
 sure). An instrument for measuring the 
 force and velocity of the wind. 
 
 Anglican. Pertaining to England or 
 the Enghsh nation ; thus, the Anglican 
 Church is derived from the adjective^H^Zia, 
 the name originally given to England, bj"- 
 the Angles. 
 
 Anglice. A word used incidentally to 
 indicate the true English reading of some 
 colloquial phrase or vulgar idiom ; as, "he 
 was run off the line, whUe travelling by 
 the 'lightning-run,' — Anglice, the express 
 train." 
 
 Anglo-!N"orman. Pertaining to the 
 Normans who settled in England. 
 
 Anglo-Saxon. Pertaining to the 
 Angles, or tribe of Saxons that settled in 
 England. 
 
 Animadversion, anny-mad-vershun 
 (Latin, ayiir/ius, purpose ; adverto, to turn 
 to). Reproof, censure, blame, punishment. 
 
 Animal CUlCj anny-mal-kewl (Latin, 
 animal, a living being). A very small 
 animal, visible only by the aid of the 
 microscope. Plural, Animalcula. 
 
 Animus, ani-mus (Latin). The feeling 
 which prompts a person in acting or speak- 
 ing to another's prejudice. 
 
 Annealing, an-neel-ing (Saxon, ancelan, 
 to heat). The art of tempering glass or 
 metal, by a process of cooling slowly after 
 the application of extreme heat. 
 
ANN 
 
 AnHLhilate, anni-helate (Latin, ad, to ; 
 nihilum, nothing). To reduce to nothing ; 
 to destroy utterly ; to put out of existence. 
 
 Anniversary, anny-versary (Latin, 
 annus, the year ; verto, to tvirn). A day as 
 it returns in the course of a year ; the act 
 of celebration ; a performance in honour of 
 the anniversary day. 
 
 Annunciation, annun-she-ayshun 
 (Latin, ad, to ; nuncio, to tell). The name 
 given to the day celebrated by certain 
 churches, in memory of the angel's saluta- 
 tion of the Via"gin Mary ; solemnised on 
 the 25th of March. 
 
 Anod3me, an-odine (Greek, a, without ; 
 odi/ne, without pain). That which has the 
 power of mitigating pain; a medicine which 
 assuages pain, either by direct application, 
 or by producing sleep, or by stupefying. 
 
 Anomaly, anom-alee (Greek, a, not; 
 omalos, smooth or regular). Irregularity ; 
 contrary to common rule ; deviating from 
 the ordinary method or analogy of things. 
 Thus, if after sitting up all night, a person 
 feel more wakeful than if he had had a 
 good night's rest, such a circumstance 
 might be called an anomaly. In grammar, 
 it denotes an irregularity in the accidents 
 of a word, in which it deviates from the 
 common rules, whereby words of a like 
 kind arc governed. 
 
 Anon, a-non (derivation uncertain ; 
 supposed to be in one — instant, moment, 
 minnte). Quickly ; soon ; in a short time. 
 Anon is also used as a contraction for 
 anonymous. 
 
 Anonymous, a-nonnymus (Greek, a, 
 without ; onoma, a name). Wanting a 
 name. 
 
 Antagonist, an-tagonist (Greek, anti, 
 against; agon, contest). One who con- 
 tends with another ; an opponent ; imply- 
 ing generally a personal and pai*ticular 
 opposition. 
 
 Antarctic, an-tarktik (Greek, anti, 
 opposite ; arktos, the Bear). Eclating to 
 the region within the Antarctic circle ; 
 opposite the Northern pole ; relating to the 
 Southern pole. 
 
 Ante, an-te. A Latin preposition signi- 
 fying before, used in the composition of 
 many Enghsh words. 
 
 Antecedent, an-te-se-dent (Latin, ante, 
 before; cedo, to go). Going before; pre- 
 ceding. Conventionally, this word is used 
 to imply a person's former position, charac- 
 ter, and pursuits ; which are thus spoken 
 of as his antecedents. In grammar, ante- 
 
 ANT 
 
 19 
 
 cedent is the term given to the noun to 
 which the relation is subjoined, as, tho 
 ma» who is there ; onan being the antece- 
 dent, who the relative. 
 
 Ante - Chamber, an-te - chame - bur 
 (Latin, ante, before; camera, a chamber). 
 An outer chamber before the principal 
 chamber, where the servants wait, and 
 where strangers wait till the person to be 
 spoken with is at leisure. 
 
 Antediluvian, ante-delewv-yan 
 (Latin, ante, before ; diluvium, a deluge). 
 Existing before the Flood ; applied ironi- 
 cally to very old-fashioned persons, man- 
 ners, or things. 
 
 Antennae, an-tennee (Latin, antenna, 
 a yard-arm). Feelers ; those delicate- 
 jointed feelers or horns with which the 
 heads of insects and crustaceans are inva- 
 riably furnished. 
 
 Antepenult, ante-penult (Latin, ante, 
 before ; penultimus, last but one). The 
 last syllable but two of a word, as the syl- 
 lable te in antepenult. 
 
 Anterior, an-teery-ur (Latin, anterior, 
 going before). Before in time or place; 
 prior ; previous. Opposed to posterior. 
 
 Anther, an-thur (Greek, anthos, a 
 flower). A small membranous organ, 
 forming the top part of the stamen of a 
 flower, which contains and discharges the 
 pollen, or fertilising dust, by which the seed- 
 vessel is impregnated. 
 
 Anthology, an-tholojy (Greek, anthos, 
 a flower ; logos, a discourse). A treatise on 
 flowers ; a collection of flowers, or of choice 
 poems or tracts. 
 
 Anthraoite, an-thrasite (Greek, an- 
 thrax, a burning coal). A species of slaty 
 coal found in the transition-rock formation, 
 and often called stone coal, glance coal, 
 and blind coal. 
 
 Anthropophagi, anthro - pofaji 
 (Greek, anthropos, a man ; phago, to eat). 
 Man - eaters ; cannibals ; feeders upon 
 human flesh. 
 
 Anti-Christ, anty-kryst (Greek, ant%, 
 opposed to ; Christos, Christ). A great 
 adversary of Christianity, who is to appear 
 on earth towards the end of the world. 
 
 Anti -climax, anty-klimaks (Greek, 
 anti, opposed to; klimax, gradation). A 
 sentence in which the ideas become less 
 important towards the close ; a catastrophe 
 in a narration or dramatic representation, 
 which is of minor interest to some im- 
 portant event immediately preceding, 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 ANT 
 
 APO 
 
 Antidote, ante-doat (Greek, anti,^ op- 
 posed to ; didomi, to give). A medicine 
 which prevents or removes the effects of 
 poisons. Used figuratively to imply some 
 quality that counteracts the effects of any 
 injurious thing. 
 
 Antinorriianisin, ante - nomean - izum 
 (Greek, anti, opposed to ; nomos, law). A 
 doctrine held by a certain sect, that good 
 works are not necessary to salvation, and 
 that faith alone is sufl&cient justification 
 through the atonement of Chiist, reaching 
 to all offences of the believer before and 
 after repentance unto life. 
 
 Antiphlogistic, ante-flojlstik (Greek, 
 anti, against ; flilego, to burn). A term 
 applied to any means or medicine by which 
 inflammation is reduced, as bleeding, 
 purging, and low diet. 
 
 Antipodes, an-tippo-deez (Greek, anti, 
 opposed to ; podes, feet). The inhabitants 
 of our globe who live immediately oppo- 
 site to each other, and who may therefore 
 pe said literally to stand /ee^ to feet. 
 
 Antiseptic, ante-septik (Greek, anti, 
 against ; sepo, to purify). A term applied 
 to substances which prevent putrefaction 
 in animal or vegetable matter, as common 
 salt. 
 
 Antistroplie, ante - strofee (Greek, 
 anti, opposed to ; strophe, turning). In an 
 ode supposed to be sung in parts, the se- 
 cond stanza of every three, or sometimes 
 every second stanza. 
 
 Antithesis, antlth-esis (Greek, anti, 
 opposed to ; thesis, a placing). A figure 
 in which words, thoughts, or sentences are 
 placed in opposition or contrast, as, " Be- 
 hold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be 
 iungry ; behold, my servants shall d.rinh, 
 9ut ye shall be thirsty ; behold, my servants 
 diall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed." 
 
 Antitype, ante-tipe (Greek, anti, op- 
 posed to ; typos, type or pattern). A figure 
 coiTesponding with some other figure ; that 
 which is pre-figm-ed by the type; thus, the 
 paschal lamb was a type of which Christ 
 was the antitype. 
 
 Antonomasia, anto - noma - zhea 
 (Greek, anti, opposed to ; onorna, a name). 
 A term applied to that form of expression in 
 which a proper name is put for a common 
 name, or a common name for a proper ; 
 or, when the title, office, digTiity, profes- 
 sion, science, or trade is used instead of 
 the ordinary name of a person. Thus, 
 7/hen we apply to Christ the term "the 
 Savioiur of the world," or to Garibaldi 
 
 ''the Liberator of Italy;" or when we 
 call a great orator " a Demosthenes," or 
 when we say " Her Majesty" instead of the 
 Queen, in each case the expression is called 
 antonomasia. 
 
 Apathy, apah-the (Greek, a, without ; 
 pathos, feeling). Want of feehng; cold- 
 ness ; exemption from passion. 
 
 Apex, a-peks (Latin, apex, the summit 
 of a helmet). An angular point or tip, as the 
 extreme end of a spear, or a church-spire. 
 
 Aphelion, afe-leun (Greek, apo, from ; 
 helios, the sun). That pomt at which the 
 earth or any planet is at the greatest dis- 
 tance from the sun. 
 
 Aphorism, afo-rizum (Greek, apo, 
 from; horos, a boundary). A detached 
 precept in few words. 
 
 Aphthong, af-thong (Greek, a, with- 
 out ; phthongos, a sound). A letter which 
 is not sounded in the pronunciation of a 
 word ; a mute. 
 
 Apiary, aype-ary (Latin, apis, a bee). 
 A place where bees are kept. 
 
 Aplomb, ap-lom (French). Self-com- 
 mand ; assui-ance. It is also used to ex- 
 press the command which a dancer has 
 over his steps and movements. 
 
 Apoealjrpse, apokka-lips (Greek, apoi- 
 alypto, to reveal). Revelation ; the name 
 of the last book of the New Testament, 
 ascribed to St. John the Apostle. 
 
 Apocrypha, apok-refah (Greek, apo, 
 from ; h-ypto, to conceal). The Apocrypha 
 or apocryphal books are those writings not 
 admitted into the canon of Scriptui-e, being 
 either not acknowledged as divine or re- 
 garded as spuiious. The word apocrypJial 
 is generally applied to any thing that is 
 doubtful or unauthentic. 
 
 Apogee, appo-gee (Greek, apo, from ; 
 gea or ge, the earth). That point of the 
 orbit at which the sun, moon, or any planet 
 is most distant from the earth. 
 
 Apollo Bfclvidere, a-poUo belvy-deer. 
 A celebrated marble statue of ApoUo in 
 the Belvidere gaUeiy of the Vatican palace 
 at Rome, esteemed as one of the noblest 
 and most perfect delineations of the human 
 figure. 
 
 Apologue, appo-log (Greek, apo, from ; 
 ^0^05, a discoui'se). A species of allegorical 
 fiction, from which a separate meaning or 
 moral lesson may be drawn. It is a kind 
 of fable in which animals, vegetable?, 
 stocks, and stones, speak and act as moni- 
 tors to mankind. 
 
APO 
 
 APP 
 
 21 
 
 Apostacy, a-postali-sy (Greek, apo, 
 from ; stasis, a standing). Departm-e from 
 the principles which a person has once jDro- 
 fessed, generally applied in cases of reli- 
 gious defection. 
 
 A Posteriori, a-pos-te-re-oree (Latin, 
 a, from ; posteriori, the latter). A mode 
 of reasoning in which the cause is deduced 
 from the effect. See A Priori. 
 
 Apostrophe, ap-postro-fe (Greek, apo, 
 from ; strop/te, a turning). A fignare of 
 speech by wiiich the orator turns from his 
 subject to address a person, place, or 
 thing, either absent or dead, as though he 
 or it were present; as, ''0 thou Parnassus ! 
 whom I now survey." In g-rammar, a 
 mark of contraction in a word, as lov'd for 
 loved ; also the sign of the possessive case, 
 as, John's hat. 
 
 Apothegm, ap-othem (Greek, apo, 
 from ; pJithema, voice). A short, senten- 
 tious, instjnictive remark uttered on a par- 
 ticular occasion, or by a disting-uished 
 character; as that of Cato : — "Men by 
 doing nothing, soon learn to do mischief." 
 The word is also spelled Apophthegm, and 
 sometimes Apothem. 
 
 Apotheosis, apoth-eosis (Greek, apo, 
 from ; Theos, God). Deification : a cere- 
 mony by which the ancient Romans used 
 to compliment their emperor and great 
 men after their death, by assigning them 
 a place among the gods. 
 
 Appal, ap-paul (Latin, ad, to ; palleo, 
 to be pale). To make palo with fear ; to 
 terrify. 
 
 Appanage, ap-panage (derivation 
 doubtful ; supposed to be Latin, ad, for ; 
 pants, bread). An allowance to younger 
 branches of a sovereign family, out of the 
 revenues of the country. In ordinary cases, 
 it descends to the children of the prince 
 who enjoys it. 
 
 Apparition, appah-rishun (Latin, ad, 
 to ; pareo, to appear). In a general sense 
 an appearance or \'isible object ; hence 
 applied to the imaginary appearance of a 
 ghost or spectre. 
 
 Apparatus, appah-raytus (Latin, ap- 
 paratus). The instruments or utensils 
 necessary for carrying on any science, 
 trade, or pursuit. 
 
 Apparitor, ap-parry-tur (Latin, ad, tf • ; 
 pareo, to appear). In English law, a mos- 
 senger who serves the process of a spirit) lal 
 court. One who is at hand to execute the 
 orders of the magistrate or judge of any 
 
 court of judicatm-e ; a beadle ; a sum« 
 moner. 
 
 Appellant, ap-peUant (Latin, ad, to ; 
 pello, to caU). In law, a person who makes 
 or brings an appeal ; one who appeals from 
 a lower to a higher court or judge. 
 
 Appendage, ap-pendej (Latin, ad, to ; 
 pendeo, to hang). Something added to 
 another thing without being necessary to 
 its existence, as the portico of a house; 
 the seals attached to a watch. 
 
 Appertain, apper-tain (Latin, ad, to ; 
 per, by; teneo, to hold). To belong to, 
 whether by nature, right, or ajppointmeiit. 
 
 Apportionment, ap-poreshun-ment 
 (Latin, ad, to ; portio, a portion). A divid- 
 ing into shares or portions. In law, a 
 dividing of rent, &c., according to the 
 number and proportion of the persons to 
 whom it is to be distributed. 
 
 Appoggiata, ap-podjy-aj-tah (Italian, 
 appoggiata, a prop or support). In music, 
 more particularly in song, a blended and 
 not abrupt utterance of the tones, so that 
 they imperceptibly glide into each other 
 without any apparent break. 
 
 Appoggiatura, ap - podjy - aytewrah 
 (Italian, appoggiare, to lean on). In music, 
 a small note used by way of embellish- 
 ment before one of longer duration, and 
 which it borrows half and sometimes a 
 quarter only of the time of the preceding 
 note. 
 
 Apposite, appo-zit (Latin, ad, to ; posi- 
 turn, placed). Properly applied ; suitable ; 
 well adapted to. 
 
 Appreciation, appreeshy-ayshun 
 (Latin, ad, to ; pretium, a price), A just 
 valuation ; a due estimate. 
 
 Apprehend, a^j-prehend (Latin, ad, 
 to ; prelwido, to take). In one sense, to 
 seize, to lay hold ; as appreuending a delin- 
 quent. In anotiier sense, to understand 
 or lay hol^ of one's meaning ; also to enter- 
 tain suspicion of future evil ; to think 
 with terror on impending danger. 
 
 Appropinquation, appro -pin-kwa- 
 shun (Latin, ad, to ; pn-oximus, near). The 
 act or power of approaching. 
 
 Appropriation, ap-propree-ayshun 
 (Latin, ad, to ; proprius, one's own). The 
 act of setting apart for a purpose; the 
 laying claim to anything for a person's own 
 use. 
 
 Approver, ap-proovur (Latin, ad, to ; 
 2)roho, to prove). One who approves. In 
 
22 
 
 lP? 
 
 AEB 
 
 law, a jtersoii wlio, iu confessing lie has com- 
 mitted a felony, accuses his accomplice or 
 accomplices ; and he is so called because he- 
 must jorove what he alleges. 
 
 Approximate, ap-proksy-mate (Latin, 
 ad, to ; proxinius, near). Near to ; to 
 cause to approach ; as in botany, a leaf is 
 said to be approximate whpn it is close to 
 the stem. 
 
 Appui, aj)-pooee (French, ajopui, sup- 
 port). In horsemanship, the sense of the 
 action of the bridle in the hands of the 
 rider. In military science, any particular 
 given point or body upon which troops are 
 formed, or by which they are marched in 
 line or column. See Point d' Appui. 
 
 A Priori, a-pre-oree (Latin, a, from; 
 priori, the former). A term iised in logic, 
 as applying to any arg-ument in which a 
 fact that follows is drawn from a fact that 
 has gone before. See A Posteriori. 
 
 Apropos, ap-ro-po (French, d, to ; 
 propos, the purpose). Opportunely; sea- 
 sonably ; in reference to ; with regard to. 
 
 Apsis, ap-sis (Greek, aims, arch). The 
 name of those two points in a planet's orbit 
 at the greatest and least distance from a 
 central body. Plm-al, apsides, or a-jpses. 
 
 Aptera, ap-terah (Greek, a, without ; 
 pteron, wing). An order of insects having 
 no wings, as the bug, flea, &c. 
 
 Aqua, ak-kwah. The Latin word for 
 water : a term much used in medical pre- 
 scriptions and directions. 
 
 Aqua fortis, ak-kwah for-tis (Latin, 
 aqua, water; fortis, strong). An impure 
 nitric acid commonly used in the arts. It 
 is made of a mixture of purified nitre, or 
 saltpetre, and potter's earth, in equal parts, 
 and is divided into double and single, the 
 latter of which is only half the streng-fch 
 of the former. 
 
 Aquarium, ak-kwary-um (Latin, aqiiM, 
 water). A receptacle for aquatic plants 
 and animals ; a pond in a garden for rear- 
 ing aquatic plants. 
 
 Aqua Regia, ak-kwah re-jeah (Laiia, 
 aqua, water ; regia, royal). The name 
 given by the alchemists to that mixtiire of 
 nitric and muriatic acids which was best 
 htted to dissolve gold, styled by them the 
 long of the metals. It is now called nitro- 
 muriatic acid, or nitro-hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Aqua Tinta, ak-kwah tin-tah (Latin, 
 aqua, water ; tinta, tint). _ A mode of 
 etching which imitates drawings in India- 
 ink, bistre, and sepia, very successfully. 
 
 Aqua Tofania, ak-kwah tof-fahneab 
 (Latin, aqua, water ; Tofania, of Tofana). 
 A poisonous liquid prepared by a woman of 
 the name of Tofana or Tofania. It is 
 generally supposed to have been a prepa» 
 ration of arsenic ; its appearance was that 
 of purest water, and from four to six drops 
 were sufiicient to cause death. Tofana 
 distributed this poison to women who were 
 desirous of getting rid of their husbands ; 
 and when put to the rack, previous to her 
 execution, she confessed that she had de- 
 stroyed upwards of six hundi'ed persons 
 with this poisonous preparation. 
 
 Aqua VitaB, ak-kwah vi-te (Latin, 
 aqua, water ; vitce, of life). A name fa- 
 miUarly applied to distilled spirits, espe- 
 cially brandy. See Eau de Vie. 
 
 Aqueduct, ak-kwe-dukt (Latin, aqua, 
 water; ductus, a conduit). A structure 
 made for conveying water from one place 
 to another, either under ground or above 
 it. A structure continuing the Hue of a 
 canal across a. river, road, or valley, is also 
 called an aqueduct, and sometimes an aque- 
 duct bridge. 
 
 Aquiline, akkwe-lin, or akkwe-line 
 (Latin, aq^dla, an eagle). An epithet ap- 
 plied to that form of nose which is hooked 
 after the manner of an eagle's beak. 
 
 Arabesque, ara-besk (French, Ara- 
 besque, after the manner of the Arabs). 
 This term is commonly applied to that 
 class of ornaments with which the Arabs 
 adorned the walls, ceilings, and floors of 
 their buildings, and which consisted of 
 fruits, flowers, mathematical figures — in 
 short, everything except the forms of 
 human beings and animals, which were in- 
 terdicted by tlie Prophet. 
 
 Arabic Figures or Characters. 
 
 The mimeral characters now used in our 
 arithmetic, which were bon'owed from the 
 Arabians, and introduced into England 
 about the eleventh century. 
 
 Arable, ara-bul (Latin, arc, to plough). 
 That part of the soil which is chiefly cul- 
 tivated by means of the plough ; land fit 
 for tiliagG. 
 
 Arbitration, arby-trayshim (Latin, ar- 
 biter, a judge ; probably from ara, an altar, 
 and iter, a going to ; b, being inserted). 
 The hearing and determining between 
 parties in controversy, by arbiters either 
 chosen by the parties or appointed by the 
 judge or magistrate. 
 
 Arbore culture, arbory-kulchur 
 (Latin, arbor, a tree; colo, to cultivate). 
 
AEB 
 
 The art of ciiltivatirig; trees and skrubs for 
 wood or ornamental purposes. 
 
 Arcades - Ambo, arkad-eez am-bo 
 (Latin, arcades amho). Literally, Arcadians 
 both. Used ironically, when speaking of 
 two persons, to imply that they are both 
 strange characters, eccentric personages, or 
 any other derogatory epithet. 
 
 Arcadian, ar-kaydy-an. Belonging to 
 Arcadia, a mountainous district in Greece. 
 They were a pastoral people, and are said 
 to have been brought from their original 
 savage condition by the cultivation of 
 music. By poetical association, a thickly- 
 wooded place, visited by birds, &c., is 
 called an Arcadian grove. 
 
 Arcanum, ar-kaynum (Latin, area, a 
 chest). Literally, something concealed in 
 a chest, hence a secret, a mystery. Arcana 
 is the plural form. 
 
 Arch, artsh (Greek, archos, beginning). 
 Chief; principal; commonly used as a 
 syllabic prefix to words, to denote the 
 iughest degree of the kind, whether good 
 or bad, as archbishop, the head of the 
 bishops ; arch-impostor, an impostor of 
 the very worst description. 
 
 Aj'cliseology, arkay-ollojee (Greek, ar- 
 diaios, ancient; ^o^ros, a. discourse). In a 
 general sense, a term applied to the know- 
 ledge of antiquity, but, in a narrower sense, 
 the science which inquires into and dis- 
 covers the mental life of ancient nations 
 from their monuments and performances, 
 whether literary, artistical, or mechanical. 
 
 Arches Court. An ecclesiastical 
 court of appeal belonging to the arch- 
 bishop of each province, the judge of 
 which is called the Dean of Arches. The 
 court takes its name from the church of 
 St. Maxj-le-Bovj (de arczibus), the top of 
 which is raised of stone pillars built arch- 
 wise, and where this court was originally 
 held. 
 
 Archetype, arky-type (Greek, archos, 
 the eai-liest; iupos, a type). The original 
 of which any resemblance is made. In 
 the JMint, the standard weight by which 
 the others are adjusted. 
 
 Archimedian Screw, arky- 
 meadyan-skroo. A machine for raising 
 water, taking its name from Archimedes, 
 its l-eputed inventor. It consists of a tube 
 rolled in a spiral form round a cylinder, a 
 modification of which has been introduced 
 as a substitute for paddles in propelling 
 steam-vessels. 
 
 AEI 
 
 23- 
 
 Archipelago, arky-pelago (Greek, 
 archos, chief ; pelagos, the sea). A term 
 applied to any portion of the sea abounding 
 in small islands, but more especially to 
 the ^gean Sea, or that part of the Medi- 
 terranean between the coast of Asia Minor 
 and Greece. 
 
 Archives, ar-kivz (Greek, archeion, a 
 public building). The place where records 
 or ancient writings are kept. 
 
 Arctic, ark-tik (Greek, arTctos, the 
 Northern constellation, the Bear). North- 
 ern ; belonging to the Arctic regions. 
 
 Area, a-reah (Latin, area, a threshing 
 floor). Any open space, as the floor of 
 room ; the open part of a church ; the 
 vacant part or stage of an amphitheatre ; an 
 inclosed place, as lists, or a bowling green. 
 
 Argentine, arjen-tine (Latin, argen- 
 turn, sUver). Sounding like silver ; having 
 the appearance of silver. 
 
 Arena, a-reena (Latin, arena, sand). 
 The space or ground-floor of an amphi- 
 theatre or circus, on which combats or feats 
 of horsemanship are enacted ; so named 
 from the floors of the Roman amphitheatre 
 having been strewed with sand. 
 
 Areometer, ayre-ommy-tur (Greek, 
 araios, thin ; metron, measure) . A graduated 
 glass instrument for measuring the gravity 
 or density of fluids. 
 
 Argand Lamp. A lamp fitted with 
 a hollow wick, for furnishing a rapid supply 
 of air to the interior as well as to the ex- 
 terior of the flame. It takes its name from 
 its inventor, who was a native of France. 
 
 Argonautic, argo-nawtik (Latin, argo, 
 the ship ; nauta, a sailor). Relating to the 
 expedition made in the ship Argo, by 
 Jason and his companions, in quest of the 
 Golden Fleece. 
 
 Argumentum baeulinum, argu- 
 mentum bak-ulinum (Latin). The argu- 
 ment of the stick; club law; physical 
 force. 
 
 Arianism, arean-izum. The doctrines 
 taught by Arius, a presbyter in the Chmrch 
 of Alexandria in the fourth century. 
 
 Aristarchy, arris-tarky (Greek, aristos, 
 greatest; arche, government). A govern- 
 ment composed of good men ; a system of 
 stern criticism. 
 
 Aristocracy, arris-tokkrah-se (Greek, 
 aristos, the noblest or best ; krateo, tO' 
 govern). That form of government in 
 which the supreme power is vested in the 
 
AEM 
 
 ASH 
 
 nobility ; the nobility ; the richest and 
 most elevated portion of society. 
 
 Armillary Sphere, ar-milary-sfeer 
 (Latin, armilla, a bracelet), A hollow- 
 sphere representing the several cu'cles of 
 the globe ; it is so contracted that all the 
 surface of the sphere is cut away except 
 the equator, ecliptic, colures, &c. 
 
 ArmiQiarLism, ar-minean-izum. The 
 doctrines taught by Arminius, a native of 
 Holland ; born in 1560, died in 1609. 
 
 Armistice, ar-mis-tis (Latin, arma, 
 arms ; sist&i'e, to stay). A temporary ces- 
 sation of hostilities ; a truce. 
 
 Aroma, a-romah (Greek, aroma,). The 
 odoriferous principle of aromatic plants, or 
 such as have a warm and agreeable odour, 
 as the cardamom. 
 
 Arrack, ar-rak. The native name of a 
 spirituous liquor prepared in India from 
 rice, the juice of the sugar-cane, and of 
 the cocoa-nut, by distillation. 
 
 Arraign, ar-rain (Old French, arraigner; 
 low Latin, arrainare). To indict ; to 
 bring a prisoner forth to trial ; to accuse ; 
 to charge with a fault in general. Arraign- 
 ment of a prisoner, consists in reading the 
 indictment, and asking the prisoner 
 whether he pleads guilty or not guilty. 
 
 Arrant, ar-rant (derivation imcertain, 
 supposed to be Latin, erro, to wander). 
 Bad in an extreme degree, applied generally 
 to persons ; as, an arrant knave, signifying 
 a rambling rogue or vagabond. 
 
 Arras, ar-ras (from Arras, a town in 
 France, where hangings were made). Ta- 
 pestry, hangings adorned with pictorial 
 representations. 
 
 Arrogate, arrow-gait (Latin, rogo, to 
 ask). To claim unduly ; to assume. 
 
 Arsenal, arsen-al (Latin, arx, citadel ; 
 ■^avails, maritime). A Government estab- 
 lishment, in which naval and military 
 engines, or warlike equipments, are manu- 
 factured and stored, 
 
 Ars est celare artem, ars est see- 
 lairey artem. The art is to conceal art, 
 in allusion to the difficulty of making art 
 appear natural. 
 
 Arson, ar-sim (Latin, ardeo, to bum). 
 In law, the act of setting fire to a house or 
 other property ; more especially applied to a 
 person -wilfully setting fire to his o-wn house 
 and property, with a view of obtaining com- 
 pensation from an Insm-ance Company. 
 
 Artesian Well, ar-teezhyan well (from 
 Aitois, the ancient Artesium of Franco). 
 A kind of weU made by perforating the 
 ground -Rath a small bore till water is 
 reached ; which, when this is effected, -wiU, 
 in consequence of internal pressure, spring 
 up spontaneously like a fountain. 
 
 Articles of Faitli. The particular 
 points of doctrine which form the creed of 
 certain churches, embodied by the Episco- 
 pal Church of England in what are termed 
 the " Thirty-nine Articles," composed 
 originally by Cranmer, -with -the assistance 
 of flidley and others. 
 
 Articulo mortis (in), ar-tikulo mor- 
 tis (Latin). At the point of death. 
 
 Artist, art-ist (Latin, ars, art). One 
 -who exercises the fine arts, meaning there- 
 by the plastic arts especially. In a general 
 sense the term is used for the musician, 
 and even the poet, but it is properly limited 
 to the sculp-tor, painter, and architect. 
 The French word artiste is applied to 
 theatrical performers, and in the same 
 general sense as our own word. 
 
 Arundel Marbles. Certain tables 
 containing the chronology of ancient his- 
 tory, particularly of Athens. They were 
 purchased by Thomas, Lord Arundel, and 
 presented to the University of Oxford by 
 his grandson in 1627, 
 
 Asbestos, as-bestus (Greek, a, not ; 
 sheo, to extinguish), A mineral of which 
 there are several varieties, all marked by 
 their fibrous and flexible qualities. From 
 one of these varieties, a cloth is produced 
 capable of resisting the action of ordinary 
 heat. 
 
 Ascendant, as-sendant (Latin, ad, to ; 
 scando, climb up). Height ; elevation ; 
 superiority. In astrology, that part of the 
 ecliptic at any particular time above the 
 horizon, which is supposed by astrologers 
 to have any great influence on any person 
 born at the time. Thus, at such times as 
 the fortunes of any one are brightening, 
 it is said that his star is in the ascendant. 
 
 Ascetic, as-setik (Greek, asheo, to dis- 
 cipline). Employed wholly in exercises of 
 devotion and mortification. One who re- 
 tires from active life for the purposes of 
 devotion and self-discipline; a recluse ; a 
 hermit. 
 
 Ashlar, ash-lar. Free stones as they 
 are brought from the quarry. The facing 
 of squared stones on the front of a 
 building. 
 
ASP 
 
 ASY 
 
 25 
 
 Asparagus, as-parrah-gns (Greek, 
 sparasso, to tear). An esculent plant with, 
 scale-like leaves. 
 
 Asperity, as-perity (Latin, asper, 
 rough). Eoughness ; harshiiess of speech 
 or manner. 
 
 Asperse, as-purse (Latin, ad, to; 
 spargo, to sprinkle). Literally, to sprinkle 
 or stain with spots. In a moral sense, to 
 fix a stam upon a person's character. 
 
 Asphalt, as - fait (Greek, a, not ; 
 sphallo, to stumble). A kind of bitumen 
 used for cementing and giving fu-mness to 
 stone, brick- work, &c. It is found in a soft 
 or liquid state on the surface of the Dead 
 Sea, which from this circumstance is called 
 Asphaltites, or the Asphaltic Lake. 
 
 Asph37:xia, as-fikseah (Greek, a, with- 
 out ; sphyxis, pulse). The state of body 
 in which the pulse is so low as not to be 
 felt ; but more usually applied in medical 
 language to that condition in which vitality 
 is suspended, not from actual death, but 
 from some cause interrupting respiration, 
 as, for instance, when a person is partially 
 hanged or drowned. 
 
 Aspiration, aspee-rayshun (Latin, 
 aspiro, to breathe upon). A breathing 
 after ; an ardent wish or desire ; the act of 
 pronouncing with full breath, as the aspi- 
 ration of the letter H. 
 
 Assa&etida, assah-fetty-dah (Latin, 
 asa, a gum \f(£tida, tilthiness). A foetidgum 
 obtained from the Persian plant, Femda 
 assafoetida. It is chiefly employed in medi- 
 cine as a remedy for spasmodic affections. 
 
 Assassin, as-sassin (Arabic, hass, to 
 km, to surprise). A murderer ; one who kills 
 by treachery or sudden violence. The 
 assassins were a clan or tribe of Ish- 
 maehtes who took possession of the moun- 
 tains of Lebanon, and became notorious 
 for their lawless and murderous deeds. 
 
 Assault and battery (French, 
 assaut, battre). In law, a malicious act, by 
 which not only violence has been offered, 
 but actual injury done to another. With 
 regard to battery, it is always an assault ; 
 but an assault does not always imply bat- 
 tery, as it may be made without beating. 
 
 Assay, as-say (French, essayer, to try). 
 A mode of trying metals or separating 
 them from aU foreign bodies ; thus gold 
 and sUver are assayed by the refiner, to 
 obtain them in their purest state. 
 
 Assets, as-setz (Latin, ad, to ; saMs, 
 tJufiQcient). Goods left by a testator, sufii- 
 
 cient to pay his debts and legacies. Tha 
 available property of a bankrupt ; gene- 
 rally, the possessions of a person which 
 are capable of being converted into cash. 
 
 Assignee, asse-ne (Latin, ad, to ; sig^io, 
 set a sign upon). The person who is ap- 
 pointed or deputed by another to do any 
 act, or perform any business, or enjoy any 
 commodity. Assignees in hankruj^tcy are 
 persons appointed to realise a bankrupt's 
 effects, and to superintend generally the 
 administration of his estate. 
 
 Assize, as-size (Latin, ad, to ; sedeo, to 
 sit). A sitting or assembly of magis- 
 trates ; a parochial session held by the 
 judges of the superior courts in the coun- 
 ties of England, for the purpose of trying- 
 criminals, and determining civil suits. 
 
 Aa#uage,as-swaje (Latin, ad, to ; suavis, 
 sweet). To mitigate sorrow ; to render 
 bodily or mental sufferings less painful 
 and bitter. 
 
 Assumpsit, as-sumsit (Lsitm,assumpsit, 
 literally — he undertook). In law, a volun- 
 tary promise, by which a person assumes 
 or takes upon himself to perform for or 
 pay anything to another. 
 
 Asterisk, astur-isk (Greek, aste^-, a 
 star). A mark like a star (*), made in 
 books by way of reference to a note. 
 
 Astringent, as-trinjent (Latin, ad, to ; 
 stringo, to bind). Binding ; contracting ; 
 opposed to laxative ; applied also to such 
 substances as alum, which have a tendency 
 to contract the mouth. 
 
 Astrology, as-troUo-jy (Greek, <%.%ter, 
 a star ; logos, a discourse). An art which, 
 pretends to predict the course of human 
 events from the situation and different 
 aspects of the heavenly bodies. 
 
 Astronomy, as-tronno-my (Greek, 
 aster, a star ; nomos, a law). The science 
 which treats of the sun, moon, earth, 
 and other planetary bodies, showing their 
 magnitudes, order, distances from each 
 other; measuring and marking their 
 risings, settings, motions, appearances, to- 
 gether with eclipses and other phenomena. 
 
 Astute. As-tewt (Greek, astu, a city). 
 A mixture of penetration and cunning ; 
 shrewd ; discerning ; sharp-eyed. The de- 
 rivation of the word is from the circum- 
 stance of people living in cities being: 
 usually sharper than rustics. 
 
 Asylum, a-sylum (Greek, a, not ; syleo, 
 to piUage). Anciently a sanctuary ; a 
 place of refuge for criminals. In its mo- 
 
26 
 
 ATA 
 
 ATT 
 
 dem signification, a house for the support 
 of the destitute, the bereaved, and the 
 afflicted. 
 
 A-Taunt. A term used by seamen to 
 imply that a vessel is fully rigged. 
 
 Atelier, at el-yea (French, Atelier, a 
 workshop, a studio). A term applied espe- 
 cially to the ante-rooms of sculptors and 
 painters. 
 
 A Tempo, ah-tempo (Italian, a tempo, 
 in time). A phrase used in music, to sig- 
 nify a retui'n to the regular measiu'e, after 
 it has been inteni\pted. 
 
 Athanasian Creed, atha-nazhian 
 kreed. A fonxiula of faith ascribed to« 
 St. Athanasius, occasionally read in the 
 Liturgy of the Chiu'ch of England. 
 
 Atheist, aythe-ist (Greek, a, without ; 
 Theos, God). One -who denies or disbe- 
 lieves the existence of a Supreme Being. 
 
 Athenseiiiii, athy-neeum (Greek, 
 Athene, one of the names of Minerva). In 
 ancient Athens, a place where philoso- 
 phers and poets declaimed and repeated 
 then* compositions. In modem times, an 
 institution devoted to literatiire, and the 
 ai'ts and sciences. 
 
 Atliletie, ath-lettik (Greek, athlos, la- 
 bour). Strong of body ; robust ; belong- 
 ing to exercises of strength, as wrestling, 
 &c. The Athletce of ancient times were 
 men of strength and agility, who distin- 
 g-uished themselves by contending for the 
 prizes at the Olympic, Pythian, and other 
 games of Greece and Rome. 
 
 Athwart SMps. In seaman's lan- 
 guage, across the ship. The reverse of 
 fore and aft. Athwart the forefoot, is a 
 phrase applied to a shot being fired across 
 a vessel's way, a little a-head of her, as a 
 warning to bring to or to drop astern. 
 Athivart hawse, expresses the transverse 
 position of a vessel when driven across the 
 fore-part of another, whether they come into 
 collision or not ; it is most commonly applied 
 to the case of a vessel under sail coming 
 across another which is lying at anchor. 
 
 Atlantean, atlan-tean. Pertaining to 
 or resembling Atlas, who is usually re- 
 presented as bearing the world on his 
 shoulders. 
 
 Atlas, at-las. A collection of maps, 
 probably so called from having originally, 
 on the title-page or cover, a representation 
 of Atlas supporting the world. It also 
 means a large square folio paper, such as 
 maps are delineated upon. 
 
 Atmosphere, atmos-feer (Greek, 
 at7nos, vapour; sphaira, a sphere). The 
 volume of air which surrounds the earth. 
 An atmosphere as a medium of pressure is 
 fifteen povmds to a square inch. This word 
 is used fig-uratively, to imply pervading 
 influence, as an atmosphere of kindness, 
 an atmosphere of brutality. 
 
 Atomic Theory, a-tomik the-oree 
 (Greek, a, not ; temno, to cut). A theory 
 which supposes the basis of aU bodies to 
 consist of extremely fine pai-ticles, differ- 
 ing in fonn and nature, and dispersed 
 thi-oughout space. 
 
 Atrabilious, atrah-bUyus (Latin, atra, 
 dai'k; hilis, bile). A state of melancholy 
 induced by a disordered condition of the 
 bUe. A person of an habitually despond- 
 ing disposition is termed atrabilious. 
 
 Atrophy, at-ro-fee (Greek, a, not ; 
 trepho, to nourish). A wasting of the body 
 or any particular part of it, in consequence 
 of defective nutrition. 
 
 Attache, at-tahshay. A person con- 
 nected with an embassy : one of the higher 
 class of subordinates belonging to an am- 
 bassador. 
 
 Attainder, at-tainder (Latin, ad, to , 
 tinctum, stained). In law, the stain or 
 corruption of the blood of a criminal who 
 has been convicted of felony or treason, 
 and condemned to death ; taint ; stain ; dis- 
 grace. A statute attainting a person is 
 called an act of attainder. 
 
 Attar of Roses. A highly fragrant 
 oil obtained in India, from the petals of 
 the rose. After they have been immersed 
 in water and distilled, there apj^ears a yel- 
 lowish scum, which, when cold, concretes 
 into a white mass. So intense is the odour 
 of attar of roses, that the smallest particle 
 on the point of a needle wiU scent a room 
 dtiring a whole day. One himdred pounds' 
 weight of rose leaves are required to pro- 
 duce three drachms of attar, under the 
 most favourable circumstances. 
 
 Attenuation, at-tennu-ayshun (Latin, 
 ad, to ; tennis, to make thin). The act of 
 making anything thin or slender ; the 
 state of being made thin or less. The pro- 
 cess by which a fluid becomes of less spe- 
 cific grayjty, as when it undergoes fer- 
 mentation, and parts with carbonic acid. 
 
 Attic Salt. Figuratively, a delicate 
 poignant kind of wit, peculiar to the old 
 Athenians of Attica, in Greece ; peiiorm- 
 ances having a delicate, pure, and clas- 
 
ATT 
 
 AUT 
 
 27 
 
 Bical propei'ty, &T& said to possess an attic 
 flavour, or to be seasoned with, attic salt. 
 
 Attorney, at-tumy (Latin, ad, to ; 
 tomo, to turn). One who is appointed by 
 another to do a thing in his absence. An 
 attorney -at-law is a person who prepares 
 cases for trial in court. A poiver of attorney 
 is a letter or document by which a person 
 authorises another to act in his stead. 
 
 Attraction, at-trakshun (Latin, ad, 
 to ; traho, to draw to). In a general 
 sense, the power or principle by which 
 bodies tend towards each other, hence the 
 figurative use of the word, ta imply the 
 capability of a person to attract the atten- 
 tion and regard of others. 
 
 Attribute, attre-bewt (Latin, ad, to ; 
 triluturii, to give to, as due). The quality 
 which is assigned to any object ; thus, we 
 say, goodness and mercy are attributes of 
 the Almighty. 
 
 Attrition, at-trishun (Latin, ad, to ; 
 attritum, worn by rubbing). The act of 
 wearing away the surface of things by 
 rubbing one against the other ; excoriation 
 of the surface, arising from friction or con- 
 tusion of the parts ; sorrow for sin, arising 
 solely from selfish motives or dread of 
 punishment ; the lowest degree of repent- 
 ance. 
 
 A. U. C, for aimo urhe condita, from 
 the building of the city of Rome. 
 
 All Contraire, oa-kontrair (French). 
 On the contraiy ; on the other hand. 
 
 Au Courant, oa-koorong (French). 
 Aware of ; acquainted with ; familiar with. 
 
 Audi Alteram Partem, awdi 
 altaram partem (Latin). Hear the other 
 side of the question ; hear what the other 
 disputant has to advance. 
 
 Au Fait, oa-fay (French). Best manner 
 of doing ; a complete and perfect acquaint- 
 juace with any art. 
 
 Augean, aw-jean. Belonging to Au- 
 geas or his stables, the cleaning of which 
 formed one of the labours of Hercules ; 
 hence anything extremely filthy is termed 
 AiLgean. 
 
 Augur, aw-gur (Latin, augur, to con- 
 jectui-e by signs). Augur was the name 
 given by the Romans to a person appointed 
 to foretell future events by the chattering, 
 flight, and feeding of birds. Thus the 
 word may be traced to av^is, a bird, and 
 garritus, chattering. 
 
 August, aw-gust (Latin, Augustus). 
 The name of the eio^hth month of our 
 
 year, so called from Augustus Csesar, the 
 Roman emperor, and to whose honom* the 
 month was dedicated, on account of the 
 triumphs he achieved at that particidar 
 time. It was previously called SextHis, of 
 the sixth from March. The word august, 
 in a general sense, means something ma- 
 jestic or venerable, and is derived from the 
 verb augeo^ to increase. 
 
 Aularian, aw-larean (Latin, aula, a 
 hall). The member of a hall, and so called 
 at the- imiversities by- way of distinction 
 from coUegians. 
 
 Au Naturel, o-wn-atoorel (French). 
 In its natural state. 
 
 Au Reste, o rest (French, aii, to ; reste, 
 remainder). In addition to this ; besides ; 
 moreover. 
 
 Au Revoir, awr-vooaur (French, au, 
 to ; revoir, see again). An expression sig- 
 nifying '' Farewell, until we meet again ! " 
 
 Auricular Confession, aw-rikular 
 con - fesshun (Latin, cmris, the ear). 
 Confession of sins to a pziest in private, 
 by whispering, as it were, into his ear ; 
 disting-uished from public confession. 
 
 Auri sacra fames, awri sakra faimcez 
 (Latin). The accursed thirst for gold. 
 
 Aurora Borealis, aw-rora bory-aylis 
 (Latin, aurea, golden ; hora, hour ; bm-eas, 
 ■the northward). Literally, the northern 
 dawn. An extraordinary meteor or lumi- 
 nous appearance, frequently visible in the 
 night time in the northern pax-ts of the 
 heavens. 
 
 Auscultation, awsk-ul-tayshun (Latin, 
 auris, the ear ; cultum, cultivation). A 
 term applied to several methods of detect- 
 ing the nature and seat of disease by the 
 sense of hearing, that is, listening to the 
 sounds produced in the lungs by respira- 
 tiqn, voice, cough, action of the heart, &c. 
 See Stethescope. 
 
 Auspices, awspy-siz (Latin, avis, a 
 bird ; specio, to see). Literally, omens 
 drawn from observing birds ; derived from 
 the observations taken by the Roman 
 augurs from the flight, kc, of birds. In 
 common parlance the word signifies pat- 
 ronage or protection. 
 
 Auspicious, aw-spishus (derivation 
 same as preceding). Ha\T.ng omens of 
 success or happy results. 
 
 Aut C89sar aut nullus, awt-soezar 
 a-wt-nullus (Latin). Either Csesar or no- 
 body. Used by a person to imply that he 
 ■will either be the highest in his walk or a 
 nobody. 
 
28 
 
 AUT 
 
 ATE 
 
 Autobiograpliy, awto-beografy 
 (Greek, aicto, one's self ; bios, life ; grapho,. 
 to wi-ite). A memoir or history of a per- 
 son written by himself. 
 
 Autocrat, awto-krat (Greek, a^ito, 
 one's self; hras, the head). A sovereign 
 possessed of absolute power ; the Emperor 
 of Russia is termed an autocrat. 
 
 Auto da Fe, awto-dah-fay (Spanish, 
 auto, act; da, of; fe, faith). "The act of 
 punisMng a heretic by burning, formerly 
 exercised among Spaniards; also a sen- 
 tence given by the Inquisition, and read to 
 the criminal on the scaffold, just before he 
 is executed. 
 
 Autograph, awto-graf (Greek, auto, 
 one's self ; grapho, to write). A person's 
 own handwriting ; an original manuscript. 
 A letter written by a sorer eign's own hand 
 is called an auto(frapli letter, by way of 
 distinguishing it from more formal com- 
 munications. 
 
 Automaton, aw-tomma-ton (Greek, 
 auto, one's self; mao, to move). Any 
 mechanical contrivance which, by means 
 of concealed machinery, can cany on for 
 some time certain movements more or less 
 resembling animal exertion, as the automa- 
 ton duck, the automaton chess- flayer, &c. 
 
 Autopsy, aw-topsy (Greek, auto, one's 
 self ; ofs, the eye). Ocular demonstration ; 
 proof from actual obseiration. 
 
 Autumn, aw-tum (Latin, augeo, to in- 
 crease). The decline of the year. Auturon 
 is so named because, at that season, the 
 fruits of the year are a^igmented. 
 
 Auxiliary, aug-zilyaree (Latin, a^(■x^ 
 ilium, help). A helper ; an assistant ; 
 helping ; assisting. The verb to he is an 
 Kiuxiliary, because it. helps to conjugate 
 other verbs. 
 
 Avalanclie, avah-lansh (French, ava- 
 Itr, to swallow). An immense accumula- 
 tion of snow, which, on becoming detached 
 from any mountainous height, is precipi- 
 tated with violence, and often overwhelm- 
 ing forests, villages, &c,, in its course. 
 
 Avant Courier, avang cooriay 
 (French, avant, before ; courier, messen- 
 ger). One dispatched before the rest to 
 notify their approach. The word is used 
 figuratively, to express anything said or 
 done, to prepare the way for what is to 
 follow. 
 
 Avast, a-vahst. A sea term, signifying 
 hold ! stop ! enough 1 
 
 Avatar, a-vahtar (Sanscrit, avatara). 
 An incarnation of the Deity among the 
 Hindoos. 
 
 Avaunt, a-vawnt (Latin, ah, from ; 
 ante, before). An exclamation signifying 
 begone ; get hence ; a word of abhorrence, 
 by which any one is driven away. 
 
 Ave Mary, avee-mauy (Latin, ave, 
 all hail). Among CathoHcs, the beginning 
 of a prayer addressed to the Holy Virgin 
 Mary, whence the whole prayer takes its 
 name. The term Ave Mary, or Ave Maria, 
 is also given to the little balls in rosaries, 
 each of which denotes a prayer called Ave 
 Maria, while the larger balls denote a 
 fater-noster . 
 
 Averuneate, aver - rungkate (Latin, 
 avermnco, to dress or weed). In arbore- 
 culture, to root up or tear up by the roots. 
 
 Aviary, avee-aree (Latin, avis, a bird). 
 A place in which birds are kept. 
 
 Avidity, a-vidity (Latin, avidus, 
 greedy). An intense desire; eagerness to 
 obtain. 
 
 Avoirdupois, avur-dewpoiz (French, 
 avoir, to have ; du, of ; poids, weight). A 
 weight for ordinary commodities, in which 
 a pound contains 16 ounces or 7,000 troy 
 grains. 
 
 Aweatlier, a-wethur. A sea term, de- 
 noting the weather-side ; towards the wind. 
 
 A X i O m, ak-shiun (Greek, axiovia, 
 worth). A self-evident proposition, or 
 one requiring no proof, as " The whole is 
 greater than the part" — "Nothing can 
 produce nothing." 
 
 Axis, ak-sis (Greek, axo7i, the axle-tree 
 of a chariot). A term appMed to a straight 
 line passing through the centre of a body 
 and on which that body turns. This line 
 may be real or imaginary, as the line sup- 
 posed to pass through the centre of the 
 earth, round which axis it revolves once in 
 twenty-four hours. 
 
 Ay, i (Saxon, ai, yes. Latin, aio, to 
 say or afiirm). Yes ; certainly. This word 
 is used in the plural, as ayes, signifying 
 the persons or votes in favour of a motion, 
 proposition, or resolution ; it is opposed to 
 noes ; and in Parliamentary proceedings, or 
 public debate, the ayes (those who say 
 '' Yes") or the noes (those who say "No") 
 are said to carry the question. 
 
 Aye, ay (Greek, a^, always). Always ; 
 for ever. 
 
AZI 
 
 EAL 
 
 29 
 
 simutll, azee-muth (Arabic, al, tlie ; 
 samath, path). In astronomy, the arc of 
 the horizon intercepted between the meri- 
 dian of the observer and any given vertical 
 line. Magnetic azimuth, the azimuth from 
 the magnetic meridian; azimuth circles, 
 great circles of the sphere intersecting 
 each other, in the zenith and nadir, and 
 cutting the horizon at right angles. 
 
 Azote, az-oat (Greek, a, without ; zoe, 
 life). A gas, otherwise called nitrogen, the 
 former name being given to it because it 
 does not support life. 
 
 Azure, a-zhure (Fi-ench, azur, faint 
 blue). A fine blue pigment, commonly 
 called smalt ; a colour resembling the blue 
 of the sky. In heraldry, the blue colour 
 in the coats of arms of aU persons under 
 the degree of barons. 
 
 Baeclianalian, bakkah-naylean 
 (Latin, bacchanalia). A reveller ; a drunk- 
 ard; a devotee to Bacchus, the god of 
 wine. 
 
 Background. In painting, the space 
 behind a portrait or group of figures. The 
 distance in a picture is usually divided into 
 the foreground, middle-distance, and back- 
 ground. 
 
 Backsheesh. A word of Persian origin 
 for present or gratuity, much used in the 
 East. 
 
 Backstays. In navigation, ropes 
 reaching from the topmast heads to both 
 sides of the ship, to assist the shrouds in 
 supporting the mast when strained by a 
 weight of sail. 
 
 Baconian Philosophy, ba-konean 
 filosofy. A system of philosophy, of which 
 Lord Bacon was the foimder. 
 
 Baculometry, baku-lommy-tre (Latin, 
 laculus, a staff. Greek, metron, a measure). 
 The art of measuring heights or distances 
 with a staff. 
 
 Badigeon, bad-ejun. A preparation 
 of plaster and freestone well sifted and 
 mixed together. Used by statuaries to 
 fiU up the crevices and repair the defects 
 in stones of which their work is made. 
 This name is also given by joiners to a 
 mixture of sawdust and glue, with which 
 the imperfections of wood, after it is 
 wrought, are made good. 
 
 Badinage, badden-ahj (French). Eail- 
 lery ; light or playful discourse. It is also 
 a method of hunting wild ducks in France, 
 
 by means of a boat covered with foliage, 
 to which the birds are enticed and then 
 speared or shot. 
 
 Bagatelle, baggah-tel (French). A 
 thing of no importance ; a trifle ; a game 
 played on a board with baUs and a cue. 
 
 Bailie, bay-le. In Scotland a magis- 
 trate of a royal burgh, possessed of certain 
 jurisdiction by common law as well as by 
 statute ; the office is similar to that of 
 alderman in England. 
 
 Bailiwick. The hundred, or any other 
 district wherein a bailiff has jurisdiction. 
 
 Bairn, bayrrn (Gothic, ham. Saxon, 
 learn). The name for a child, commonly 
 used in Scotland. 
 
 Bait, bate (Saxon, latan, a bite). Food 
 placed in such a manner as to tempt and 
 allure; hence, hait for fish; and hence, 
 also, hait for travellers, who are invited to 
 take refreshment at an inn. 
 
 Balance of Power. That division 
 of territory and degree of pohtical power 
 which the European sovereigns severally 
 enjoy, and which, placed one against the 
 other, forms a sort of balance in the scale 
 ct monarchy. 
 
 Balderdash, bawlder - dash (Welsh, 
 haldarddus, babbling). Unmeaning dis- 
 course ; ribaldry ; a mere jargon of words. 
 
 Baldric, bawl-drik (Saxon, helt, belt ; 
 ric, rich). A girdle, belt, or sash, but 
 most commonly a sword-belt. 
 
 Baleful, bail-fuU (Saxon, healofull). 
 Full of misery; sorrowful; replete with 
 mischief. 
 
 Balkers, baw-kurz. The name applied 
 to persons who take up their station on 
 the sea-shore, for the purpose of directing 
 fishermen to the herring- shoals. 
 
 Ballad, bal-lad (Italian, hallata, from 
 hallare, to dance). A baUad was originally 
 a song sung while dancing. 
 
 Ballast, bal-last (Dutch, hallaste). Any 
 heavy material placed in the hold of a ship 
 to keep her course steady and prevent her 
 from pitching or rolling. Ships are said to 
 be in ballast when sailing without a cargo. 
 The same term is also applied to the ma- 
 terial used in fiUing up the spaces between 
 the rails on a railway. 
 
 Ballet, bal-ay (French, hallet). A 
 theatrical dance ; a representation by 
 which a story is told through the medium 
 of gestures and pantomime, accompanied 
 by dancing, and without speaking. 
 
30 
 
 BAL 
 
 Ballot, bal-lut (Jrench, hallotte, a small 
 ball). A method of voting by means of a 
 little ball or ticket being put into a box. 
 
 Balsam, bawl-sum (Greek, halsamon). 
 An aromatic substance exuding from plants 
 and trees ; that which gives ease. 
 
 Bambino, bam-beeno (Italian, lam- 
 hino). The iiifant figure of our Saviour 
 wrapped in swaddling-clothes, secured by 
 ligatures ; as babies are dressed in Italy 
 and the South of Europe, Such represen- 
 tations occasionally form altar-pictures, 
 the infant being surrounded by a halo 
 and group of angels. 
 
 Bam.boozle, bam-boozul (from ham, 
 a cant word signifying a cheat). To trick ; 
 to deceive ; to impose upon. 
 
 Ban (Saxon, hannan, to proclaim), A 
 public notice given of anything, whereby it 
 is. openly commanded or forbidden; a 
 curse ; a proclamation or edict ; hence the 
 pubhcation of banns of marriage. 
 
 Banana, ba-naynah. An Indian name 
 for the fruit of a plant which grows in the 
 West Indies and other tropical countries. 
 It consists chiefly of a soft and luscious 
 pulp, which is frequently converted into a 
 kind of bread. 
 
 Banco, bang-ko (Italian, banco, bank). 
 Used for describing the bank-money of 
 Hamburg and other places. In law, supe- 
 rior courts are said to sit in lanco during 
 term, the judges occupying the benches of 
 their respective courts. 
 
 Bandana, ban-dannah. An Indian 
 name for those silk handkerchiefs with a 
 uniformly dyed ground, usually blue or red, 
 with figures of a circular, lozenge, or other 
 simple form. The same term is applied to 
 a style of calico-printing, in which white or 
 brightly-coloured spots are produced on a 
 red or dark ground. 
 
 Bandy, ban-de (from landy, an instru- 
 ment lent at the bottom for striking balls 
 at play). To beat to and fro ; to give word 
 for word ; hence, also handy-legs. 
 
 Bane, bain (Saxon, hane, destruction, 
 death). Deadly poison ; mischief ; ruin. 
 
 Bankrupt, bank-rupt (Latin, hancuz, 
 a bench ; ruptus, broken). A man in- 
 debted beyond the power of payment. 
 This word originated in Italy when the 
 money-changers had benches, and when 
 any became unable to pay, their hench was 
 broken by the public functionaries. 
 
 Banshee, ban-she. An Irish fairy, 
 formerly believed to appear in the shape 
 
 L-lli 
 
 of a diminutive old woman, and to chant 
 in a mournful strain, under the windows of 
 a house, the approaching death of some 
 member of the families of the great. In 
 Scotland, the banshi was caUed the fairy's 
 wife, and was equally busied in giving in- 
 timation of approaching death. 
 
 Banyan, ban-yan. The Indian fig- 
 tree (ficus Indica). The branches of this 
 famous tree descend, take root, and are in 
 time converted into gi'eat trunks, so that 
 a single tree, with all its props and stems, 
 may cover a space of two thousand feet in 
 circumference. 
 
 Baptism, bap-tizum (Greek, bapto, to 
 dip). The act of baptising, by immersion 
 or sprinkling, practised as a rite on admis- 
 sion into the Christian Church. 
 
 Barb (Latin, barba, a beard). Any- 
 thing that grows in the place of a beard ; 
 the points which stand back in an arrow 
 or fishing-hook ; also, a Barbary horse re- 
 markable for its swiftness. 
 
 Barbecue, bar-bekew. In the West 
 Indies, a hog roasted whole, With us, any 
 animal dressed whole. 
 
 Bard (Welsh, hardd, a poet). The 
 ancient poets among both the Gauls and 
 the Britons ; they were also musicians and 
 the instructors of the people, and were held 
 in great reverence. 
 
 Bargain, bar-gan (Welsh, bargen, to 
 engage). A contract or agreement con- 
 cerning the sale of something ; the thing 
 bought or sold ; an article obtained 
 for less than the usual price; interested 
 dealing. 
 
 Baritone, barry-tone (Greek, baryo, 
 heavy ; tonos, a tone). A male voice 
 partaking of the common bass and 
 tenor. 
 
 Bark, or, Barque. A three-masted 
 vessel, having her fore and main-masts 
 rigged like those of a ship, but her mizen- 
 mast rigged like a schooner's main-mast. 
 
 Barm (Saxon, bearma, coming from 
 beer). Yeast ; the substance used in 
 making leavened bread and fermenting 
 liquors. 
 
 Barometer, ba-rommy-tur (Greek, 
 baros, weight ; metron, a measure). An 
 instrument for measuring the weight of 
 the atmosphere, and the variations in it, 
 in order chiefly to determine the changes 
 of the weather. 
 
 Baron, bar-run (French, baron). A- 
 title of nobihty next below that of viscount 
 
and above that of baronet. Barons of the 
 Mxcheqmr are fovir judges, wlio detei-mine 
 causes between the sovereign and the sub- 
 jects relative to revenue^ Barons of the 
 Cinque Ports are members of the House of 
 Commons, elected for the seven Cinque 
 Ports, two for each. 
 
 Baronet, baron-et. A degree of honour 
 next below a baron, and above a knight ; 
 it is the lowest degree of honour that is 
 hereditary. 
 
 Barony, barrun-e. The honom* and 
 territory which give title to a baron, inclu- 
 ding the fees and lands of lords temporal 
 and spiritual. 
 
 Barouche, ba-roosh. A light four- 
 wheeled open carriage with a m.ovable top, 
 and seats placed opposite each other. 
 
 Barratry, barrat-ry. In law, foul prac- 
 tice. In marine insurance, when the mas- 
 ter of a ship, or the mariners defraud the 
 owners, or insurers, whether by running 
 away with the ship, sinking or deserting 
 her, or embezzling the cargo. 
 
 Barricado, barry-kahdo (Spanish, har- 
 racada). In fortification, a defence con- 
 structed of stakes shod with iron ; crossed 
 at the top with battens and erected in 
 comers of streets. The term is also used 
 to imply a bamcade of any kind. 
 
 Barrister, barris-tur. A counsellor 
 admitted to plead at the har. An inner 
 barrister is one who is a sergeant or Queen's 
 counsel; an outer barrister is one who 
 pleads outside the bar. The term bar, in 
 law, originates from the bar placed to 
 hinder persons from incommoding the 
 court. 
 
 Barrow, bar-ro (Saxon, heorg). HiUs 
 or mounts raised by the Saxons in honour 
 of those who died on the field of battle. 
 
 Barytes, ba-rytez (Greek, haros, 
 
 weight). A ponderous earth, very brittle, 
 
 and perfectly soluble in boiling sulphuric 
 
 acid. It is compounded of oxygen and 
 
 1 barium. 
 
 Basalt, ba-zawlt (etymology uncertain). 
 I A hard, dark-coloured stone, supposed to 
 . be of volcanic origin. 
 
 BasBleu,bah-bluh (French, bas, stock- 
 ing ; l)leu, blue). Blue-stocking ; a term 
 applied to a learned, pedantic woman. The 
 name is supposed to arise from one of the 
 acting members of a society of literary 
 ladies wearing blue stockings. 
 
 Base (Greek, basis, the bottom). Low 
 !a value; mean; worthless. In architec- 
 
 BAS 
 
 31 
 
 ture, the foot of a pillar, by which it is 
 sustained. 
 
 Bashaw, bash-aw. A title of honour 
 in the Turkish dominions given to the 
 grand officers of the court, as the capudan 
 bashaw, the admiral or commander at 
 sea; bostangi bashaw, the chief officer of 
 the garden, &c. It is more frequently 
 written and pronounced Pasha, or Pacha. 
 
 Basis, bay-sis (Greek, basis, thebottom). 
 Originally, the step or walk of an animal on 
 the sole of the foot, on which the body is 
 supported in walking; hence the word 
 basis is used to express the foundation or 
 support of an argument, calculation, &c. 
 
 Bass, base (Italian, basso). In music, 
 the lowest compass of the human voice, 
 usually ranging from G or F below the 
 bass-staff to D or E above it ; it also 
 signifies generally the lowest or deepest 
 pai^i of any composition. Thorough-bass is 
 that which proceeds without intermission 
 from the beginning to the end. Ground- 
 bass is that which commences with some 
 subject of its own, which is continually re- 
 peated through the movement, whilst the 
 upper parts pursue a different air. Covm- 
 ter-bass is the second, when there are seve- 
 ral in the same concert. 
 
 Basso Relievo, basso relly-eevo 
 (Italian, basso, low; relievo, relief). A 
 term used to denote sculptured represent- 
 ations raised upon a flat surface, or back- 
 ground, in such a manner as to project 
 from it less than one-haK of the general 
 depth of the figure ; it is also called bass 
 relief 
 
 Bastile, bas-teel (French, bastille, a 
 castle with towers or ditches). Originally, 
 a royal castle bvdlt for the defence of 
 Paris ; afterwards used as a state prison, 
 and destroyed by the populace during the 
 French Kevolution in 1789. 
 
 Bastinado, bastee-nahdo. A punish- 
 ment used among the Turks, consisting in 
 beating the offender on the soles of the 
 feet with a baston or wooden club. 
 
 Bastion, bas-tshun (Old French, baster, 
 to build). In fortification, a large mass of 
 earth excavated from the ditch, usually 
 faced with sods or bricks, and standing 
 out from the ramparts, of which it forms 
 the principal part. The leading principle 
 in the construction of a bastion is, that 
 every part of it should be defended by the 
 flanking fire of some other part of the 
 works. 
 
 i 
 
32 
 
 BAT 
 
 BEA 
 
 Bat-fowling, bat-fowl-ing. A method 
 of catGhing birds at night while they are 
 roostiog in bushes, hedges, &c. One of 
 the party carries a torch, while another 
 beats the bushes ; the birds fly towards the 
 light, and are caught either by the hand 
 or in nets. 
 
 Bathos, ba-thos (Greek, hatlws, depth), 
 A ludicrous descent from the elevated to 
 the mean in writing or speaking. 
 
 Baton, bat-ong (French, haton, a staff). 
 The staff or truncheon given as a symbol 
 of authority to generals in the French 
 army; the staff of a field-marshal. In 
 music, a rest of four semibreves ; also the 
 staff with which the conductor of a band 
 beats time. 
 
 Batta, bat-tah. Allowances made to 
 troops in India. Dry batta is money given 
 in lieu of rations : wet batta, what is given 
 in kind. 
 
 Battalion, bat-talyun. A body of in- 
 fantry, generally from five to eight hun- 
 dred in number. A battalion of the line 
 is usually composed of ten companies; 
 each consists of a lieutenant, an ensign, 
 three or four sergeants, and about seventy- 
 five rank and file, under the charge of a 
 captain. A regular staff of field-officers 
 is appointed to every battalion ; the whole 
 being under the immediate command of a 
 lieutenant- colonel. A hattalion was origi- 
 nally so called from battalia, a body of men 
 arrayed in the order of battle. 
 
 Batten, bat-tn (Teutonic, batten). To 
 glut or satiate one's self ; to grow fat and 
 gross ; to live luxuriously; applied to land, 
 to make fruitful. 
 
 Battens. In nautical affaii-s, long nar- 
 row slips of wood nailed to the coverings 
 of a vessel's hatches, in order to secure 
 the tarpaulings which are placed over the 
 hatches when required. This is called 
 battening down the hatdies. Battens are 
 also nailed in different parts of a vessel, to 
 prevent those parts becoming chafed. 
 
 Battery, batter-e (French, battre, to 
 beat down). The name given to any place 
 where cannon or mortars are mounted, 
 either for the purpose of attacking the 
 forces of an enemy, or of battering the 
 fortification. 
 
 Battle-piece. A painting which re- 
 presents a battle, exhibiting large masses 
 of men, or men and horses, in action. 
 
 Battue, bat-too (French, battue). In 
 bunting, a term denoting the practice of 
 
 beating the bushes, and making a loud' 
 noise for the purpose of turning out foxes 
 and other animals of the chace. 
 
 Bawbee, baw-bee. A word used in 
 Scotland and the northern counties of 
 England, for halfpenny. The term baw- 
 bee took its rise from a copper coin issued 
 after the death of James the Fourth of 
 Scotland. He was slain in the battle of 
 Flodden Field, and left a son a year old as 
 his heu'. The effigy of the infant king was 
 stinick upon a coin of the value of a half- 
 penny ; and this piece of money was hence 
 called the baby, which in the Scottish pro- 
 nunciation becomes bawbee. 
 
 Bawn. A word used in Ireland for a 
 place near the house, inclosed with mud 
 or stone walls, to keep the cattle in during 
 the night; but its original signification 
 was a fortified inclosure. 
 
 Bay, bai (Teutonic, baeye, bulge). An 
 arm of the sea, smaller than a gulf and 
 larger than a creek. Bay, as applied to 
 windows, is the same as bow. 
 
 Bay-colour. A colour in horses re- 
 semblmg the bay-leaf when dried. 
 
 Bayonet, bayo-net. A kind of trian- 
 gular dagger made to fit on to the muzzle 
 of a firelock, so as not to interfere with 
 the firing. It is a weapon used with great 
 effect in attacking an enemy, or in receiv- 
 ing the charge of cavahy. The name 
 originates from Bayonne, in France, where 
 the instrument was first made. 
 
 Bay Salt. A salt made of sea-water, 
 which is hardened by the heat of the sun, 
 and receives its name from its brown colom*. 
 It is made by letting the sea-water into 
 square pits or basins ; its surface being 
 struck and agitated by the rays of the sun, 
 it thickens at first imperceptibly and be- 
 comes covered with a shght crust, which, 
 hardening by the continuance of the heat, 
 is wholly converted into salt. 
 
 Bays, baiz (Greek, baion, a branch). A 
 poetical name for any honorary crown or 
 garland, bestowed as a prize for any kind 
 of victory or excellence ; or figuratively, 
 for learning itself. 
 
 Bazaar, ba-zar (an Oriental word, sig- 
 nifying sale). An exchange, marketrplace, 
 or spacious haU for the sale of mer- 
 chandise. 
 
 Beacon, beek-un (Saxon, hecun). A »» 
 signal raised on an eminence, composed of 
 some combustible matter, to be fired at 
 night on the approach of an enemy. Also, 
 any object serving as an occasional signal j 
 
BEA 
 
 BEN 
 
 33 
 
 ©r as a constant sea-mark, by means of 
 which ships may be warned of danger or 
 assured of the port. 
 
 Beadle, be-dl (Saxon, lydel). A petty 
 officer in a court or parish ; a messenger 
 or servitor of a public body. 
 
 Bead-roll (Saxon, head, a prayer). A 
 list or catalogue of a certain number of 
 prayers for the souls of the dead, which 
 are generally counted by the members of 
 the Romish Chm'ch on their beads. 
 
 Bear. In commercial phraseology, one 
 tvho contracts to deliver or sell a certain 
 quantity of stock in the public funds on a 
 forthcoming day at a stated place, but who 
 does not possess it, trusting to a fall in 
 public securities to enable him to fulfil the 
 agreement and realise a profit. The term 
 arises from an old proverb, to the effect 
 that he who disposes of that which is not 
 yet in his possession, sells the skin before 
 he has caught the hear. See Bull- 
 Beatitude, be-attytude (Latin, heattcs, 
 blessed). Happiness ; felicity ; usually 
 applied to the joys of heaven. 
 
 Beau, bo (French, lean, a fop). An 
 effeminate person of the male sex, who is 
 passionately fond of dress and of decora- 
 ting his person ; also the accepted sviitor 
 of a lady. 
 
 Beau Ideal, bo-i-deal (French, heaic, 
 beautiful ; ideal, imaginary). In painting, 
 that beauty which is fi-eed from the deform- 
 ity and peculiarity found in nature, in aU 
 individuals of a species ; its general signi- 
 ficance is a model of excellence which the 
 mind or the fancy has depicted to itself. 
 
 Beau Monde, bo-mond (French, heaic, 
 fine ; monde, world). The fashionable 
 world ; the select portions of society. 
 
 Bed of a River. The bottom of a 
 channel in which the stream or current 
 usually flows; 
 
 Bedlam, bed-lam (corrupted from 
 Bethlem). The name of a religious house 
 in London, aftei-wards converted into a 
 hospital for lunatics ; the term is now gene- 
 rally applied to all mad-houses and lunatic 
 asylums ; and coloquially to any place 
 where there is much noise and discori 
 
 Bedouin, bed-ooin (Arabic, hedoum). 
 The name of certain Arabs who live in tents 
 and are widely scattered. The term is 
 applied generally to a wandering vagabond. 
 
 Beefeaters (corrupted from the 
 French word hufetieis, of buffet, a side- 
 faoai\l ; in allusion to their being stationed 
 
 by the sideboard at royal dinners). Tiie 
 yeomen of the Queen's guard. 
 
 Beelzebub, be-el-zebub (Hebrew, Baa- 
 Km zehahim, the lord of sacrifices). A 
 god of the Philistines, who had a famous 
 temple at Ekron. A name given to the 
 Prince of Darkness. 
 
 Beetle-browed, bee-tul browd. 
 Having prominent brows; heavy like a 
 beetle. 
 
 Behemoth, be-he-moth. An animal 
 mentioned in the Book of Job, which some 
 naturalists suppose to be identical with 
 the sea-horse. 
 
 Bel-Esprit, bel-espree (French, hel, 
 vivacious ; esprit, wit). An agreeable viva- 
 city in conversation or writing. 
 
 Beldam, bel-dam. An old woman ; a 
 hag. The term is probably derived from 
 old French, helle dame, signifying an old 
 woman, as helle age means old age. 
 
 Beleaguer, be-le-gur (Danish, helegcren, 
 to besiege). To besiege ; to block up in a 
 place ; to sxirround with an army. 
 
 Belle, bel (French, helle, a beauty). A 
 beautiful, gay young lady. 
 
 Belles Lettres, bel let-ter (French, 
 helles, elegant ; lettres, literature). A term 
 meaning polite literature. Its significance 
 is somewhat vague, but it is generally 
 understood to be restricted to poetry, 
 rhetoric, and such prose writings as lay 
 claim to elegance of style. 
 
 Belle vue, bel - vuh (French, helU^ 
 beautiful ; vue, prospect). A term applied 
 to houses, terraces, &c., which are so 
 situated as to command an extensive 
 view of the coimtry. 
 
 Bellicose, belly-koze (Latin, helium, 
 war). Warlike ; contentious. 
 
 Belligerent, bel-lidjerent (Latin, hel- 
 ium, war ; gero, to caiTy on). An epithet 
 apphed to states that are at war, or a war- 
 like tendency. 
 
 Bell Metal. A composition of tin 
 and copper, usually consisting of three 
 parts of copper and one of tin. Less tin 
 is used for church bells than for clock 
 bells, and for very small beJls a small 
 quantity of zinc is added to the alloy. 
 
 Bell-wether. A wether or sheep that 
 leads the flock with a bell on his neck. 
 
 Ben. A Hebrew prefix signifying son, 
 as ^e?i-jamin. 
 
 Benchers. The senior members of 
 the Society in the Inns of Court. Thej 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 BEN 
 
 BJE 
 
 have been readers, and being admitted to 
 plead within the bar, are called inner 
 barristers. 
 
 Bend. In heraldry, a broad line di'awn 
 from one comer of the escutcheon to the 
 other ; supposed to represent a shoulder- 
 belt or scarf, as a symbol of the bearer 
 having been valiant in war. The bend 
 dexter is formed by two lines drawn from 
 the upper part of the shield, on the right, 
 to the lower part of the left diagonals. 
 The bend sinister is that which is traced 
 from the left side of the shield to the 
 right. 
 
 Benedict. Benny-dikt. A newly- 
 married man ; derived from the name of 
 Benedick, one of the characters in Shakes- 
 peare's Much Ado about Nothing. 
 
 Benefice, benny-fis (Latin, bene, well ; 
 facia, to make). A name applied to all 
 Church preferments except bishoprics, 
 deaneries, archdeaneries, and prebenda- 
 ries. It is more especially appropriated 
 to parsonages, rectories, and vicarages. 
 
 Benefit of Clergy. In law, a privi- 
 lege at first peculiar to clergymen, but 
 afterwards made available to such of the 
 la,ity as could read, they thereby being 
 considered clerks. It consisted in the ex- 
 emption, wholly or partially, from the juris- 
 diction of the lay tribtmals. The felon, on 
 being convicted by the latter, claimed 
 benefit of clergy, had a book put into his 
 hands, and if the ordinary pronounced 
 these words. Legit ut clericus, "he reads 
 like a clergyman," the culprit was handed 
 over to the Ecclesiastical Court, for a new 
 trial or purgation, which in the majority 
 of cases resulted in the acquittal of the 
 accused. Benefit of Clergy was abolished 
 in the reign of George the Fourth. 
 
 Ben^alese, ben-ga-leez. A native or 
 -the natives of Bengal. 
 
 Bent Grass. A name common to all 
 the species of grasses composing the genus 
 Agrostis. There are five British species. 
 
 Berth.. A sea term ; a station at 
 which a ship rides at anchor ; an apart- 
 ment in a ship in which a number of men 
 or oflBcers reside or mess ; a sleeping-place 
 in a ship ; the place of a hammock ; an 
 office or situation in which a person is 
 employed. 
 
 Betrothment, beet-roath-ment. In 
 law, a mutual promise or compact between 
 two parties, by which they bind themselves 
 to marry. The word imports giving one's 
 troth; that is, truth, faith, or promise. 
 
 Bevel, bev-el. The slant of a surface 
 at an angle greater or less than a right 
 angle ; also an instrument used by masons, 
 carpenters, joiners, &c. It differs from a 
 square in having a movable tongue, so 
 that the instrument may be set to any 
 angle. 
 
 Bevy, bev-e (Italian, beva, a flock). A 
 flock of birds ; a company of persons ; 
 applied generally, though not exclusively, 
 to an assemblage of ladies. 
 
 Bezel, bez-el. That part of a ring in 
 which the stone is set. 
 
 Bezonian, be-zonean. A low fellow ; 
 a person addi9ted to vulgar habits. 
 
 Bias, bi-as (Greek, bios, force). Origi- 
 nally, a weight on one side of a bowl to 
 make it turn from a straight direction ; 
 hence, an undue tendency or inchnation of 
 the mind to any particular study, pursuit, 
 or opinion. 
 
 Bibber, bib-bur (Latin, bibere, to drink). 
 An habitual drinker; a tippler. Hence 
 also, bib, which means properly a cloth 
 tucked under the chin of a child during 
 the process of eating and drinking. 
 
 Bible, bi-bl (Greek, biblion, the book). 
 The name applied by way of eminence to 
 the collection of sacred writings forming 
 the Old and New Testaments. 
 
 Biblio gr ap her, biblee-ograh-far 
 (Greek, biblos, a book ; grapho, to write). 
 A person skilled in the history of books 
 and literature ; one who compiles a history 
 of literary productions. 
 
 Bibliomania, biblee-o-maineah 
 (Greek, biblos, a book ; mania, madness). 
 Book-madness ; a disease which manifests 
 itself in an over-anxiety to obtain old and 
 scarce editions of books, without any 
 consistent regard to the value of their 
 contents. 
 
 Bibliopolist, biblee-opolist (Greek, 
 biblos, a book ; poleo, to sell). A book- 
 seller. 
 
 Bicarbonate, bi-karbon-ait (Latin, bis, 
 twice ; carbonate). A carbonate contain- 
 ing two equivalents of the acid to one ot 
 the base. 
 
 Biennial, by-en-yal (Latin, biennis, 
 lasting two years). Continuing for two 
 years. In botany, a class of plants which 
 do not bear flowers and seed till the 
 second year, after bearing which they die. 
 
 Biestings, bees-tingz (Saxon, byst). 
 The first milk given by a cow after 
 calving. 
 
Bia 
 
 BIS 
 
 35 
 
 Bigamy, bigga-me (Latin, lis, twice ; 
 Greek, gamos, marriage). The crime 
 of having two wives or husbands at a 
 time. 
 
 Bight, bite (Danish, hoyt). The double 
 part of a rope when folded ; .the coU of a 
 cable, not including its ends ; a bend or 
 small bay between two points of land. 
 
 Bigot, big-got. A person perversely 
 and obstinately attached to a party, creed, 
 sect, or practice ; a blind zealot. The 
 etymology of this word is uncertain ; but 
 some authorities have traced it to beautta, 
 one of the appellations of the order of 
 nuns, called Begfuins, who were distin- 
 guished for their excessive zeal. 
 
 Bijou, be-zhoo (French, Mjou). A jewel; 
 trimket; anytMngvery precious, diminu- 
 tive, or delicate. 
 
 Bilbo, bil-bo. A rapier or sword, re- 
 ceiving its name from BUboa, in Spain, 
 where the best kinds were manufac- 
 tured. 
 
 Bilboes, bil-boze. In ships, long bars 
 of iron with shackles sliding on them, and 
 a lock at the end, used to confine the feet 
 of offenders. Hence, also, the punish- 
 ment of offenders in this way is called by 
 the same name, and is equivalent to the 
 punishment of the stocks on land. 
 
 Bilge, bilj (Gothic, lulgia, to swell). 
 The protuberant part of a cask, which is 
 usually in the middle. The bilge of a ship 
 is the \mder part of the ship's-floor, which 
 approaches to a horizontal direction, and 
 on which the vessel would rest if aground. 
 When this portion of the ship is fractured, 
 she is said to be bilged ; the water which 
 lies in the bilge is called the bilge-water, 
 and the pump adapted to withdraw it is 
 called the bilge-pump. 
 
 Bin of Jlealth. A certificate or in- 
 strument signed by consuls or other pro- 
 per authorities, and delivered to the mas- 
 ters of ships at the time of their clearing 
 out from all ports or places suspected of 
 being particularly liable to infectious dis- 
 orders, certifying the state of health at 
 the time such ship sailed. A clean bill of 
 liealth imports that at the time the ship 
 saUed no infectious disorder was known 
 to exist there. A suspected bill of liealth, 
 commonly called a touched patent or bill, 
 imports that no infectious disease had 
 actually broken out, but that there eS:isted 
 rumours of such. A foul bill of health de- 
 notes that the place was affected when the 
 vessel left; tnis latter circumstance is 
 
 commonly known by the absence of a 
 clean bill, a foul bill not having been 
 worth leaving. 
 
 Billet (French). A small note or paper 
 in writing ; a ticket directing soldiers 
 where to lodge. Billet-doux, a love mis- 
 sive, an affectionately-written epistle. 
 
 Billion, bil-yun (Latin, his, twice; 
 million). A million of mUlions ; in figures, 
 1,000,000,000,000. 
 
 Bills of Mortality. Periodical re- 
 gisters of the deaths and burials which 
 take place in and near London. Thfse bills 
 usually contain, also, a summary of births, 
 christenings, &c. 
 
 Bilocular, bi-lokewlar (Latin, bis, 
 twice ; loculus, a small place or cell). 
 Having two cells. 
 
 Bimana, bi-maynah (Latin, his, twice ; 
 manus, a hand). Two-handed animals. 
 The bimana constitute the first order of 
 mammalia — comprehends but one genus, 
 and that genus is man. 
 
 Binnacle, bin-nah-kl (French, hoiU 
 d'aguille, needle-box). A box containing 
 a ship's compass, and the ship's light, to 
 show it at night. 
 
 Biographer, byograh-fur (Greek, Hos, 
 life; grapho, to write). One who writes 
 an account or history of the life and ac- 
 tions of a particular person; a writer of 
 lives. 
 
 Biology, byollo-jy (Greek, hios, life; 
 logos, a discovtrse). A description of life 
 and of the animal structure in its Uviog 
 state ; the science of life ; physiology. 
 
 Biparous, bip-parus (Latin, bis, two at 
 one time ; pario, to bring forth). Pro- 
 ducing two at a birth. 
 
 Biped, by-ped (Latin, bis, twice ; pedes, 
 a foot). An animal with two feet. 
 
 Bird's-eye TobtiH^co. A kind of 
 
 tobacco which has in it rmmerous diminu- 
 tive knots resembling the eyes of birds. 
 
 Bird's-eye View. A term applied 
 to pictures of places, and to landscapes, 
 denoting that such a view might be ob- 
 tained by a bird in the air. 
 
 Biscuit, bis-kit (Latin, bis, twice: 
 coctus, baked). A kind of bread baked 
 very hard. Among the Romans, the hit- 
 cuit was tioice prepared in the oven, and a 
 diminution of one-fourth was ordinarily 
 calciilated upon as the consequent loss ol 
 weight. 
 
36 BIS 
 
 bisection, be-sekslmn (Latin, bis, 
 twice ; sico, to cut). A diidsion into two 
 equal pai-ts, as the cutting of an orange 
 into halves. 
 
 Bishop, bish-up. A prelate or person 
 consecrated for the spiritual government 
 of a diocese. The derivation of this word 
 is from the Latin episcopus, (Greek, epis- 
 hopos). By the omission of the first sylla- 
 ble, and the usual apocope (piscop), and 
 the change of p into 6 (biscop), and sc 
 into sh, the word bishop is produced. The 
 term means literally an overseer, or over- 
 looker. 
 
 Bissextile, bis-sekstil. Leap-year. A 
 year consising of 366 days, the additional 
 day being added to the month of February. 
 This is done every fourth year, on account 
 of the excess of six hours, by which the 
 ordinary year really exceeds 365 days. 
 The name is derived as follows: — The 
 Romans, instead of making a 29th day 
 of February, reckoned the 24:th day twice, 
 and called the 24th day sexto calendas 
 Martias ; that is, the sixth day before the 
 kalends of March. This, with the prefix 
 bis, to denote that it was reckoned twice, 
 gave the name bissextilis, which we vsrite 
 bissextile, to the leap-yeax. 
 
 Bitter Principle. The bitter parts 
 of vegetable substances, which may be 
 extracted by chemical processes. 
 
 Bitumen, bit-u-men (Latin, from 
 Greek, pitis, the pitch-tree). The generic 
 name given to a number of inflammable 
 substances, found in a liquid or viscid 
 state. It constitutes the inflammable 
 principle of coal, and is a compound of 
 carbon and hydrogen. 
 
 Bivalves, by-valvs (Latin, bis, twice ; 
 valvce, shutters). That class of shell-fish, 
 the shells of which are composed of two 
 pieces or valves, formed together by a 
 hinge, as the oyster and the mussel. 
 
 Bivouac, biv-wak (French, bivouac). 
 The guard or watch of a whole army during 
 th« night; also the modern system by 
 which the soldiers in service lie in the 
 open air without tents, in opposition to 
 the old system of camps and cantonments. 
 
 Bizarre, be-zar (French, bizarre). Odd ; 
 fantastic; strange; whimsical. 
 
 Black Act. The statute 9 Geo. I., 
 which makes it felony to appear armed in 
 any park or warren, for the pm-pose of 
 hunting deer ; or stealing fish from rivers, 
 and with the face blackened, or otherwise 
 •*tafigured. 
 
 BLA 
 
 Black Art. Necromancy; witchcraft; 
 or sleight-of-hand, so called from its being 
 conjectured that the professors are aided 
 in their operations by diabolical agency. 
 
 Blackballing. The act of voting 
 against any person or thing — usually a 
 candidate for admission into a club or so- 
 ciety — by di'opping into the ballot-box a 
 ball, commonly of a black colour. 
 
 Black Cattle. A general name far 
 all cattle of the ox kind, reared expi-essly 
 for slaughter, in distinction to dairy-cattle. 
 
 Black Letter. The old English 
 alphabet. 
 
 Black Mail. In Scotland, a soit of 
 yearly payment, formerly made for pro- 
 tection to those bands of armed men who, 
 down to the middle of the eighteenth cen- 
 tury, laid many parts of the country under 
 contribution. The term is still used con- 
 ventionally, to imply any fee or gratuity 
 which is made compulsory, and takes the 
 form of exaction. Mail, in this case, 
 means tax or rent. 
 
 Black Monday. A day so termed 
 from Easter Monday, the 14th of April, in 
 the thirty-fourth year of the reign of 
 Edward III., the British troops then lying 
 before Paris, and the day being remarkably 
 dark and cold. This term is applied to 
 any day that has disagreeable associations, 
 as the day on which boys return to school 
 after their holidays, or the day when Par- 
 liament resumes its functions, &c. 
 
 Black Bod. A name given to the 
 usher who carries the black rod, with a 
 golden lion on the top of it, at assemblies 
 of the order of the Garter, and in Par- 
 liament. 
 
 Blanc-mange, bluh-mawnj (French, 
 blanc, white ; manger, to eat). In cookery, 
 a preparation of isinglass, milk, sugar, 
 cinnamon, &c., boiled into a thick con- 
 sistence, and served to table as a kind of 
 jelly. 
 
 Blank Verse. Any kind of verse in 
 which there is not rhyme. 
 
 Blaspliem.y, blas-feemy (Greek, bltipto, 
 to strike or hurt ; plienie, reputation). Ir- 
 reverent or impious langiiage uttered 
 respecting the Deity or his atti-ibutes. 
 
 Blast Furnace, blast furnas. A fur- 
 nace blown by means of steam-power, used 
 chiefly for smelting iron and other refrac- 
 tory ores. 
 
 Blatant, bla-tant (Saxon, blceian). 
 Bellowing like a calf ; noisy. 
 
BLA 
 
 Slazou, bla-zun (Dutch, hloazen, to 
 blow). In herakiry, the art of expressing 
 the several parts of a coat of arms in 
 proper terms. All persons beneath the 
 degjee of a noble must have their coats 
 Uazoned by metals and colours. The term 
 is derived from the fact of a herald Uowing 
 a trurapet and calling out the arms of a 
 knight when he entered the lists at a 
 tournament. In this sense, blazon is used 
 figuratively for making anjrthing public. 
 
 Blockade, blok-aid (Teutonic, llocTc- 
 hiiys). A fortress or bulwark erected to 
 stop up or to secure a passage, A town 
 or fortress is said to be blockaded when 
 all ingress and egress is precluded by the 
 troops which siirround it. The object of 
 the blockade is generally to compel the 
 garrison to surrender, when the provisions 
 and ammxmition shall be expended. 
 
 Blockhead, blok-hed. A figurative ex- 
 pression, used to imply a person of dull 
 apprehension; want of parts; intensely 
 dull — whose head may be said to be like a 
 block of wood or stone. 
 
 Blood Hound. A variety of the com- 
 mon dog, remarkable for its perfection of 
 the sense of smell. Owing to this circum- 
 stance, the blood-hound was formerly much 
 employed in pui-suing criminals, and track- 
 ing runaways. 
 
 Blue Peter. In nautical affairs, a flag 
 having a blue ground, with a white square 
 in the centre. It is hoisted as a signal 
 that the ship is about to sail. 
 
 Boatswain, bose-un (boat, and Saxon 
 Sicein, a servant). An officer on board of 
 .ships, who has charge of the boats, sails, 
 rigging, colours, anchors, cables, and cor- 
 dage. His office is also to summon the 
 crev.' to their duty, to relieve the watch, 
 assist in the necessary business of the ship, 
 seizing and pimishing offenders, &c. The 
 hoatswain's mate has charge of the long- 
 i)oat, for sotting forth and weighing an- 
 chors, warping, towing, and mooring. 
 
 Bolt Rope. In nautical affairs, the 
 rope to which the edges of the sails are 
 so:.'cA to strengthen them. That part of 
 it en the perpendicidar side is called the 
 hack rope ; those at the bottom, the foot- 
 rope; that at the top, the head-rope. 
 
 Bomb, bum (Greek, homhos, a buzz, a 
 noise). In artillery, a hollow iron ball or 
 shell, filled with gunpowder, and furnished 
 vdih a vent for a fusee, or tube filled with 
 oombustible matter, to be thrown out from 
 :» rnortar ; its name is taken from the loud 
 noise made by its report. 
 
 BOO 
 
 37 
 
 Bombard, bum-bard. To assault a 
 town or fortress by projecting into it 
 bombs, shells, &c., in order to set fire to 
 and destroy the houses, magazines, and 
 other buildings. 
 
 Bombast, bum-bast. A stuff of a 
 loose texture, formerly used to swell gar- 
 ments ; hence, an inflated style or manner 
 is termed bombast. 
 
 Bomb ketch, bum-ketch. A small 
 vessel strongly built, and strengthened 
 with large (".teams to bear the shock of a 
 mortar at sea, when bombs are to be thrown 
 from it into a town. 
 
 Bona Fide, bo-nah fy-de (Latin, lonus, 
 good ; fides, faith). A term signifying in 
 good faith; without fraud or subter- 
 fuge. 
 
 Bonded Goods. Those goods for which 
 bonds are given at the Custom-house, as a 
 guarantee for the payment of duty. 
 
 Bonhomie, bo-no-me (French, hon- 
 horaie). A free and easy manner; good 
 nature; cordiality. 
 
 Bon mot, bong-mo (French, hon, good ; 
 r}iot, word). A good saying; a witty re- 
 partee. 
 
 Bonny, bon-ne (French, Ion, good, or 
 excellent). Handsome; beautiful; pleasing 
 to the sight. 
 
 Bon-ton, bong-tong( French, hon, good ; 
 ton, tone, or manner). Fashion ; the 
 height of fashion. 
 
 Bonus, bo-nus (Latin, homis, good). A 
 premium given for a loan, right, or privilege, 
 above its prime or original cost. A term 
 commonly used to express an extra divi- 
 dend or allowance to the shareholders of a 
 joint-stock company out of its accumidated 
 profits. 
 
 Bon-vivant, bong-ve-vang (French,, 
 hon, good ; vivaiit, living person). A free 
 liver ; a jovial companion. 
 
 Booby, boo-be (German, huhe, a boy). 
 In natural history, the name of a water- 
 fowl of the pelican tribe, common in the 
 West Indies; they allow themselves to b' 
 attacked by other birds, which force ther « 
 to yield up the fish they have captured. 
 The term is also applied to a dull, stupid 
 fellow, who suffers himself to be imposed 
 upon. 
 
 Bookworm. A small insect which 
 breeds and eats holes in books, especially 
 when in a damp state. This name is also 
 given to any one who is continually poring 
 over books. 
 
38 BOO 
 
 Boom, (Saxon, beam, a bar). Among 
 mariners, a long pole used to spread out 
 the clue of the studding-sail, main-sail, or 
 fore-sail, as the jib-boom, studding-sail boom, 
 main-boom, square-sail boom. A strong iron 
 chain fastened to spars, and extended across 
 a river or the mouth of a harbour, to pre- 
 vent an enemy's ships passing. A pole set 
 up as a mark to direct seamen to keep the 
 channel in shallow water. 
 
 Boon (Saxon, lene, a prayer or petition). 
 A favour granted ; a welcome present ; a 
 gift. 
 
 Borough. English, bur-ruh English. 
 A customary descent of lands or tenements 
 in certain parts of England, by which the 
 youngest son becomes inheritor instead 
 of the eldest ; or, if the late possessor had 
 no issue, to the younger instead of the 
 elder brother. The custom only holds good 
 in a few ancient boroughs and copyhold 
 manors. 
 
 Bosky, bos-ke (French, bosquet, a 
 thicket ; from bois, wood). Woody ; a- 
 botmding with wood. 
 
 Boss (French, bosse, hunch or bump). 
 A stud or ornament raised above the rest 
 of the work ; a shining prominence ; the 
 prominent part of a shield j a thick body 
 of any kindl 
 
 Botany, bot-an-e (Greek, botane, a 
 plant). The science which comprehends 
 all that relates to the vegetable kingdom. 
 
 Botch (Italian, bozza, a swelling). A 
 swelling or eruptive discolouration of the 
 skin. Figuratively, the part of any work 
 clumsUy done or ill-finished, so as to pre- 
 judice the whole. 
 
 Bottomry, bottum-re. In commerce, 
 the borrowing money upon the keel or 
 bottom of a ship, whereby, if re-payment 
 be not made on the day appointed, the 
 ship becomes the property of the creditors ; 
 also the lending of money payable on the 
 return of the ship, but not to be claimed 
 *in the event of the vessel being lost. 
 
 Boudoir, boo-dwor (French, boudoir). 
 A small room or cabinet, generally adjoin- 
 ing the bed-room or di*essing-room, for the 
 retirement of the master or mistress of the 
 house. 
 
 Boulders, bowl-ders. A provincial 
 term for large lounded blocks of stone 
 lying on the surface of the ground, or in 
 some instances embedded in the loose soil ; 
 differing in composition from the rocks in 
 their vicinity, and supposed to have been 
 transported from a distance. 
 
 BEE 
 
 Bouquet, boo-kay (French, bouqmt). A 
 nosegay ; a bunch of flowers carefully 
 cuUed and arranged with taste. 
 
 Bourbon Family, boor-bawng. A 
 line of sovereigns who reigned in France 
 from 1589 to 1848, except during the period 
 of Napoleon Buonaparte's term of power. It 
 is a branch of the stock of Capet, being 
 descended from a brother of Philip the 
 Fair. 
 
 Bourgeois, boor-zhaw (French, bouv 
 geois, a burgess). A term used generally 
 for citizen ; answering to the English 
 burgess. 
 
 Bourse, boorse (French, bourse). Lite- 
 rally, a piu-se ; used to denote the place of 
 exchange in France. 
 
 Bouts Bimes, boo -re -ma (French, 
 bouts, end ; rimes, rhymes). A terra for 
 certain rhymes which one person furnJohes 
 to the unfinished lines written down by 
 another person. 
 
 Bovine, bo-vine (Greek, hovos, an ox). 
 Eelating to cattle of the ox kind. 
 
 Bowie-knife, bow-e-nife. A long 
 knife or short sword, carried by himters 
 in the western states of America. 
 
 Bo"wline, bo-line. In nautical lan- 
 guage, a rope fastened near the middle of 
 the perpendicular edge of the square-sails, 
 and used to keep the weather- edge of the 
 sail tight forward, when the ship is close 
 hauled. 
 
 Braggad.ocio, brag^go-do-sho (from 
 Braggadocchio, the name of a vain-glorious 
 knight, in Spenser's "Faery Queen"). A 
 bragger ; a vain boaster ; one who invents 
 or exaggerates deeds of valoui' performed 
 by himself. 
 
 Brahmin, brah-min. The priests or 
 philosophers among the Hijiioos. They 
 take their title from Abraham, whom they 
 called Brahma, and affected to imitate the 
 life of the patriarch by living in deserts. 
 The word Bramah also means " knowledge 
 of laws," and is the name of the first 
 person in the Trinity of the Hindoos. 
 
 Bravura Air, brah-voorah (Italian, 
 bravura, courage). An air consisting 
 chiefly of difficult passages and divisions, 
 in which many notes are given in one 
 syllable, therefore requiring great energy 
 and spirit, as weU as considerable skill, in 
 the execution. 
 
 Breach. In military affairs, an opening 
 or gap effected in the works of any fortified 
 place, by the fire of the eno'::y.-J axtillery. 
 
BPiB 
 
 BRI 
 
 Breakers, bray-kurs. In marine lan- 
 guage, rocks wMch lie immediately under 
 the surface, and break the waves as they 
 pass over them ; when these are discerned 
 at a distance, a cry is raised of Breakers 
 a-head ! to warn the helmsman to steer out 
 of their course ; they also sijjnify the 
 billows which break against the rocks. 
 
 Breakwater. Something raised or 
 sunk at the entrance of a harbour, or any 
 projection from the land into the sea, — as 
 a mole, pier, or jetty, so placed at the en- 
 trance, that it may hreah the force of the 
 waves as they roll inwards. 
 
 Breastwork. In fortification, a para- 
 pet usually made of earth, thrown up as 
 high as the hreasts of the troops defend- 
 ing it ; also a sea term for the balustrade 
 of the quarter-deck. 
 
 Breecli. In gunnery, the hinder part 
 of a gun ; the solid part of a piece of ord- 
 nance behind the bore. 
 
 Bressummer, bes-summur (French, 
 hrasse-mur). In architecture, a beam placed 
 horizontally to support an upper wall or 
 partition ; as the lower beam of a church 
 gallery, and that over a shop window ; 
 this word is also spelt hrestsummer. 
 
 Breve, breev (Latin, hrems, short). The 
 name of a note in music ; the breve with- 
 out a dot after it, is equal to four minims, 
 and is called imperfect ; but when dotted, 
 it is equal to sis minims, and is called 
 perfect. 
 
 Brevet, bre-vet (Latin, hrevis, short). 
 A. term borrowed from the French, signify- 
 ing a royal act granting some favour or 
 privilege ; and applied in England and 
 America to a nominal rank in the army, 
 higher than the regimental commission 
 held by the officer. In garrison and brigade 
 duties, it confers precedence according to 
 seniority. Thus, a heutenant-colonel, being 
 made colonel by brevet, enjoys the pay 
 only of the former, but the honour and 
 privileges of the latter. 
 
 Breviary, breev-ya-re (Latin, Irevis, 
 short). An abridgement ; an epitome ; a 
 book containing the daily services of the 
 Romish Church, as contradistinguished 
 from the missal. 
 
 Bridewell. A name now generally 
 given in England to houses of correction. 
 The term is derived from the locality of the 
 ■ancient house of correction in London, 
 bmlt on the site of St. Brides Well, in Black- 
 friars, first built as a palace, and afterwards 
 used both as ;a hospital and a prison. 
 
 Brief, breef (Latin, hrevis, short). I 
 law, an abridgement of a client's case, con 
 taining in a concise form the proofs and 
 objections that may be urged by the oppo- 
 site side, with answers thereto written for 
 the instruction and giiidance of a counsel 
 during a trial. 
 
 Brig. A square-rigged vessel with two 
 masts. One of the peculiarities, of a brig 
 is, that she bends her boom-mainsail to the 
 mainmast. 
 
 Brigade, bre-gade (French, brigade, 
 gang). A division of troops composed of 
 several corps, or of detachments of cavalry 
 and infantry, under the command of a 
 general officer. A hriyade-major is an 
 officer appointed to assist the general com- 
 manding a brigade in all his duties. No 
 officer under the rank of a captain is^ 
 eligible to hold this post, nor can effec- 
 tive field officers of regiments be appointed 
 majors of brigade. A brigadier is the 
 general officer who has command of a 
 brigade. He is in rank next below a major- 
 general. 
 
 Brigantine, briggan-tine. A small, 
 flat, open vessel, which is propelled with 
 sails and oars, or with either, and is chiefly 
 employed in fighting or in giving chase. 
 Brigantines are used principally by the 
 corsairs or sea brigands, for the purposes of 
 piracy. Among British seamen this is a 
 square-rigged vessel with two masts, and 
 is distinguished by having her mainsails 
 set near in the plane of her keel, whereas 
 the mainsails of larger ships are hung 
 athwart. 
 
 Bring-to. In nautical language, to 
 check a vessel's course, when advancing, 
 by reg-ulating the sails, so that they shall 
 counteract each other, and keep the ship 
 almost stationary. 
 
 Brisket, bris-kit (French, h-echet, 
 breast-bone). The breast of an animal, 
 or that part of the breast adjoining the 
 ribs. ' * 
 
 Bristol Board. A kind of paper 
 made for drawing upon, formed by pasting 
 sheets of drawing-paper together, and 
 submitting them to the action of a power- 
 ful press, so named from the place of its 
 original manufacture. 
 
 Bristol Stone. A species of soft 
 diamond, found chiefly in St. Vincent's 
 Eock, near Bristol. 
 
 Bristol "Waters. Mineral waters of 
 the lowest teinperatur6 of any in Eugland,_ 
 
40 
 
 BRO 
 
 BUh 
 
 being the fourth in degree among the 
 waters which are esteemed warm. 
 
 Broach to. In navigation, to incline 
 suddenly to windward of a ship's course, 
 when she sails with a large wind ; or, when 
 she sails directly before the wind, to 
 deviate suddenly from the ship's line of 
 course, bringing her side to windward, 
 and thereby exposing her to the danger of 
 upsetting. 
 
 Broad Cloth. The better kmd of 
 cloth used for male attire : it was so called 
 from its great breadth, requiring, in the 
 weaving of it, two persons to sit on either 
 side, and fling the shuttle to one another. 
 
 Broadside. The whole side of a 
 vessel. In reference to a naval engage- 
 ment, it signifies a simultaneous discharge 
 of all the gfuns on one side of a ship of war. 
 
 Brochure, bro-koor (French, brochure, 
 51 stitched book). A pamphlet ; a literary 
 performance of slender materials and 
 trivial interest. 
 
 Brogue, broag (Irish, h'og). A defec- 
 tive pronunciation of a language, par- 
 ticiilarly applied to the Irish manner of 
 speaking Enghsh. 
 
 Bronchitis, brong-kytis (Greek, hi-on- 
 ihars, the windpipe). An inflammation of 
 some part of the bronchial membrane. 
 
 Brooch, broach (from hroacli, a spit, 
 from its having a little pin or spit, by 
 which it is fastened to the dress). A 
 bosom-biickle or pin ; a jewel. 
 
 Browbeat. To endeavour to move a 
 person by stern and severe looks, by 
 knitting and depressing the brows, &c. 
 
 Bro"WTiie, brow-ne. In Scotland, a 
 spirit formerly supposed to haunt old 
 houses ; so called, it is conjectured, from 
 its pretended dusky or tawny colour, in 
 contradistinction to the -^airy, from its 
 fairness. 
 
 Brownists. A religious sect, the In- 
 dependents, so called from their founder, 
 Eobert Brown, a Puritan, who lived at the 
 end of the sixteenth centmy. 
 
 Brown Study. A reverie; deep 
 thought ; abstraction. It is said to be a 
 comaption of brow study, from the old 
 German hraiin, brow; or a^ig-hraun, an eye- 
 brow. 
 
 Bowsprit, bo -sprit. A large spar 
 which projects over the stem of a vessel, 
 to carry it forward ; as a general rule, its 
 length should be two-thirds of the main- 
 mast, and as thick as the mizzen-mast. 
 
 Bruit, brute (French, hruit). A report; 
 rumour ; something noised'abroad. 
 
 Brunette, broo-net. A woman of a 
 dark or swarthy complexion. The word is 
 a diminutive form from the French word 
 brun, brown, or burned-looking. 
 
 Brutum fulmen, broo-tum ful-men 
 (Latin, hrutnm fulmen). Aloud but harm- 
 less thj-eatening. 
 
 Buccaneer, bukkah-neer (French, lou- 
 canier, a freebooter). A name given to 
 the pirates who infested the coasts of the 
 West Indies and South America, in the 
 seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 
 
 Bucolic, bu-kolik (Greek, houkolikos, 
 belonging to oxen). A term applied to 
 tastes and pursuits of a pastoral tendency ; 
 also a pastoral poem or song. 
 
 Buddhist, bud-dist. A believer in 
 the doctrines of Buddha, the founder of a 
 religion in Asia, who is supposed to have 
 lived about a thousand years before Christ. 
 
 Bude Light. An intense flame, pro- 
 duced by the union of the carburetted 
 hydrogen and oxygen gases ; so named 
 from having been invented by Mr. Golds- 
 worthy Gm-ney, of Bude, in Cornwall. 
 
 Budget, budj-et (French, lougette, a 
 bag). In parliamentary language, the 
 annual proposition put forward by the 
 Chancellor of the Exchequer, in connection 
 with the public revenue, comprehending a 
 general view of the national debt, income 
 and expenditure, the imposition and re- 
 mission of taxes, &c. 
 
 Buffer (Irish, buffer, a boxer). A kind 
 of cushion, fitted to the end of a railway 
 carriage, in order to deaden the percussion 
 of another carriage, or any opposing body. 
 
 Buffo, buf-fo (Italian, buffo). The 
 comic actor in an opera, hence buffoon, a 
 low jester, a grimacer. 
 
 Bugbear, bug-bare (Welsh, biog, a 
 goblin). A frightful object; any imaginarj- 
 di'ead ; false terror. 
 
 Buhl-work, bul-wurk (from the name 
 of the inventor). Wood inlaid with metal, 
 tortoise-shell, &c. 
 
 Bulb (Latin, bidlus, a globular body). 
 A term applied generally to round bodies ; 
 in botany, the designation is especially 
 applied to roots of a round form, as of 
 onions, tulips, &c. 
 
 Bulkheads. Partitions built up in 
 several parts of a ship between two decks, 
 either lengthwise or across, to form and 
 separate the various apartments. 
 
BUL 
 
 Bull (Latin, hulla, a little round orna- 
 ment or seal). In the Roman Catholic 
 Church, a letter, edict, or rescript of the 
 Pope, published or transmitted to the 
 churches over which he is the head, con- 
 taining a decree, order, or decision. The 
 bull is written on parchment, and provided 
 with a leaden seal, or, on rare occasions, a 
 seal of gold or of wax, hence the name of 
 the instrument. 
 
 Bull. A cant word used on the Stock 
 Exchange, to denote a person who nomi- 
 nally buys stock, for which he does not 
 pay, but receives or pays the difference 
 consequent upon the rise or fail of stock. 
 
 Bulletin, bullet-een (French, bulletin, 
 a bill, a ticket). A letter with an official 
 seal appended, and hence an official ac- 
 count or statement. This word is a dimi- 
 nutive of bulla, a little round ornament or 
 amulet, worn about the necks of Roman 
 children, and afterwards applied t6 a 
 seal. 
 
 Bulwark, bool-w\irk (Teutonic, bolle, 
 round ; ^uerk, work). A fortification ; fort ; 
 security ; railing round a ship's deck. 
 
 BumbailifF (corruption from bound- 
 bailiff). An under-bailiff or subordinate 
 civil officer, appointed to serve writs, and 
 to make arrests and executions, and bound 
 with sureties for a faithful discharge of his 
 trust. 
 
 Bumboat (Welsh, bum, or bon, mean, 
 insignificant). A small boat, used to carry 
 provisions to vessels lying at a distance 
 from shore. 
 
 Bumper, bum-pur. A cup or glass 
 filled to the very brim, and usually called 
 into ■ requisition on festive and convivial 
 occasions, to honour any favourite or 
 special toast. This word is said to origi- 
 nate as follows:— In Catholic countries the 
 Pope's health used to be toasted after 
 dinner, in overflowing glasses, under the 
 appellation of bo7i pere (good father), hence 
 the corruption of bumper. 
 
 Bungalow, bungah-lo. An East 
 Indian term for a house with a thatched 
 roof. 
 
 Bunkum, bunk-um. An American- 
 ism, signifjing an appeal to the vulgar, or 
 an inconsequential narration, promulgated 
 with a view of creating political or literary 
 capital. 
 
 Buntlines. Small lines made fast to 
 cringles on the bottom of the sails of a 
 ship, their use being to trice up the bunt 
 of a sail to facilitate the furling. 
 
 BYZ 
 
 41 
 
 Buoy, boy (French, bois, wood). A 
 mass of wood, cork, or other light sub- 
 stance, moored and floating on the surface 
 of the water ; their uses being to mark out 
 the place of a ship's anchorage, or to point 
 out dangers, and to direct navigators into 
 the safest channels. The word buoy is 
 used in the figurative sense of supporting 
 hopes and expectations, and keeping the 
 spirits from sinking. 
 
 Bureaucracy, bm-o-crassy (French, 
 bureau, a desk). The centralisation of 
 power, by making all the bureaux, or de- 
 partments of a Government, the mere 
 instrument of one chief. 
 
 Burglar, bur-glvu' (Saxon, bicrh, a, 
 house. French, larron, a thief). One 
 guilty of breaking into a house by night. 
 
 Burke. To strangle or to suffocate by 
 covering the mouth ; to put a sudden end 
 to, as to burke a speech or purpose. This 
 word owes its origin to a criminal of the 
 name of Burke, who was concerned in the 
 murder of several persons in the manner 
 indicated. 
 
 Burlesque, bur-lesk (Italian, hcrlare, 
 to ridicule). A species of humour, which 
 consists in forming together images which 
 are highly discordant ; a dramatic compo- 
 sition, which generally selects some well- 
 known tragedy or tale, and turns it into 
 ridicule. 
 
 Burletta, bur-lettah (Italian, bicrla, 
 raillery). A light comic species of musical 
 drama. 
 
 Bursar, bur-sar (Latin, bursa, a pouch). 
 A student to whom an allowance is paid 
 out of a burse, or fund appropriated to the 
 maintenance of poor students. 
 
 Bushmen (Dutch, bosjesmannen, men 
 of the wood). A name given by the Dutch 
 colonists to several roving tribes in the 
 vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
 Buskin, bus-kin (Dutch, brosekeu). A 
 kind of high shoe or boot worn by the an- 
 cient tragedians upon the stage, to give 
 them a more heroic appearance. The word 
 is used in a figurative sense to express 
 tragedy. 
 
 Bye-law. A particular law made b\' 
 a corporation, company, or any other dis- 
 tinct portion of the community, for the 
 regulation of the affairs of its members, 
 in such of their relatioMs as are not reached 
 by the ordinary legal enactments. 
 
 Byzantine Art. A style of decora- 
 tive art patronised by the Romans, after 
 the seat of the empii'o was removed from 
 
43 
 
 CAB 
 
 the East. It is an engraftment of Oriental 
 elaboration of detail upon classic forms, 
 ending in their debasement. ' 
 
 Cabal, ka-bal. A small body of men 
 secretly plotting for political advancement. 
 In British history, one of the cabinets of 
 Charles II., which consisted of five men 
 famous for their intrigues : — Clifford, 
 Jishley, Buckingham, Arlington, and 
 iauderdale — the initial letters of whose 
 names form the word cabal. 
 
 Cabalistic, kabah-listik (Hebrew, 
 Icibel, to receive). Kelating to mysterious 
 agency ; something that has a hidden 
 meaning. The word is derived from ca- 
 bala, a pretended secret science of the 
 Jewish rabbins, by which they could in- 
 terpret difficult passages of Scripture. 
 
 Cabinet Council, kabby-net kown- 
 sil. The confidential council of a sovereign 
 or executive magistrate. In England, it 
 usually comprises the principal ministers 
 or members of the Cabinet, and is con- 
 vened, from time to time, as circumstances 
 connected with home or foreign policy 
 demand. Cabinet is the diminutive of 
 cabane, a very small apartment or private 
 room. 
 
 Cabinet Picture. A picture of a 
 small and generally a finished character, 
 suitable to a small room, and for close 
 inspection. 
 
 Cable's Iiengtb. The measure of 
 one hundred and twenty fathoms. 
 
 Caboose, kah-booz (German, habitse, 
 a little room). The kitchen or cook-room 
 of a ship ; in smaller vessels, the inclosed 
 fireplace, hearth, or stove, for cooking on 
 the main-deck. 
 
 Cabriolet, kab-reo-lay (French, cabri- 
 cole, a goat-leap). A two-wheeled vehicle 
 drawn by one horse, and carrying two pas- 
 sengers and a driver. These, as well as 
 vehicles of a similar class having four 
 wheels, are known under the contracted 
 name of cab. \ 
 
 Cachet, kash-a (French, cachet). A 
 seal. Lettres de cachet were, under the 
 ancient French Government, warrants to 
 which the king's private seal was appended, 
 and put in force for the imprisonment of 
 any one. They were abolished in 1790. 
 
 Cachinnation, kachy-nayshun (Latm, 
 cachinno, to laugh loudly). Loud and im- 
 oaoderate laughter. 
 
 CAD 
 
 Caeography, kak-koggrafee' (Greek, 
 kakos, bad ; grapho, to write). Bad spelling. 
 
 Cacopbony, ka-koffenee (Greek, 
 Icakos, bad ; p^ione, sound). A disagreeable 
 and harsh sound of words ; a discordance 
 or indistinctness of the voice. A fault of 
 style, consisting in harsh and disagreeable 
 sound produced by the meeting of two 
 letters or syllables, or by the too frequent 
 repetition of the same letters or syllables. 
 
 Caeoetbes, kakko-eethiz (Greek, 
 lakos, bad ; ethos, custom). In medicine, 
 a bad habit of body ; in general parlance, 
 an ill habit or inordinate propensity, as 
 cacoeihes scribendi, an itch for scribbling or 
 authorship. 
 
 Cactus, kak-tus (Greek, laTctos, the ar- 
 tichoke). A genus of succulent plants of 
 very various and often grotesque forms, 
 generally without leaves, having the stem 
 and branches jointed, for the most part 
 armed with pines in bundles, with which, 
 in many species, bristles are intermixed. 
 
 Cadaverous, ka-dawer-us (Latin, 
 cadaver, a dead body). Appertaining to a 
 dead body ; having a pale, death-like ap- 
 pearance. The changes induced in a corpse 
 by putrefaction are called cadaveric phe- 
 nomena. 
 
 Cadence, kay-dens (Latin, cadens, 
 falling). In reading or speaking, a cer- 
 tain note is taken, which is the key-note 
 on which most of the -wordi? are pronounced, 
 and the fall of the voice below this is 
 called cadence. In music, a pause. or sus- 
 pension at the end or an aar, pr at the 
 termination of a proper chord. 
 
 Cadet, kah-det (French, cadet, yoimger 
 brother). The youngest or younger son of 
 a family ; a gontJeman who serves in the 
 army with a view ot qualitytng himself for 
 the military proiession aua obtaining a 
 commission ; a young man attending a 
 military school. In Franco it was the al- 
 most invariable custom for the younger 
 son of good families to embrace the mili- 
 tary profession, and hence, when he arrived 
 at a suitable age, he. became a cadet. 
 
 Cadueeus, ia^lovnious. The fabled 
 staff of Mercury, which gave the god 
 power to fly. It is represented as a staff 
 with two serpents twining about upwards, 
 and at the top a pair of wings. This staff 
 is used as a herald of peace, and was sup- 
 posed to possess tLt? power of bestowing 
 happiness and ncLe.s healing the sick, 
 raising the dead, and summonixig spirits 
 from the lower worliL 
 
CMf^ 
 
 CAT, 
 
 43 
 
 Caesura, se-sura (Latin, cmsura, a divi- 
 sion). The separation or pause which is 
 made in the body of a verse in utterance, 
 dividing the line, as it were, into two 
 members. The most advantageous posi- 
 tion for the caesura is generally after the 
 fourth, fifth, or sixth syllable, although it 
 does occasionally take place after the third 
 or tho seventh. 
 
 Cafe, kaf-fay (French, caje). A coffee- 
 house. 
 
 Caffeine, kaf-fajdn. A peculiar prin- 
 ciple of mild, bitter taste, obtained from 
 coffee or tea. 
 
 Caftan, kaf-tan. A Turkish or Persian 
 robe or vestment. 
 
 Cairn, kayrn. A name given to a heap 
 of stones, common in Great Britain, par- 
 ticularly in Scotland and Wales, generally 
 of a conical form and covered with a flat 
 stone. Cairns were anciently used, by 
 way of monuments, over the ashes of the 
 great and illustrious : the word is of Celtic 
 origin. 
 
 Caisson, kay-soon (French, caisson, a 
 chest). A wooden chest, into which bombs 
 or gunpowder are put, and placed under 
 ground in such a manaer as to explode at 
 a certain moment. 
 
 Caitiff, kay-tiff (Italian, cattivo, a slave). 
 A base fellow ; a mean, despicable villain. 
 
 Cajole, kah-jole (French, cajoler, to 
 coax). To influence or delude by flattery ; 
 to wheedle over by specious representations. 
 
 Calabash., kalla-bash. A light vessel 
 formed of the shell of the fruit of the 
 calabash- tree emptied and di'ied j a popular 
 name for the gourd plant. 
 
 Calamity, kah-lammy-ty. Any sudden 
 and unexpected misfortune ; a condition 
 of things involving great distress. The 
 term is derived from a storm which de- 
 stroys the harvest by breaking {calamos) 
 the stalks of com. 
 
 Calcination, kalsy-nayshun (Latin, 
 call, chalk or lime ; cineraceous, ashy). A 
 kind of burning, from which latter pro- 
 cess it differs in the action of the fire 
 being prolonged ; as bones heated in a 
 covered vessel until they become black 
 are termed burnt bones; but when, by the 
 further operation of heat with contact of 
 air, they become white, they are terrued 
 calcined bones. . 
 
 Calculus, kal-kewlus (Latin, calcheus, 
 a little stone). A term applied to hard or 
 stony substances which form in the body. 
 
 In mathematics, the differential calculus ia 
 the finding an infinitely small quantity, 
 which, being taken an infinite number of 
 times, shall be equal to a given quantity. 
 
 Caledonian, Kally-done - yan {Cale- 
 donia, the ancient name for Scotland^ 
 Relating to Scotland. 
 
 Calendar, kalen-diu* (Greek, Icaleo, to 
 call). A register of the year, in which the 
 months, weeks, and days, festivals and 
 holidays; and stated times, are marked. 
 A calendar month is a month consisting of 
 either thirty or thirty- one days, with the 
 exception of February, and is distino'uished 
 from lunar month. 
 
 Calends, kal-ends (Greek, kaleo, to 
 call). With the Komans, the first days of 
 the month so named ; because, on those 
 days, it was customary to cail aloud or 
 proclaim the number of holidays in each 
 month. 
 
 Calibre, kal-ebur (French, caaOre, Dore 
 of a gun). The bore or size of the bore of 
 a gun ; the diameter of a body ; figm'a- 
 tively used to denote mental capacity. 
 
 Caligrapliy, kallig-raffy (Greek, 
 kalos, beautiful; grajpho, to write). Ele- 
 gant penmanship ; a neat and regular style 
 of writing. 
 
 Calipash and Calapee. In cookery, 
 terms used to denote the shell and the 
 flesh of the turtle. 
 
 Calisthenics, kallis-theniks (Greek, 
 Jcalos, beauty ; sthenos, strength). A com-se 
 of bodily exercises, designed to promote 
 grace of movement and strength of frame. 
 
 Call of the House. A parliamentary 
 term for an imperative call or summons 
 sent to every member of Parliament to 
 attend at his place in the House. 
 
 Callosity, kal-lossy-ty (Latin, callositas, 
 hardness). An unusual hardness of the 
 skin, as a corn. 
 
 Callous, kal-lus (Latin, callus, har- 
 dened). Hardened; insensible; unfeeling. 
 
 Callow, kal-lo (Latin, calvus, bare). 
 Unfledged ; naked ; without feathers. 
 
 Calomel, kalo-mel (Greek, X-a/o.y,fair ; 
 melos, black). A medicinal preparation of 
 mercury, sublimated so as to render iti 
 more gentle in its operation. 
 
 Caloric, kal-lorik (Latin, calor, heat). 
 A philosophical term applied to that agency 
 which produces the phenomena of heat 
 and combustion ; that fluid or condition 
 which is diffused through all bodies. 
 
u 
 
 CAL 
 
 Calotype, kalo-type (Greek, fcalos, 
 beautiful; t>/pos, type). The name given 
 by the inventor to the producing' of pic- 
 tui'es on paper, or other surfaces, by the 
 agency of light. See Daguerreotype, 
 Photography, &c. 
 
 Calumet, kal-umet. A kind of pipe, 
 the bowl of which is usually made of red, 
 soft marble, and the tube of a reed orna- 
 mented with feathers. It is used by cer- 
 tain Indian tribes as the ensig-n of peace, 
 and corresponds to the European flag of 
 truce. This pipe affords a pass and safe 
 conduct among all the allies of the nation ; 
 and, in embassies, the ambassador carries 
 it as an emblem of peace. 
 
 Calumniate, kal - lumnyate (Latin, 
 calumnior, to slander). To accuse falsely ; 
 to slander ; to charge with crime or dis- 
 honourable conduct, with a view of tar- 
 nishing or destroying reputation. 
 
 Calvary, kalva-ry (Latin, caharia, 
 a skull ; from calvus, bald). The place 
 ■where Christ was cnicified ; the name 
 denoting a place of skulls. In heraldry, 
 a cross so called set upon steps. 
 
 Calvinism, kaivin-izm. A system 
 of religious doctrine and church govern- 
 ment taught by John Calvin, and main- 
 tained by his followers. The tenets of 
 this system are embraced in five points, — 
 namely, predestination, particular redemp- 
 tion, total depravity, irresistible grace, 
 and the certain perseverance of the saints. 
 The great leading principles of the system, 
 however, are the absolute decrees of God, 
 the spiritual presence of Christ in the 
 Eucharist, and the independence of the 
 Church. 
 
 Calyx, ka-liks (Greek, lahjx. a cover- 
 ing). A term used in botany, to designate 
 the external covering of a flower, generally 
 resembling the leaves in colour and texture. 
 
 Cambist, kam-bist (Latin, camhio, to 
 exchange). A name given to those who 
 trade in notes and bills of exchange ; also 
 applied to a book which treats of the notes 
 of exchange, and the equivalent values of 
 different moneys. 
 
 Cambrian, kam-breean (Camlria, the 
 ancient name of the principality of Wales). 
 A native of Wales is so called. 
 
 Camellia, kah-mcel-yah. A genus of 
 beautiful flowering evergreen shrubs, 
 natives of China and Japan, and pro- 
 ducing a rose-like flower, highly prized and 
 worn in the hair or about the person on 
 particular occasions. The name is given 
 
 CAN 
 
 in honour of G. J. Kamel, or Camellus, a 
 Jesuit. 
 
 Cam.eo, kammy-o (Italian, cameo). A 
 term usually applied to gems or stones 
 upon which figures are carved in relief. 
 The name originates from camahuia, the 
 Oriental term for the onyx. 
 
 Camera Lucida, kammy-rah lu-seda 
 (Latin, camera, a chamber ; lucida, light). 
 An optical instrument used for tracing 
 landscapes from nature, and for copying- 
 drawings ; also for the purpose of causing 
 any object to appear on the wall in a light 
 room, either by day or night. 
 
 Camera Obseura, kammy-rah ob- 
 skewra (Latin, camera, chamber ; obsctira, 
 dark). An optical instrument for throw- 
 ing the images of external objects on to a 
 screen in a darkened chamber or box. 
 
 Cam.paign, kam-pain (Latin, campus, 
 a plain). A large open, level tract of 
 ground without hills ; the time an army is 
 actively engaged in war, or keeps the field 
 without entering into quarters. 
 
 Campanology, kampah-nollojy). 
 (Latin, campana, a bell). The art of 
 ringing bells. The science which teaches 
 the various powers and sounds of bells. 
 
 Camphine, kam-feen. A spirit for 
 burning in lamps, said to consist of oil of 
 turpentine, with a species of naphtha. 
 
 Canaille, kan-naih (French, canaille, 
 rabble). The lowest of the people ; the 
 mob ; the class commonly known as roughs. 
 
 Canard, kan-ard (French, canard). A 
 hoax ; an idle rumour ; a report ; a mere 
 invention. 
 
 Candelabrum, kandel-ahbrum (Latin, 
 candelabrum.) A branched candlestick ; a 
 tall stand or support for lamps. 
 
 Candlemas, kandl-mas (compound of 
 candle and mass). A Roman Catholic fes- 
 tival, celebrated on the 2nd of Febmary, 
 in honom* of the purification of the Virgin 
 Mary, and so called from the large num- 
 ber of lights or ca?zcZ^6s used on the occasion. 
 
 Canescent,kah-nessent (Latin, canesco, 
 to grow hoary). Growing white or hoaiy. 
 
 Canicular, kah-nikewlar (Latin, 
 canknla, a little dog). Belonging to the 
 dog-days, which in our almanacks occupy 
 the time from July 3rd to August 11th. 
 
 Canine, kah -nine (Latin, caninus, rela- 
 ting to a dog). Belonging to or ha^'ing the 
 qualities or nature of a dog. Canine teeth 
 are two sharp-edged teeth in each jaw, one 
 on eitJier side. 
 
CAN 
 
 LAP 
 
 45 
 
 Canister. A name applied to musket 
 balls, stones, scraps of iron, &g., put into 
 cases and shot out of mortars. 
 
 Cannel Coal, kan-nel kole. A species 
 of coal which has obtained its name from 
 the bright flame unmixed with smoke 
 which it yields during combustion ; candle 
 being pronounced cannel, in the locality 
 where the coal is found. It is sufficiently 
 solid to be cut and polished, and worked 
 into trinkets and ornaments. 
 
 Cannibal, kan-ny-bal. A human being 
 who eats human flesh. 
 
 Canny, kan-ne. A word of common 
 use in Scotland, signifying cautious, in- 
 offensive ; and in some parts of the North 
 of England, a frequent expression, applied 
 to a nice, neat, and housewifely woman ; 
 also, sometimes for a clever or shrewd per- 
 son. It may be referred, perhaps, to cun- 
 ■imig, intelligent, knowing ; or from Saxon, 
 cunnan, whence our old verb can, to know. 
 
 Canoe, kan-noo. An Indian boat, 
 made of the trunk of a tree hollowed ; or 
 sometimes, from pieces of bark fastened 
 together. 
 
 Canon, kan-un (Greek, Icanon, a rule, 
 a precept). An established doctrine, law, 
 or n^le ; a code of ecclesiastical laws. In 
 the Church of England, a person in pos- 
 session of a prebend or revenue, for the 
 performance of cathedral (chanting) service. 
 The canons of criticism are certain prin- 
 ciples which regulate the judgment given 
 upon works of art, literary performances, 
 &;c. 
 
 Canonical, kah-nonny-kal (Greek, 
 Icanonikos). According to, or included in 
 the canon. Cano/iical hours are stated 
 times set apart for the several offices of the 
 Church. Canonicals, a term applied to the 
 full dress of a clergyman. 
 
 Canonization, kano-nezayshun. The 
 act or ceremony of declaring a deceased 
 person a saint. 
 
 Cant, kant (Latin, canto, to sing). A 
 whining, affected manner of speaking ; pre- 
 tensions to goodness ; a word or phrase, 
 hackneyed, corrupt, or peculiar to some 
 profession ; in a general sense, slang. 
 
 Cantata, kanta-tah (Italian, cantata). 
 A piece of music for one, two, or more 
 voices, chiefly intended for a single voice 
 with a thorough bass. 
 
 Cantatrice, cantah-treech. A song- 
 stress ; a female singer. 
 
 Canteen, kan-teen (French, cantine, a 
 bottle-case^. A small vessel made of tin- 
 
 plate or wood, in which soldiers, when en 
 their march or in the field, carry their liquor ; 
 also, the name of a tavern, attached to a 
 camp or barrack. 
 
 Canter, kant-ur. A slow gallop, slower 
 than a trot ; a person who endeavours to 
 make the world believe that he is pious, by 
 a whining voice, and the semblance of 
 religion. This word is supposed to bo 
 associated with Canterlury. 
 
 Canterbury Tale. A term denoting 
 any exaggerated or improbable stoiy, so 
 called from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. 
 
 Canticle, kan-ty-kul (Latin, canto, to 
 sing). A song, applied to some hymn in 
 Scripture, and used in the plural to signify 
 Solomon's Song. 
 
 Canto, kan-to (Italian, canto, a song). 
 Used to denote the division of a poera, 
 otherwise called a book. In music, the 
 treble, or higher part of a piece. 
 
 Canton, kan-ton (French, canton). 
 Division of a country, as the Swiss cantons, 
 governed by its own chief and magistrates ; 
 a small community or clan ; a division or 
 parcel of land. In heraldry, a small square 
 which occupies only a corner of a shield. 
 
 Cantonment, kan-tunment (French, 
 cantonnement). The detachment and quar- 
 tering of troops in a town or village, and 
 made to be as near as possible to each other. 
 
 Canzonet, kan-zo-net (Italian, canzo- 
 netta). A little song in one, two, or three 
 pfirts. 
 
 Caoutchouc, kah-oot-chook. The ve- 
 getable substance. India-rubber, and gum- 
 elastic. It is the juice of a South Ameri- 
 can tree, made to ooze from incisions, and 
 thickened by exposure to the atmosphere. 
 
 Cap of Maintenance. One of the 
 
 insignia of state, carried before the 
 sovereigns of England at their coronation ; 
 and also before the mayors of some cities. 
 
 Cap-a-pie, kap-ah-peai (French, cap- 
 d-pie). From head to foot ; usually applied 
 to a person who is armed or attired in a 
 warlike fashion. 
 
 Caparison, kah-parry-zun (Spanish, 
 caparazon). The dress or trappings of a 
 horse ; the clothing or covering spread 
 over any horse of state. 
 
 Cape (Latin, caput, a head). In geo- 
 graphy, a headland or projecting portion 
 of the coast. It sometimes terminates in an 
 acute angle, and is then called a point If 
 the projecting portion is small and low, the 
 affix ness is employed in England, as in such 
 
46 
 
 CAP 
 
 CAR 
 
 terms as Dungenesa, Sheerness ; and in 
 Scotland, that of mull, as the mull of Gallo- 
 way. 
 
 Capet, kah-pai. The name of the 
 founder of the Capet dynasty of French 
 princes. He is said to have been of low 
 origin, and to have usurped the throne in 
 the tenth century. On the accession of 
 the house of Bourbon, the name of Capet 
 was either given to them, or taken by them ; 
 thus, all the processes in the trial of 
 Louis X VT. were made against Louis Capet. 
 
 Capias, kay-peeas (Latin, capio, to 
 take). In law, a writ of two kinds ; one 
 before judgment, termed capias ad respon- 
 dendum, in an action personal, if the sheriff, 
 upon the first writ of distress, return that 
 he has no effects in his jurisdiction ; the 
 other is a writ of execution after judgment, 
 termed capias ad satisfaciendum, in which 
 the sheriff is commanded to take the body 
 in execution. 
 
 Capillary, kap-illah-ry (Latin, capil- 
 laris, relating to the hair). Resembling 
 a hair ; small, minute. Capillary attraction 
 is the power* by which a liquid ascends in 
 the interior of a capillary tube — or tube 
 of small bore — above the surface of the 
 liquid which surrounds it. 
 
 Capitalist, kappit-a-list. A person 
 possessed of large property ; one who has 
 a considerable capital sunk in trade, or 
 advanced in speculation. 
 
 Capitol, kappy-tol (Latin, capitoUicvi). 
 The temple of Jupiter, built upon the 
 Tarpeian rock at Rome. Here the senate 
 assembled, and in this temple they made 
 their vows, and took the oaths of allegiance. 
 
 Capitulate, kap-ittu-late (Latin, capid, 
 the head). To yield or surrender on cer- 
 tain stipulations ; to draw out a document 
 in heads or articles. 
 
 Caponier^, kappo-neer (French, capo- 
 niere). In fortification, a passage from one 
 part of a work to another, protected by a 
 parapet. 
 
 Capriccio, kah-pritsh-eo (Italian, 
 capriccio, fancy). In music, appUed to 
 passages where the composer indulges his 
 fancy, without being bound to keys or 
 moods. Perhaps from the Latin, caper, 
 a goat. 
 
 Caprice, kah-preese (Italian, capriccio, 
 whim). Sudden or unreasonable change of 
 mind or humour ; freak ; fancy ; whim. 
 
 Capricorn, kapry-kawm (Latin, capri- 
 Gomu$). In astronomy, one of the twelve 
 
 signs of the zodiac, represented in the form 
 of a goat ; it is the first of the winter, and 
 fourth of the southern signs. 
 
 Capriole, kap-reole (French, cabriole). 
 That kind of leap which a horse makes in 
 the same place without advancing. 
 
 Capstan, kap-stan (French, calestan). 
 A large piece of timber in the shape of a 
 cone, usually placed behind the windlass 
 of a ship, to weigh anchors, hoist up or 
 strike down top-masts, strain ropes, or 
 heave any heavy, bulky thing on board 
 ship. 
 
 CapSTile, kap-sule (Latin, capsula, a 
 small receiver or case). A term applied in 
 botany, to a membranous or woody seed- 
 vessel, internally consisting of one or more 
 cells, splitting into several valves, and 
 sometimes discharging its contents through 
 pores or orifices, or filUng out entire with 
 the seed. 
 
 Caption, kap-shun (Latin, captio). In 
 English law, a certificate subscribed by 
 commissioners in chancery, declaring when 
 and where the commission was executed. 
 In Scotch law, a writ issued commanding 
 the apprehension of a debtor. Peers and 
 married women are secured against per- 
 sonal execution by caption upon civil debts. 
 
 Captious, kap-shus (Latin, captiosus, 
 sophistical). Snarling; easily provoked j 
 given to quarrelling. 
 
 Caput Mortuum,kap-ut mor-tewum 
 (Latin, caput, the head ; mortuum, death). 
 A fanciful term, formerly used to denote 
 the remains in a retort after distillation, or 
 drying. It is now called Residuum. Figu- 
 ratively used to imply anything worthless. 
 
 Caracole, karra-kole (French, caracole). 
 In horsemanship, an oblique movement of 
 a horse, tread out in half-rounds, changing 
 from one side to the other without observ- 
 ing a regular ground ; also, the half-turn 
 which a horseman takes after his discharge, 
 to pass from front to rear. 
 
 Carat, kar-at (French, carrat). A term 
 used in a relative sense to express the fine- 
 ness of gold. It means the twenty-fourth 
 .part of any given weight of that metal, or 
 of its alloy. If such a weight be pure 
 gold, it is saidtobe24: carats fine ; if three- 
 fourths only be gold, it is 18 carats fine. 
 The diamond carat, however, is a definite 
 weight, equal to 3|th troy grains ; and the 
 pearl carat equal to four-fifths of a troy 
 gi'atn. 
 
 Caravan, karrah-van (Spanish, cara- 
 vana). A company of merchants, or 
 
CAR 
 
 pilgrims, in the East, who travel in an 
 org'anised body through the deserts. 
 
 Caravansary, karrah - vansaree 
 (Spanish, caravana). A large building in 
 the East, which serves as a kind of inn for 
 caravans of travellers. The building usually 
 forms a square, in the middle of which is 
 a spacious court, and under the arches or 
 piazzas that surround it, there runs a bank 
 raised some few feet from the ground, 
 where the merchants and travellers take 
 up their lodgings, the beasts of burden 
 being tied to the foot of the bank. 
 
 Carbine, kar-byne (French, carabine). 
 A short ^n carrying a ball 24 to the pound, 
 borne by light horsemen. 
 
 Carbon, kar-bun (Latin, carbo, coal). 
 The pure, inflammable part of charcoal, free 
 from all the hydrogen and earthy particles 
 which charcoal usually contains. 
 
 Carbonate, karbun-at. A salt formed 
 by the combination of carbonic acid with 
 different bases, as carbonate of copper, &c. 
 
 Carbonic Acid, kar-bonik as-sid. A 
 compound of carbon and oxygen, called 
 also fixed air. It is gaseous, colourless, 
 and cannot support respiration or combus- 
 tion. 
 
 Carboy, kar-boy. A large glass or 
 bottle cased in basket-work, generally em- 
 ployed for holding vitriol and other acids. 
 
 Carcass, kar-kas. In building, the 
 shell of a house before it is lathed or plas- 
 tered, or the flooring laid down. 
 
 Cardiac, kar-deeak (Greek, JcarcUa, the 
 heart). Belonging to the heart. 
 
 Cardinal nSTumbers. These are the 
 numbers, one, hoo, three, &c. ; in distinction 
 from first, second, third, kc, which are 
 ordmal numbers. 
 
 Cardinal Points. The four points or 
 divisions of the horizon ; namely, North, 
 South, East, and West. 
 
 Cardinal Virtues. These are fre- 
 quently alluded to as the "four cardinal 
 virtues;" namely, prudence, temperance, 
 justice, and fortitude. 
 
 Cardinal Winds, are those winds 
 which blow from the cardinal points. 
 
 Careen, ka-reen (French, carener). 
 To heave or lay a vessel on one side for the 
 purpose of repairing. 
 
 Caret, kay-ret (Latin). A mark (A) 
 used in writing, and placed where some 
 word has been omitted, which is inserted 
 either above the caret or in the margin. 
 
 CAR 
 
 47 
 
 Caricature (Italian, caricatura). The 
 representation of a person or circumstance 
 in such a manner as to render the original 
 ridiculous. 
 
 Caries, ka-re-es (Latin, caries). A 
 term used to designate the ulceration of a 
 bone, or that state of a bone which is 
 analogous to ulceration of the soft parts. 
 
 Carminative, kar-minnah-tiv (Latin, 
 carmen, a charm). A specific which allays 
 spasmodic affections, and dispels flatulence. 
 
 Carnage, kar-naje (French, carnage). 
 Great slaughter ; considerable bloodshed, 
 without distinction of persons. 
 
 Carnival, kar-ny-val (Italian, carna- 
 vale). A season of revelry and feasting 
 observed in Roman Catholic countries, just 
 previous to Lent. 
 
 Carnivorous, kar-niwer-us (Latin, 
 carnis, flesh; voro, to devour). Flesh 
 devouring ; applied to animals which feed 
 on flesh. 
 
 Carotid, kah-rottid (Greek, Jcaroo, to 
 cause sleep). The term applied to an 
 artery on each side of the neck. Its name 
 is derived from the supposition of the 
 ancients, that an increased flow of blood to 
 the head caused sleep. 
 
 Carousal, kah-rowzal. A festival ; a 
 revel; a noisy drinking bout. Some autho- 
 rities derive this word from the Italian, 
 carricello, a chariot ; an entertainment con- 
 sisting originally of a contest of chariots and 
 horses, and afterwards used to denote what 
 is now understood as a carousal. 
 
 Carpology, car-polo-jy (Greek, Jcarpos, 
 fruit ; logos, a discourse). In botany, that 
 branch of the science which treats of fruits. 
 
 Cairngorm,- kayrn-gorm. A species of 
 quartz, of various colours and sizes, found 
 on Cairngorm, a mountain of Scotland, 
 belonging to the Grampian Hills, The 
 cairngorm are also called Scotch pelUes, 
 and are used for seals, brooches, and othe>' 
 trinkets. 
 
 Carrion, karry-un (Latin, caro, carnis, 
 dead flesh). The putrid carcass of animals : 
 flesh so corrupted as to be unfit for food. 
 
 Carte, kart (French, carte). A bill ot 
 fare ; a list of the various dishes prepared 
 for a repast. 
 
 Carte Blanche, kart blaush (French, 
 carte blanclie). A blank paper with a sig- 
 nature only attached, and, if necessary, 
 sealed by the party against whom it is to 
 be used, in order that it may be fiUed up 
 with such conditions as may be thought 
 
48 
 
 CAB 
 
 proper by the party to wLom it is delivered. 
 This term is also used in a general sense, to 
 imply unrestricted authority granted to a 
 person, to be used according to his own 
 pleasure and discretion ; also, an order to 
 disburse money, or inciir responsibilities, 
 without any limit being set by the person 
 Du whose behalf the transactions are under- 
 taken. 
 
 Cartel, kar-tel (Spanish, cartello'). An 
 agreement between two belligerent states 
 for the exchange of their prisoners of war ; 
 also a -RTitten challenge to fight a duel. 
 
 Cartilagejkarty-lidj (Latin, cartilago). 
 A smooth, elastic, glistening substance, 
 softer than bone and harder than muscle, 
 commonly called giistle. 
 
 Cartoon, kar-toon (Italian, cartone). 
 Tn painting, a design dra^vn on thick paper, 
 to be afterwards traced through, andti-ans- 
 ferred on to the fresh plaster of a wall, to 
 be painted in fresco. 
 
 Case, (Latin, c«5i«5, afalHng). Literally, 
 that which falls ; hence an event or state of 
 things which are sometimes alluded to as 
 having "fallen" upon a certain day. In 
 g^mmar, case denotes the variation in 
 writing and speaking, expressmg the rela- 
 tion in which it stands to some other part 
 of the sentence. 
 
 Case-hardening. A method of pre- 
 paring iron and making it hard, so as to 
 render it capable of resisting any edged 
 tool. 
 
 Caseine,kay-se-in. One of the impor- 
 tant elements of animal nutrition ; found 
 in milk, in the seeds of leguminous plants, 
 &c. 
 
 Casemate, kase-mate (Italian, casa- 
 matta). In fortification, a vault of mason's 
 work in the flank of a bastion, serving as 
 a battery to defend the opposite bastion 
 and ditch. 
 
 Castalian,kas-tale-yaE. Pertaining to 
 Castalia, a fovmtain of Pai*nassus, sacred 
 to the Muses. The waters of this fountain 
 were fabled to have the power of inspiring 
 those who diamk them with the true fire of 
 poetiy. 
 
 Castanet, kastah-net (Spanish, casta- 
 neta). An instrument formed of concave 
 shells, ivory, or hard wood, fastened to the 
 fingers, and sounded to the time of a dance 
 or song. 
 
 Caste, kast. A name for the tribes of 
 different employments into which the 
 Hindoos are separated or classified, through 
 successive generations ; collo(i\iially, the 
 
 CAT 
 
 term is used among us to imply station 
 in life, or social position, so that a person 
 who commits any disreputable action is 
 commonly said to have lost caste. 
 
 Cast-iron. The iron as it is extracted 
 from the ores, being cast in a species of 
 moulds ; called also ^^i^-troJi, and cast 
 metal. 
 
 Casting Vote. The vote of a person 
 who presides over an assembly, or council, 
 where the votes generally are the same on 
 either side, and that of the president de- 
 cides the matter at issue. 
 
 Casuistry, kazhu-istry (Latin, casus, an 
 event). The doctrine or science of con- 
 science ; or the doctrine of resolving cases 
 of doubtful propriety, and determining the 
 lawfulness or unlawfulness of certain acts 
 and opinions, by the application of i-ules 
 from Scriptm-e, laws from society, or from 
 equity and natural reason. 
 
 Casus Belli, kay-zus bcl-le (Latin, 
 ca^us belli). The cause of war ; a plea for 
 making war. 
 
 Catabaptists, kattah-baptists (Greek, 
 Jcata, against ; haptizo, to baptise). A term 
 used to denote those who oppose infant 
 baptism, or deny the necessity of baptism 
 at all. 
 
 Catacomb, kattah-kome (Greek, Jcxta, 
 against ; hymhos, a hollow place). A grotto, 
 cave, or subterraneous place, for the burial 
 of the dead. 
 
 Catafalque, kattah-falk (Italian, cata- 
 falco). A scaffold, or temporary structure 
 of carpentiy, decorated with painting and 
 sculpture, representing a tomb, and used 
 in funeral ceremonies. 
 
 Cataleetic, kattah-lektik (Greek, 'kata- 
 leldikos, deficient). In classic poetry, a 
 verse deficient of one syllable of its proper 
 length. 
 
 Catalepsjr, kattah-lepse (Greek, Tcata- 
 lamhano, to seize). A milder form of apo- 
 plexy or epilepsy. It consists in a total 
 suspension of sensibility and voluntarj' 
 motion, and generally also of mental power, 
 the pulsation of the heart and breathing- 
 continuing ; the muscles remaining flexible, 
 the body yielding to and retaining any 
 given position. 
 
 Catalogue, kattah-log (Greek, iata, 
 down ; logos, word). An enumeration or 
 list of men orthiugs methodically arranged. 
 Catalogue raisoam, is a catalogue of books 
 classified according to their subjects. 
 
CAT 
 
 CAT! 
 
 4& 
 
 Cataplasm, katah-plazm {(ireck, 
 kata, against ; plasso, to form). A soft, 
 moist application ; a poiiltice. 
 
 Catamaran, katah-ma-ran. A species 
 •of light boat which the ancient Egyptians 
 ■ased for crossing the Nile or floating on its 
 waters ; it is constructed of the humblest 
 materials, and bound togetlier as a sheaf. 
 Also the name of a floating battery, with 
 an apparatus for blowing up ships. 
 
 Cataract, katah-rakt (Greek, kata, 
 against ; rasso, to dash), A great fall of 
 water over a precipice ; a disease of the 
 eye from the opacity of the lens or pupil. 
 
 Catarrh., kah-tar (Greek, lata, down ; 
 rheo, to flow). A term for a cold in the 
 head, or on the chest ; it is usually accom- 
 panied by a discharge from the nostrils. 
 
 Catastrophe, kat-astrofeo (Greek, 
 l-ata, against ; strophe, a turning). A final 
 event or conclusion ; the termination of a 
 dramatic plot ; misf ortxme ; disaster. 
 
 Catcall. A small squeaking instru- 
 ment, formerly used to convey disappro- 
 bation in theatres ; the peculiar noises still 
 made by the frequenters of the galleries 
 go by the same name. 
 
 Catch. A musical composition of a 
 humorous kind, arranged for three or four 
 voices, with as many verses or couplets as 
 there are parts. The catch is so contrived, 
 that a meaning is given to the lines alto- 
 a-cther different from that which ap- 
 pears when they are read in an ordinaiy 
 manner. 
 
 Catchpenny. A low-priced pamphlet 
 or other publication, which practises on 
 popular credulity for the purpose of ex- 
 torting money. 
 
 Catch-word. A word formerly placed 
 at the bottom of a page, intended as the 
 leading one of the page succeeding. 
 
 Catechism, katty-kizm (Greek, lata, 
 against ; echeo, to sound). A form of 
 instruction by means of question and an- 
 swer. In its primary sense, an induction 
 into the principles of the Christian re- 
 ligion, delivered by word of mouth, and 
 so as to necessitate frequent repetitions 
 from the disciple or hearer of what has been 
 \ittered. 
 
 Category, katty-gorry (Greek, lata, 
 against; agora, a discourse). In logic, a 
 system or assemblage of aU the beings 
 under one kind or genus ; in a general 
 sense an arrangement of persons, things, 
 ideas, &c., into classes. 
 
 Cater, kay-tur (French, acheter, to li-uy/.- 
 To provide food ; to purchase provisions ; 
 to procure for other persons. 
 
 Cater-cousin, kay-tur kuz-in. A pej- 
 son related to another by blood in a remote 
 degree ; the word is a corruption of quatre- 
 cousin ; it is used conventionally to denota 
 close intimacy from friendship. 
 
 Cates, kates (Belgic, latter). Dainty 
 and delicious food ; cakes ; rich dishes. 
 
 Cathartic, ka-thartik (Greek, lathartes, 
 a scavenger). Purgative ; applied to medi- 
 cines of an active and aperient nature. 
 
 Catholic, katho-lik (Greek, lata, re- 
 ferring to ; holos, the whole). Pertaining 
 to the Koman Catholic Chm'ch ; the word 
 in a general sense means universal; em- 
 bracing the whole ; comprehensive ; vmre- 
 stricted. Thus, a person who entertains a 
 subject in a liberal and comprehensive 
 manner, is said to exercise a catholic spirit. 
 
 Cat's-paw. Among seamen, a light air 
 perceived in a calm by rippling on the 
 surface of the water; conventionally, a 
 person who does something for a principal 
 which he is ashamed or afraid of doing 
 himself. 
 
 Caucasian, kaw-kayzh-yan. Pertain- 
 ing to Caucasus, a celebrated mountain 
 range between the Euxine and Caspian 
 Seas. The Caucasian race forms one of the 
 five principal varieties of mankind, to 
 which the nations of Europe and some of 
 the western Asiatics belong. In this class 
 the head is almost round, and of the most 
 symmetrical shape ; the cheek-bones witJi- 
 out any projection ; the face oval ; and the 
 features moderately prominent. 
 
 Caudal, kaw-dal (Latin, caucia, a tail). 
 Pertaining to the tail, as the caudal fin of 
 a fish ; also, the thread which terminates 
 the seed of a plant. 
 
 Caul, kawl (Latin, caula). A membrane 
 found on the heads of some newly-born 
 children. It is viL^o;arly supposed that any 
 individual having a child's caul upon his 
 person, cannot be drowned ; hence cauls 
 are frequently advertisedf or by superstitious 
 persons, and high prices given for them. 
 
 Caulking, kaw-king. In nautical lan- 
 guage, ^he repairing of a ship by forcing 
 oakum or other matter into the seams of 
 the planks, and afterwards applying a 
 mixture of taUow and pitch, or tar. 
 
 Causality, kaw-zality. Agency of a 
 cause. In phrenology, the "iaculty of 
 tracing effects to causes. 
 
50 
 
 CATT 
 
 CEN 
 
 Caustic, ka-w-stik (Greek, kaio, to 
 bum), Bumiug ; hot ; acting like fire. 
 Lunar caustic, nitrate of silver iised for a 
 corrosive. In a figurative sense, stinging, 
 cutting, pungent ; as a caustic speech. 
 
 Cauterize, kawtur-ize (Greek, IcoAo, to 
 bum). To bui-n or sear -with a hot iron, or 
 with caustic. 
 
 Cavalier, kavah-leer (Greek, 1:aballes, 
 a horse on which loads are thi-own). An 
 amieGl horseman : a knight ; a gay, sprightly 
 military man ; a term applied to the 
 adherents of Charles I. In fortification, a 
 work raised within the body of tt place, 
 above the other works. 
 
 Cavalierly, kavah-leerly. Disdainfully; 
 haughtily ; in the manner of a cavaUer, 
 
 Cavalry, kaval-re (Greek, Tcdballes). 
 Miliiary horsemen. This branch of the 
 service is divided into light and heavy 
 cavalry, being armed and mounted accord- 
 ingly, A regiment of cavahy is divided 
 into four squadi'ons, and each of these 
 into two troops. 
 
 Cavatina, kavah-teenah (Italian, cavo.- 
 tina). A short aii- without a return or 
 second part, which is sometimes reUeved 
 by a recitative. 
 
 Caveat, ka}-ve-at (Latin, caveat, let 
 him beware). In common law, a term 
 denoting a formal notice or caution to stop 
 proceedings ; also, an intimation or notice 
 of intention to apply for a patent for some 
 invention. 
 
 Caviare, kav-yare (German, lavlar). 
 A food prepaa-ed from the roes of certain 
 fish, especially that of the sturgeon, salted ; 
 it is consiuned in lai-ge quantities in 
 Eussia. 
 
 Cavil, kav-il (Latin, cavillor, to satii-ise). 
 To raise captious or futile objections. 
 
 Caw, kaw (foiTued from the sound). 
 To make a noise like a rook, raven, or 
 crow. 
 
 Cayenne Pepper, kay-yen pep-per. 
 A very pungent pepper, obtained from the 
 pods of several species of the capsicum ; 
 which originally came from Cayenne, in 
 South America. 
 
 Cede, seed (Latin, cedo, to yield). To 
 give up to another ; to yield ; to reUnqmsh 
 possession. 
 
 Cedilla, se-dHlah (French, cedille). A 
 small mark placed imder the letter c 
 (thus, c"), to denote when that letter is to 
 be pronounced soft ; it is chiefly used in 
 French words. 
 
 Celibacy, selly-ba-se (Latin, ccelels, a 
 bachelor). Single life ; unmarried stata 
 The clergy of the Church of Rome are 
 obliged to conform to celibacy. 
 
 Cellular Tissue, sell-lewlar tis-shu. 
 (Latin, cellula, a little cell). The elastic 
 connecting tissue of the vaiious parts of 
 animal and vegetable bodies, consisting of 
 cellules or vesicles of various fig-ures ad- 
 hering together in masses. 
 
 Celtic, sel-tik. Pertaining to the Celts, 
 or eai'ly inhabitants of Britain, Gaul, Spain, 
 and the south and west of Europe. 
 
 Cemetery, semmy-tere (Greek, Jccimai, 
 to be dead). A place set apart for the inter- 
 ment of the dead. 
 
 Cenotaph, seno-taf (Greek, Jcenos, 
 empty ; taphos, a sepiilchre). A monu- 
 ment erected to the memoiy of a person, 
 whose remains he buried in another i^lace ; 
 such are the majority of the monuments in 
 Westminster Abbey. 
 
 Censer, sen-sur (French, encensoir, per- 
 fuming pan). The pan or vessel in which 
 j incense is burned. 
 
 Censor, ser.-sor (Latin, censor). In 
 
 I Rome, a magistrate who corrects tlie 
 
 I morals and manners of the people ; hence, 
 
 a person who undertakes to correct others 
 
 is so called. 
 
 Census, sen-sus (Latin, census). An 
 enumeration of the inhabitants of a 
 country taken by Government authority. 
 In Great Britain a census of the popula- 
 tion is taken every ten years. 
 
 Cent, sent (Latin, centum, a himdred). 
 In commerce, a term used to express the 
 profit or loss, per hundred, arising from 
 the sale of any commodity, the rate of 
 commission, exchange, the interest of 
 money, &c. ; as 10 per cent, is the tenth 
 part of a hundred, 20 per cent, the fifth 
 part, and so on. Cent is also the name of 
 a copper coin of the United States, of the 
 value of one hundredth part of a dollai', and 
 answering very nearly to the English haif- 
 pennj. 
 
 Centaur, sen-taur. In mythology, a 
 fabulous monster, depicted 'as half a 
 man and half a horse; it also represents 
 Sagittarius, the archer, one of the signs of 
 the Zodiac. 
 
 Centenarian, senty-narean (Latin, 
 centum, a hundred). A person who hai 
 attained one hundred years. 
 
 Centennial, sent-enny-al (Latin, ce7i- 
 tum, a hundred). Consisting of a hundred 
 years ; happening every century. 
 
CEN 
 
 CES 
 
 51 
 
 Centime, son-teem (Fi-ench, centime). 
 The hundredth part of a franc ; ten centimes 
 answer to the English penny. 
 
 Centipede, senty-peed (Latin, centum, 
 a hundred ; ^jgs, a foot). The name com- 
 monly but erroneously given to insects 
 which have many feet. In some species 
 they are found to number twenty-six pairs. 
 
 Cento, sen- to. In poetrj', a piece 
 wholly composed of the verses of other 
 authors, wherein sometimes whole lines, 
 and at others, half verses are borrowed, 
 but set down in a new order, and applied 
 to a subject different from that in which 
 they were originally introduced. 
 
 Centre of Gra"vity. That point 
 about which the parts of a body, in any 
 situation, balance each other ; if this con- 
 dition be not' maintained, the body yields 
 or falls ; thus, a coach or a boat which 
 overturns, does so because it loses its centre 
 of gravity. 
 
 Centralization, sentral-izayshun 
 (Greek, kentron, a point). Tendency to a 
 centre ; the act of centralizing. 
 
 Centrifugal, sent - rifu - gal (Latin, 
 centrum, a centre \.fugio, totiy). Tendency 
 to recede from the centre. The centri- 
 fugal force of a body is that force by 
 which any body moving in a curve en- 
 deavours to recede from the centre. 
 
 Centumviri, sen-tum-ve-ri. Roman 
 judges, who were chosen three from each 
 of the thirty-five tribes, making in all one 
 himdred and five, though they were esti- 
 mated in round numbers as one hundred 
 men, and so called. 
 
 Century, sentu-re (Latin, centum, a 
 hundred). A hundred years ; usually em- 
 ployed to specify a certain period, as the 
 nineteenth century ; sometimes the word is 
 used simply to denote a hundred. 
 
 Cephalic, sefah-lik (Greek, JcepJiale, a 
 head). Appertaining to the head ; a medi- 
 cine for the head. 
 
 Cerate, se-rat (Latin, ceratum, was oint- 
 ment). A preparation, or healing plaster, 
 of which wax forms the principal ingredient. 
 
 ' Cerberus, serby-rus. In mythology, 
 a dog or monster with three heads, who 
 guarded the entrance of the infernal 
 regions; a surly and jealous -doorkeeper 
 is ironically thus named. 
 
 Cereal, seree-al {Ceres, the goddess of 
 agriculture). A term applied to grain 
 yielding food to man or beast ; as wheat, 
 oats, barley, rye, &^ 
 
 Cerebral, seree-bral (Latin, cereh-umj 
 the brain). Pertaining to the brain. 
 
 Cerecloth, sear-kloth (Latin, cera, 
 wax ; and cloth). Cloth smeared with wax 
 and other substances; employed by the 
 ancients in wrapping around dead bodies. 
 
 Ceremony, seiTy-munny (from Ceres, 
 the goddess of agriculture, who was wor- 
 shipped with much solemnity). Outward 
 rite ; external form of religion ; impres- 
 sive forms of state ; frigid civility. 
 
 Certes, ser-tez (French, certes). An old 
 word, signifying certainly, truly, indeed. 
 
 Certiorari, sershio-rari. In law, a VTrit 
 issued out of Chancery or other superior 
 court, to call up the records of an inferior 
 court ; or remove a cause then pending, 
 that it may be tried in a superior court. 
 This writ is obtained upon complaint of 
 a party that he cannot in an inferior court 
 receive justice, or that he is not certain of 
 receiving it. 
 
 Certificate, ser-tiffy-kate (Latin, certus, 
 certain). A testimony given in writing to 
 certify or make known any truth ; as cer- 
 tificate of marriage, of baptism, of bank- 
 ruptcy. 
 
 Cerulean, se-rulean (Latin, coeruleus, 
 blue). Sky-coloured, or sky-blue. 
 
 Cerumen, seru-men (Latin, cerumen). 
 Wax secreted by the ear. 
 
 Cervical, servee-kal (Latin, cervix, the 
 neck). Belonging to the neck. 
 
 Cessavit, ses-sayvit (Latin, cessavit, 
 he hath ceased). In law, a writ issued to 
 recover lands, when the tenant or occupier 
 has ceased for two years to perform the 
 service or pay the rent which constitutes 
 the condition of his tenure, and has not 
 sufficient goods and chattels to be dis- 
 trained. 
 
 Cessio Bonorum, seslj-sheobon-orum. 
 A Latin law phrase, meaning the surrender 
 by an insolvent debtor of his entire pro- 
 perty to his creditors. This exempts him 
 from all personal penalties. 
 
 Cession, sesh-shun (Latin, cesso, .to 
 cease). The act of sun'endering, or yielding 
 up to a creditor, the goods, property, &c., 
 of a debtor. In Ecclesiastical law, when 
 a person accepts a second benefioo or 
 dig-nity in the Church, which is incomjjatiblo 
 by law with that which he previously held, 
 the latter is said to bo void hy cessiof., 
 
 Cesspool, ses-pool. A well sunk voder 
 ground to receive water and refuse from 
 drains. 
 
52 
 
 CES 
 
 CHA 
 
 ^Ceetue, ses-tus (Latin, ccstus). The 
 girdle of Venus, or marriage girdle, which 
 was fabled to invest the person who wore it 
 with irresistible charms. 
 
 Cetacea, se-taysheah (Greek, hetos, 
 a whale). An order of animals inhabiting 
 the ocean, of which the whale and the dol- 
 phin are examples. These animals re- 
 semble fishes in their general natures, but 
 they breathe air, have warm blood, and a 
 double circulation ; the tail is also horizontal, 
 and .not vertical as in true fishes. 
 
 Chafe, tshafe (Latin, calefacere, to 
 make warm). To warm by rubbing ; figu- 
 ratively, to heat a person's temper by a 
 contradictory or peevish manner. 
 
 Chaffer, tshaf-fur (German, havfen, to 
 buy). To haggle ; to bargain ; to treat 
 about a purchase. 
 
 Chafing Dish, tshafe-ing dish. A 
 utensil made use of to contain live coal, or 
 charcoal, for keeping anything warm, or 
 for heating anything when cold. 
 
 Chagrin, sha-green (French, cUacp-in). 
 Displeasure, iU-humoui-, or peevishness 
 arising from anything done to vex, or in 
 opposition to a person's inclinations. 
 
 Chalice, chal-lis (Latin, ccdix', a cup). 
 A vessel formerly used as a di-inking-cup ; 
 but the term is now applied to the cup 
 which contains the wine in the celebration 
 of the communion, or Lord's sujDper. 
 
 Chalybeate, kah-libby-ate (Latin, 
 chalyls, iron or steel). Impregnated with 
 iron ; a word applied to water, medicines, 
 or other fluids containing iron in solution. 
 
 Chamberlain, chambur-lin. An ofl[i- 
 cer charged with the management and 
 direction of a chamber. In England, the 
 Lord High Chamherlain is the sixth officer 
 of the Crown. He has to perform certain 
 duties at the coronation, and has under 
 him ushers, yeomen-ushers, and door- 
 keepers. The Lord Chamberlain of the 
 Household is the overseer of aU officers 
 belonging to the royal chambers, except 
 the bed-chamber, wardrobe, &c., and ad- 
 ministers the oath to all officers above- 
 stairs. The Chamberlain of the Exchequer, 
 of London, of Chester, of North "Wales, 
 &c., are commonly receivers of rents and 
 revenues, and have certain rights and im- 
 munities attached to their situations. 
 
 Chameleon, kahmeel-3nin (Greek, 
 charjiai, on the ground; leon, lion). An 
 animal of the lizard tribe, originally sup- 
 posed to live on air. Its most remarkable 
 charactei'istic is, tlie assuming the coloxir of 
 
 the thing to which it is applied, but its 
 •natural colour, in the shade, and at rest, is 
 a blueish grey. 
 
 Chamois Leather, sham-oy leth-ur. 
 A soft leather made from the skin of the 
 Chamois, an animal of the goat kind. 
 
 Champagne, sham-pain. A brisk, 
 sparkling wine, named from Champagne, 
 one of the former provinces of France. 
 
 Champaign, sham-pain (French, 
 Champagne). A flat, open country. 
 
 Champerty, tsham-purty (French, 
 champart, field-rent). In law-suits a species 
 of maintenance, being a bargain with a 
 plaintiff or defendant, to divide the land or 
 other matter at issue between them, if they 
 prevail ; whereupon, the champerior is to 
 carry on the party's suit at his own ex- 
 pense. 
 
 Champion, tshamp-eon (Latin, campiis, 
 a plain). One who undertakes a combat 
 in the place of another, or in his own 
 cause. The Champion of England is 
 a person whose office is hereditary, and 
 who, upon the day of coronation, rides into 
 Westminster Hall, and throws down his 
 gauntlet as a challenge to any one who 
 dare contest the sovereign's right. 
 
 Chance-Medley. In law, the acci- 
 dental killing of a person in a fray or 
 in self-defence. 
 
 Chancel, tshan-sel (Latin, cancelU, 
 lattice work). The eastern part of a 
 church, where the altar stands. 
 
 Chancellor, tshan-sellur (Latin, can- 
 celU, cross-bar or ruling). A high officer of 
 state or of some public establishment. 
 The Lord High Chancellor of England is 
 the first person in the realm, after the 
 sovereig-n and princes of the blood. The 
 Chancellor of the Exchequer, has the custody 
 and control of the funds of the nation. 
 
 Chancery. The highest court of 
 justice in Great Britain next to Pai'liament, 
 consisting of two distinct tribunals: — one, 
 ordinary, being a court of common law; 
 the other extraordinary, being a court of 
 equity. 
 
 Chanticleer, tshanty-kleer (French, 
 chant, crowing ; clair, clear). The name 
 given to the cock, from the shrillness and 
 loudness of his crow. 
 
 Chantry, tshan-tre (Latin, cano,^ to 
 sing). A church or chapel endowed for 
 the maintenance of one or more priests, for 
 the purpose of singing masses for the souls 
 of the donors, or such as the donors have ' 
 appointed to be prayed for. 
 
CHA 
 
 Chaos, kay-os (Greek, cliaos). Con- 
 fuseclness ; disorder ; undistinguishable mix- 
 ture of elements. 
 
 Cliaotic, kay-otic (Greek, chaos). A 
 state resembling chaos. 
 
 Chapeau, sliah-po (French, chapeau). 
 A hat or cap. In heraldry, an ancient cap 
 of dignity worn by dukes ; it is frequently 
 borne above a helmet instead of a wreath 
 under gentlemen's crests. 
 
 Chaperon, shaper-ong (French, chape- 
 ron). A kind of hood; a lady's attendant 
 and protector in pubhc. 
 
 Chapfallen, tshap-fawln. Having the 
 mouth shrunk or the jaw fallen down; 
 originally applied to a helmet ; figura- 
 tively, it denotes the expression of a per- 
 son's face who has met with any serious 
 loss or disappointment. 
 
 Chaplet, tshap-let (French, chapelet). 
 A garland or wreath to be worn aroxxnd the 
 head; a string of beads used by Roman 
 CathoUcs, by which they count the number 
 of their prayers. 
 
 Chapman, tshap-man (Saxon, ceap- 
 man). One who offers goods for sale; a 
 cheapener ; a buyer and sellei'. In Scot- 
 land, a travelling dealer or packman. 
 
 Chapter, tshap-tur (French, chapitre). 
 The division of a book ; a society or com- 
 munion of clergymen belonging to cathe- 
 drals and collegiate chm-ches ; also, a meet- 
 ing of the members of an order of knight- 
 hood. 
 
 Char, tshar (Saxon, cerran, to burn^. 
 To turn to a black cinder. 
 
 Characteristic, karak-teristik (Greek, 
 charahter, a mark, or impression). A 
 distinguishing feature; that which con- 
 stitutes the character' of a person or thing. 
 
 Charade, shah-rahd (French, charade). 
 A species of riddle, the subject of which is 
 a name or word that is proposed for solu- 
 tion from an enigmatical description of its 
 several syllables, and of the whole word. 
 An acting charade is one in which the 
 actors illustrate the composition by appro- 
 priate action, leaving the spectators to 
 divine the meaning. 
 
 Charcoal, tshar-koal. The residue of 
 wood after having been charred, being car- 
 bon in a nearly pm-e state. 
 
 Charge d' Affaires, shar-zhay daf- 
 fair. In diplomatic missions, the third 
 and lowest class of official enti-usted with 
 the affairs of a state at a foreign court. 
 
 CHA 
 
 53 
 
 Charger, tshar-jur. A high-mettled 
 horse used in war to charge, or advance 
 swiftly towards the enemy. 
 
 Charivari, shar-e-va-ree (French, cha- 
 rivari). A mock serenaiie of discordant 
 music. This is the title of the principal 
 comic journal of France, answering' to the 
 English PuRch. 
 
 Charlatan, sha,rlah-tan (French, ckarla,- 
 ian). A mountebank; a quack; a more 
 pretender. 
 
 Charles's "Wain. In astronomy, 
 seven remarkable stars, the constellation 
 of the '"'Great Bear" forming the figure of 
 a rustic ■waiii, or luaggon. 
 
 Charnel House, tshar-nel house 
 (Latin, carnis, flesh, and house). A de- 
 pository for the bones of the dead. 
 
 Chart, tshart (Latin, charto). A term 
 applied to a marine map for the use of 
 navigatox's, showing the sea-coasts, rocks, 
 sands, bearings, kc. The chart globular 
 is a projection, so called from the confor- 
 mity it bears to the globe itself. 
 
 Charter, tshar- tm* (French, chartre). 
 A legal instrument executed with custo- 
 mary fonns, given as evidence of a grant, 
 or something done between man and man. 
 In its more general sense, it is the instru- 
 ment of a grant, conferring powers, rights, 
 and privileges from some sovereign or 
 party having power to grant such charters. 
 
 Charter Party. In maritime affairs, 
 a deed or written contract for the letting 
 to freight the whole or part of a vessel for 
 one or more voyages : the ship is then said 
 to be chartered for the voyage. 
 
 Chartism, tshar-tizm. In England, 
 the principles held by the democratic 
 body called Chartists ; consisting of five 
 leading points, namely : — universal su ffrage, 
 annual parliaments, vote by ballot, elec- 
 toral districts, and payment of members of 
 parliament. 
 
 Charybdis, karib-dis (Greek, charyb 
 dis). A dangerous whirlpool in the Strait of 
 Messina, in Sicily, nearly opposite to Scylla, 
 a rock on the coast of Italy. In figura- 
 tive language, these two words are used to 
 express two difffrent kinds of danger. • As, 
 to '^ escape Charybdis only to meet with. 
 Scylla." 
 
 Chasseurs, shas-surze (Freneh, chas- 
 seurs). A French term for a select body of 
 light infantry, who are required to be par- 
 ticulai'ly agile and expert in their move- 
 ments. 
 
54 
 
 CHA 
 
 Chateau, shah-to (French, chateau). 
 A country seat ; a gentleman's mansion. 
 Formerly used to denote a castle or baro- 
 nial hall in France. 
 
 Cheap- Jack. The name given to an 
 itinerant huckster, or dealer in hai-dware, 
 &c., and who puts his goods up to auction 
 among the crowd, indulging at the same 
 time in volleys of coarse wit, and random 
 assertions, respecting the wares he has to 
 offer. 
 
 Checkmate. The movement on a 
 ihess-board which hinders the opposite 
 men from moving, and terminates the 
 game. Mate is from the Spanish matar, 
 tokiU. 
 
 Checker "Work, tshek-ur wurk. 
 Work varied alternately, as to its colours 
 or materials. 
 
 Cheek by Jo"wl. Side by side. Said 
 often of persons in such close confabulation 
 as almost to have their faces touch. 
 
 Chef d'CEuvre, shay-durver (French, 
 chefcPosuvre). A master-piece ; a perform- 
 ance of distinguished merit. 
 
 Chegoe, tzheg-o (Spanish, chiguito, 
 small). A tropical insect which enters the 
 skin of the feet, producing great pain and 
 annoyance. 
 
 Cherub, tsher-ub. A word used in 
 Scripture for certain symbolical figures 
 with one or more heads, and furnished 
 with wings ; a celestial spirit ; a :beautiful 
 child. The plural of this word is cherubim. 
 
 Chevalier, shevah-leer (French, cheva- 
 lier). A knight ; a horseman ; ■ a gallant 
 young man. 
 
 Chevaux de Frise, shevo-deh-freez 
 {Yrench., chevaiix de f rise). In fortification, 
 a piece of timber armed with spikes to 
 defend a passage ; also applied to the 
 spikes set in, ordinarily, on the top of a 
 wall. 
 
 Chevron, shev-run (French, chevron). 
 4. military badge worn on the coat-sleeve. 
 In heraldry, an honourable ordinary, repre- 
 senting two rafters of a house set up as 
 they ought to stand. In architecture, a 
 simple ornament consisting of short lines, 
 joining at angles. 
 
 Chiara Oscuro, kyah-rah-osku-ro 
 (Italian). In painting, that important part 
 which relates to light and shade ; referring 
 not only to the mutable effects which light 
 and shade produce, but also to the per- 
 manent differences in lightness and dark- 
 ness. 
 
 CHO 
 
 Chiboque, tcm-oooKe. j\. Turkish' 
 pipe. 
 
 Chicanery, shekain-aree (French, 
 chicanei-ie). Mean artifice or stratagem ; 
 sophistry ; evasion. 
 
 Chiltern Hundreds. Stewardship 
 of. A name applied to a nominal 
 stewardship which a member of parliament 
 accepts when he abandons his seat. By 
 law, no member can resign his seat in the 
 House of Commons ; therefore, when he 
 wishes to retire, he accepts the above post, 
 which, being a place of profit and honour 
 under the Crown, at once disqualifies him 
 for retaining his seat. This office was 
 originally appointed over a portion of the 
 high lands of Buckinghamshire, known by 
 the name of Chiltern HUls. 
 
 Chimera, kim-eera. A fabulous mon- 
 ster ill mythology, represented as having a 
 lion's head, a goat's body, and the tail of 
 a dragon. In Christian art, the chimera 
 is a symbol of cunning; figm-atively, it 
 expresses a wild or extravagant fancy, an 
 illusory or unnatural conception of the 
 mind. 
 
 Chirographer, ki-rograh-fur (Greek, 
 cheir, the hand ; grapho,to^'Y\ie). One who 
 exercises or professes the art or business 
 of writing ; an officer in the Court of Com- 
 mon Pleas, who engrosses fines. 
 
 Chiromancer, kiro-mansur (Greek, 
 cheir, the hand ; manteia, divination). The 
 pretended art of divining fortunes and 
 future events by the lines of the hands. 
 
 Chiropedist, ki - roppy - dist (Greek, 
 cheir, the hand ; pous, a foot). One who 
 extracts corns from the feet. 
 
 Chirurgery, ki-nir-jery (Greek, chein 
 the hand ; ergorc, work). Surgery, or that 
 department of medical science in which the 
 hand, either alone, or with instruments, is 
 employed for the prevention or cure of 
 diseases. 
 
 Chivalry, tshiv-alry [(French, cheval- 
 erie). The duties and privileges of a 
 knight ; the qualifications or characteristics 
 of knighthood ; heroic adventure ; dis- 
 interested conduct. 
 
 Choir, kwire (Latin, chorus, a body of 
 singers). An assembly or band of singers, 
 especially in Divine service ; also that paii; 
 of the church allotted to the choristers. 
 
 Choleric, kcllur-ik (Greek, chole, bile). 
 Passionate ; hasty ; petulant. 
 
 Chop-stick. A Chinese implemen' 
 for taking food with. 
 
Clio 
 
 Choregraphy, korcg-rafTy (Latin, 
 cJoorea, a dance. Greek, (/I'ap/w, to de- 
 scribe). Tlieart of representing dancing 
 by signs, as singing is by notes. 
 
 Cliorography, koro-graffy (Greek, 
 lora, a district ; (/ro/pho, to describe). The 
 arc of describing or delineating by maps a 
 pai-ticvilar region, in contradistinction to 
 geography and topography. 
 
 Chowder, tshow-der. A dish of fresh 
 fish boiled with biscuits, &c, 
 
 Cliristendoni,kris'sn-dum. The por- 
 tion of the world inhabited by Christians, 
 and aclcnowledging Christianity ; Christians 
 as a body. 
 
 Chromatic, kro-matik (Greek, chroma, 
 colour). Eelating to colour; in music, 
 marking a species of notes by semi-tones. 
 
 Chromatype, kro-mah-type (Greek, 
 chroma, colour ; ttqws, representation). A 
 process of photography, which consists in 
 washing paper with a solution, and ex- 
 posing it to the influence of sunshine, with 
 the object to be copied superposed, and 
 afterwards washed with a solution of 
 nitrate of silver. 
 
 Chronology, kron-ollo-je (Greek, 
 chronos, time ; loc/os, a discourse). The 
 science of computing and adjusting dates 
 or periods of time, and of ascertaining the 
 correct periods or years in which particular 
 events occurred. 
 
 Chronometer, kro-nommy-tiu- (Greek, 
 chronos, time ; raetron, a measure). A time- 
 piece constructed in such a manner as to 
 note time perfectly. Watches of this kind 
 are used at sea ; they generally beat half- 
 seconds. 
 
 _ Chronic, kron-ik (Greek, chronos, 
 ^ime). A term applied to such diseases 
 as are of long duration, in opposition 
 to those of more rapid progress ; this 
 term is also applied in a social sense to 
 imply bad habitude, asa " chronic state of 
 insolvency." 
 
 Chum (Armoric, chom). A familiar 
 term for a chamber-fellow, or one who 
 lodges in the same apartment ; a word in 
 common use at imiversities. 
 
 Church Service. The common 
 prayer, collects, and other parts of public 
 worship performed according to the forms 
 of the Church of England. 
 
 Chyle, kile (Greek, c7iy?os). A white 
 fiaid contained in the stomach, consisting 
 of the finer and more nutritious parts of the 
 food, which is received into the lacteal 
 
 CIR 55 
 
 vessels, and serves to form the blood.- 
 Chylification is the process of digestion, by 
 which the food taken is converted into 
 chyle. 
 
 Chym.e, kime (Greek, chymos, juice). 
 The pulpy substance into which food is 
 converted after being subjected for a while 
 to the action of the stomach, and from 
 which the chyle is prepared. 
 
 Chrysalis, krisah-lis (Greek, chrysos, 
 gold). In insect life, that state which 
 occurs between the caterpillar or grub form 
 and the perfect winged insect. In this 
 stage the animal lies inactive, takes no food, 
 and is inclosed in a transparent covering, 
 which has often a metalhc lustre and a 
 golden hue ; hence its name. 
 
 Cicatrice, sikkab-tris (Latin, cicatrix). 
 The scai- or seam on the flesh after a wound 
 has healed. 
 
 Cicerone, che-che-ro-ne (Italian, cice- 
 rone). Any person who acts as a guide; 
 one who points out objects of interest, 
 and explains curiosities. This word is 
 derived from Cicero, the great Eoman 
 orator. 
 
 Cid, sid (Arabic, seid, lord). The name 
 given to a geat hero among the Spaniards, 
 celebrated for his exploits, Roderigo Diaz, 
 count of Bivar. 
 
 Ci-devant, seed-vawng (French, ci- 
 devant, heretofore). Belong-ing to former 
 times, or other days ; pertaining to a 
 system of things gone by. 
 
 Cimmerian, sim-meery-an. Dark 
 and gloomy, as it is with the Cimmerii, a 
 people dwelling on the western coast of 
 Italy, where it is extremely dark. 
 
 Cinerary, sinny-rary (Latin, cineres, 
 ashes). Relating to ashes. 
 
 Cinque Ports, singk-portse (French, 
 cinq, five, and 2^orts). The five sea-port 
 towns of Dover, Hastings, Sandwich, 
 Hythe, and Romney ; to which three 
 others were afterwards added — namely, 
 Winchelsea, Rye, and Seaford. These 
 towns possess peculiar privileges, and are 
 under the government of a lord-warden. 
 
 Cipher, si-fur (French, chiffre). The 
 figure (0) in numbers ; an interweaving of 
 letters or the initials of a name ; a secret 
 manner of writing. 
 
 Circassian, ser-kash-yan. A native 
 of Circassia ; pertaining to Circassia, a 
 countiy situated on the southern declivity 
 of IMount Caucasus. 
 
56 
 
 CIS, 
 
 Circuit, ser-Kit (Latio, circum, rdund). 
 Tiio journey ox- progress which the judges 
 take twice every year, through the counties 
 of England and Wales, to hold courts and 
 administer justice. Thus England is divi- 
 ded into six circuits— The Home Circuit, 
 Norfolk Circuit, Midland Circuit, Oxford 
 Circuit, Western Circuit, and Northern 
 Circuit. In Wales there are two cu-cuits, 
 the North and South. In Scotland there 
 are three — the Southern, Western, and 
 Northern. 
 
 Circular, sirku-lur. An advertising 
 letter intended for circulation; it is usually 
 printed mth a fly-leaf, in contradistinction 
 to a hill, which has no fly-leaf. 
 
 Circulating Medium. In com- 
 merce, a term denoting the medium of 
 exchanges, or purchases and sales, whether 
 this medium be metallic coin, paper, or 
 any other article. 
 
 Circumambient, serkum-amby-ent 
 (Latin, circum, round ; amhio, to encom- 
 pass). Surrounding ; encompassing ; in- 
 closing. 
 
 Circumference, ser - kumfer - ens 
 (Latin, circumferentia). The line that 
 bounds a circle ; the line encompassing any 
 figure. 
 
 Circumflex, serkum-fleks (Latin, cir- 
 cnmflexus). An accent used to regulate the 
 pronunciation of syllables, including or 
 participating of the acute and grave — it is 
 marked thus ('■). 
 
 Circumlocution, serkum-lo-kewshim 
 (Latin, circumlocutio). The describing a 
 thing by many words, which might be ex- 
 plained in a few. 
 
 Circumnavigation, serkum-nav^^;^- 
 gayshun (Latin, circumnavigo). The act of 
 sailing round. 
 
 Circumscribe, serkum-skribe (Latin, 
 nrcicm, round ; scriho, to write). To con- 
 fine with certain limits ; to inclose ; to set 
 bounds to. 
 
 Circumspect, serkum-spekt (Latin, 
 circum, around ; specto, to look). Prudent ; 
 watchful ; cautious ; wary. 
 
 Circumstance, serkum-stans (Latin, 
 circum, around ; sto, to stand). Something 
 attending on or a relative to a fact, though 
 not essential thereto. Circumstarotial evi- 
 dence is composed of those circumstances 
 which either naturally or necessarily attend 
 facts of a peculiar nature, which cannot be 
 demonstratively evinced, and which so 
 agree as to render them worthy of reliance 
 until the contrary be proved. 
 
 CLA 
 
 Circumstantial Evidence. lula^.v-, 
 that evidence which is obtained from cir- 
 cumstances which usually attend facts or tv 
 pax'ticular nature, from which arises pre- 
 sumption. I 
 
 Circumvallation, serkum-va-Iayshua 
 (Latin, circum, arouud ; 'callum, a rampart). 
 The act of casting- up fortifications around 
 a place ; the fortification or trench thrown 
 around a besieged town. 
 
 Circumvent, serkum-vent (Latin, cir- 
 cum, around ; venio, to come). To over- 
 reach ; to delude. 
 
 Circumvolution, serkum-vo-lewshun 
 (Latin, circum, arouud ; volo, to fly). The 
 act of rolling or turning round. 
 
 Cirrus, sir-rus (Latin, cirnis, a lock of 
 hair curled). A term applied to the curl- 
 cloud, charactei'ised by its curlinfj form, 
 by the lightness of its appearance, and the 
 manj^ changes of its figure. 
 
 Cistern, sis-tum (Latin, cista, a chest). 
 A large receptacle for water, either above 
 or below ground. 
 
 Citadel, sitah-del (French, ciiadelle). 
 A fortress situated on the most commanding 
 ground about a citij. It serves to keep the 
 inliabitauts in awe, axid in the event of the 
 place being taken, becomes a retreat for 
 the garrison. It is separated from the 
 to'wn by an esplanade, which is a space of 
 level ground, clear of buildings, so that no 
 pei'son can approach unperceived. 
 
 Citation, site-ayshun (Latin, cito, to 
 call). A summons to appear in court ; an 
 official call ; quotation ; mention. 
 
 Civic Crown. A garland of oak- 
 leaves, which was given to a Roman soldier 
 who had saved the life of a citizen. 
 
 Civil Engineer. One employed in 
 civil engineering, such as the constructing 
 of machinery for the purposes of manu- 
 facture or locomotion ; as opposed to 
 military engineering. 
 
 Civil Law. The law of a state, 
 city, or country. 
 
 Civil List. The oflBcers of civil 
 government ; also the revenue appropriated 
 to support civil government. 
 
 _ Civilian, siv-ilyan (Latin, civis, a 
 citizen). One eng-aged in civil pursuits, as 
 distinguished from military, clerical, &c. 
 A. professor of the civil law. 
 
 Clairvoyance, klare-voyans (French, 
 clair, clear; voyance, seeing). A faculty 
 which some persons are reputed to possess 
 
CLA 
 
 CLI 
 
 57 
 
 of discerning things invisible to the senses 
 when submitted to mesmeric influeuce. 
 
 Clan, klan (Iiish, claim). A family ; a 
 race, A tribe consisting of many families 
 bearing tlie same surnarae^ who, accord- 
 ing to traditioUj descend from a com- 
 mon ancestor, as the Campbells of Scot- 
 land; the O'Connors of Ireland, &c. 
 
 Clandestine, klan-destin (Latin, clam, 
 secret). Concealed from view ; secret ; 
 underhand ; fraudulent. 
 
 Clangour, klang-gor (Lectin, clangor). 
 A harsh, sharp sound. 
 
 Clapperclaw, klappur-klaw. To scold; 
 to rail at. 
 
 Clap-trap, Idap-trap. A term applied 
 to anything said to the multitude for the 
 purpose of extracting applause ; it takes 
 its name from a kind of clapper used in 
 theatres. 
 
 ClarencieiLX, klaren-shu (French, 
 clarancicux). An heraldic ofl&ce ; the second 
 king at arms, so called from the Duke of 
 Clarence, son of Edward III., who fii'st bore 
 the office. 
 
 Clarification, klai-ry-fekayshun (Lat. 
 clarus, clear ; faclo, to make). The process 
 of freeing any liquid from its impurities 
 by boiling or by chemical applications. 
 
 Clarion, klarry-un (French, clairon). 
 A kind of trumpet with a narrower tube 
 than the ordinary trumpet, anciently much 
 used in war, on account of the shiUlness of 
 its tone. 
 
 Class. A term used to denote an assem- 
 blage of beings or things having some 
 marked character in common. Classes are 
 made up of orders. What the genus is to 
 the species, or the order to the genera, the 
 class is in respect to the orders. Every 
 class comprehends part of the series of 
 genera collected into several orders ; every 
 order is an assemblage of genera, every 
 genus an assemblage of similar species, and 
 every species is made up of homogeneous 
 individuals. 
 
 Classical, klassy-kal (Latin, classicns). 
 Ilelating to the pure and elegant literature 
 of wi'iters in any ianguao^e, but more espe- 
 cially to tne ancient autliors of Greece and 
 Rome. 
 
 Clause, klawz (Latin, clausula, the end). 
 A sentence, or so much of it as will make 
 sense ; an article in a contract or particu- 
 lar stipulation ; an especial provision in- 
 serted in Acts of Parliament. 
 
 Clavicle, klawy-kul (Latin, clavicula, 
 a little key). The collar-bone ; the bone 
 situated between the shoulder- bone and 
 breast-bone. 
 
 Claymore, kiay-more (Gaelic, claid- 
 heamhmoT). A large sword formerly used 
 by the Scottish Highlanders. 
 
 Clearing. In commerce, the act of 
 setting imported goods free by official 
 examination, and the computation and pay- 
 ment of customs duties. Among London 
 bankers, a method adopted for exchanging 
 the cheques drawn upon each other. A 
 clearing house is appointed for this pur- 
 pose, whither the representative of each 
 banker repairs at a certain hour daily, 
 taking with him all the cheques on the 
 other bankers which have been paid into 
 his principal's house that' day. Balances 
 are struck from aU the accounts, and the 
 claims are transferred from one to another, 
 until each clerk has only to settle with two 
 or three others, and then balances are 
 immediately paid. 
 
 Clear Starch. To stiffen with starch, 
 and clear by clapping the articles between 
 the hands. 
 
 Clef, kief (French clef, key). In music, 
 a character placed at the commencement 
 of a stave, to determine the degree of ele- 
 vation occupied by that stave in the sys- 
 tem, and to point out the names of all the 
 notes contained in the line of the clef. 
 
 Clemency, klemmen-se (Latin, demen- 
 tia, mildness). Mercy ; indulgence ; dis- 
 iion to treat with favour and kindness. 
 
 Clerk, klark (Greek, Ueros, heritage). 
 This word was originally used to denote a 
 man of letters, or a learned man ; and a 
 clergyman is still designated a clerk in holy 
 orders. It is now .a common name for 
 assistants in offices, counting-houses, &c. 
 The name was originally given to clergy- 
 men, to imply that they were the peculiai' 
 heritage or property of God. 
 
 Cleve, ClifF, or Clive. In the name 
 of a place, either of these syllables occur- 
 ring at the beginning or end of a word, 
 denotes that such place is situated on the 
 side of a rock or hill, as Cleveland, Clifton, 
 Stancliff. 
 
 Client, kli-ent (Latin, cliens). A person 
 who receives legal advice and assistance, 
 or who intrusts the management of his 
 affairs to a lawyer. 
 
 Climacteri?, klimak-terik (Greek, 
 JclimaXf a ladder, or scale). Among th^ 
 
58 
 
 CLl 
 
 COA 
 
 ancient physicians and astrologers, the 
 name given to certain periods in human 
 life, which were supposed to be verj'- criti- 
 cal, and denoting some extraordinary 
 change. According to some, every seventh 
 year is a climateric, while others recognise 
 only those years produced by 7 and multi- 
 phed by the odd numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9. 
 These years are said to bring with them 
 some remarkable change, with respect to 
 life, health, and fortune. The grand cli- 
 macteric is the sixty-third year. The other 
 olimaterics are the 7th, 21st, 35th, 49th, 
 and 56th. 
 
 Climax, kli-maks (Greek, Idiraax, a 
 ladder, or scale). Gradation ; ascent. A 
 figure in rhetoric, by which the sentences 
 or particulars rise gradually, forming a 
 whole in such a manner, that the last idea 
 in the former member becomes the first in 
 the latter, till the chmax or gradation is 
 completed. 
 
 Clinical, klinny-kal (Greek, Jdvies, a 
 bed). In medicine, a term used to signify 
 the treatment of patients in bed, for the 
 more exact discovery of the nature of dis- 
 ease. A clinical lecture is a discourse de- 
 livered by the bed-side of a patient, whose 
 peculiar condition is made to illustrate the 
 several points alluded to. 
 
 Clique, kleek (French, clique). A 
 narrow set of persons ; a party holding 
 aloof from other persons, save those having 
 similar views and jsrinciples, andoccupj-ing 
 the same position as themselves ; a gang ; a 
 clan ; a coterie. 
 
 ClodllOpper. A dull, heavy, clownish 
 fellow, who is associated with clods or 
 lumps of earth ; one who follows the 
 plough, or labours in the fields, is com- 
 monly so called. 
 
 Cloister, kloys-tur (Saxon, claustcr, a 
 closet). A retirement; a place of seclusion 
 from the world ; especially applied to the 
 principal part of a monastery, consisting of 
 a square built on each of its sides, between 
 the church, the chapter- house, and the re- 
 fectory, where the monks meet for conver- 
 sation. In architecture, a court which has 
 buildings on each of its four sides ; a peri- 
 style, or piazza. 
 
 Close-quarters. In a ship, strong 
 bairiers of wood, used for defence when 
 the vessel is boarded ; the term is used 
 conventionally to imply persons being 
 crowded uncomfortably together. 
 
 Clove-Pink. A plant so named from 
 the supposed resemblance which the odour 
 
 of the flower bears to the clove of com- 
 merce. 
 
 Cloven-footed. Having the foot oi 
 hoof divided into two parts, as in the ox. 
 Satan is generally rej^reseuted with a 
 cloven foot, and a persou who deals 
 knavishly and deceitfully with another is 
 said to skoio the cloven foot. 
 
 Club Law. Government by brute 
 force or violence. 
 
 Clue, klue (Saxon, cliwe). A ball of 
 thread ; anything which furnishes a guide 
 or direction. In nautical language, the 
 lower corner of a square-sail, and the aft- 
 most comer of a stay-sail. C'leio-garaets are 
 a rope and pulley, made fast to the clews of 
 the main and fore-sails. 
 
 Clyster, klis-tur (Greek, lli/zo, to 
 wash). A medicated liquid, injected by 
 means of a pipe into the larger intestine. 
 
 Co, ko. An abbreviation of con, when 
 prefixed to words signifying wit/i or together. 
 In commerce, an abbreviation for the word 
 company, as relating to a partnership; 
 thus. Smith and Co. 
 
 Coadjutor, ko-adjew-tur (Latin, con, 
 with ; adjutor, an assistant). A person 
 engaged in assisting another ; a helper in 
 the same department or pursuit. In canon 
 law, one who is empowered or appointed 
 to perform the duties of another. 
 
 Coagula,te,ko-adjew-late (Lat. coagulo, 
 to cause to curdle). To thicken ; to clot : 
 as milk turns into curds by means of 
 rennet. 
 
 Coalesce, koah-less (Latin, coalesco, to 
 become one in gro^vth). To unite ; to 
 grow together ; generally applied to the act 
 whereby persons unite in opinion or action 
 for a common cause. 
 
 Coalition, koah-lishun (Latin, coalesco, 
 to grow together). Union in a body or 
 mass; union of persons, or parties, as a 
 coalition ministry. 
 
 Coast- Guard. An officer appointed 
 to watch a certain portion of the sea-coast, 
 Avith a view of preventing smuggling, or 
 committing any other breach of the law ; 
 and also for the purpose of reporting any 
 strange vessel, which he may happen to dis- 
 cern: upon eniergencies, the coast-guai'd 
 are also called ajjon to serve in the royal 
 navy. 
 
 Coat of Arms. A kind of surcoat 
 worn by the ancient knights over their 
 arms. This coat was diversified cj bands 
 and tillcts of several colours, called devices. 
 
COB 
 
 COG 
 
 59 
 
 bemg composed of several pieces sewed to- 
 gether. Hence, the representation of these 
 in heraldry is stiU called a coat of arms. 
 
 Cob. A pony of a thick, strong build ; 
 also a rounded mass, as a coh-coal, a coh-nut. 
 
 Cobalt, ko-bawlt. A mineral of gray 
 colour, consisting of silver and arsenic, 
 which latter is obtained from it in great 
 quantities. It has never been found in a 
 pure state, but mostly in the state of an 
 oxide, or alloyed with other metals. Its 
 name is derived from hohold, German for 
 devil, from the German miners, igno- 
 rant of its real value, considering its pre- 
 sence unfavourable to the existence of more 
 valuable ores in the places where it 
 occurs. 
 
 Cocliineal, kotshy-neel (Spanish coclii- 
 nilUt) . An insect which turn s red by means 
 of the food which it eats, and when dried 
 affords a beautiful purple colour made use 
 of in dyeing. 
 
 Cockatrice, kokah-tris. A fabulous 
 monster, described with legs, wings, a 
 winding tail, and a crest or comb like that 
 of a cock. Its generation was ascribed to 
 a cock's egg, hatched under a toad or ser- 
 pent, and it was thought so venomous as to 
 be capable of killing with its look : figura- 
 tively, the term is applied to a person of 
 an insidious, venomous, and treacherous 
 disposition. 
 
 Cockney, kok-ne. A contemptuous 
 term used to designate a native of 
 London. The derivation of this word is 
 uncertain ; it has, however, been traced to 
 the Latin word coquina, a kitchen. Origi- 
 nally it meant probably a cooJc ; ' next a 
 person fond of coohery or good living, as 
 the citizens of London are generally 
 reputed to be ; lastly, a luxurious, idle, 
 and effeminate citizen. In French, jiays 
 (h cocagne is a sort of aldermanic Para- 
 dise. 
 
 Cockpit. In a ship of war, an apart- 
 ment beneath the lower deck, used by the 
 surgeon and his assistants dm'ing an action. 
 
 Cockswain, kok-sn. An officer on 
 board a ship who has the charge of the 
 boat and the boat's-crew; with rowing- 
 parties, the person who manages the 
 rudder, and directs the movements of his 
 companions. 
 
 Cocoon, kok-koon (French, cocoii). 
 The ball or case in which the silk-worm 
 and other insects involve themselves ; serv- 
 ing as a defence against enemies, and a pro- 
 tection from the changes of temperatm-e. 
 
 Code, kode (Latin, codex, a roU, or 
 volume, or a board on which accounts were 
 written). A digest of laws; a book of the 
 civil law, appropriated by way of emi- 
 nence to the collection made by Justinian, 
 the Eoman Emperor, and hence called the 
 Justinian code; hence also the code Napo- 
 leon of France, proceeding from the 
 changes effected i<n the laws by Napoleon 
 Bonaparte when consisi. 
 
 Codicil, koddy-sill (Latin, codicUlus, a 
 little book). In law, a supplement to a 
 will, made for the purpose of adding to, or 
 altering, or explaiuing the contents of the 
 will itself. 
 
 Co-equal, ko-eekwal (Latin, con, with ; 
 cequs, equal). Equal with another; having 
 the same rank or authority. 
 
 Coerce, ko-urs (Latin, con, with ; arceo, 
 to hinder). To restrain with force; to 
 keep back, or keep under. 
 
 Coeval, ko-eeval (Latin, con, -with; 
 csvum, an age). Of the same or equal age 
 with another. 
 
 Co-existent, koeg-zistent (Latin, con, 
 with; existo, to exist). Existing at the 
 same time with- another. 
 
 Coffer, kof-fur (Saxon, co.fre). A chest 
 for keeping money; figuratively, a trea- 
 sure. 
 
 Coffer-dam, koffur-dam. A curb or 
 close box of timber, to bo sunk at the 
 bottom of rivers or other water, and the 
 water pumped out ; used in laying the 
 foundation of piers and abutments in deep 
 water. 
 
 Cog, kog. The tooth of a wheel, by 
 which that wheel acts upon another. 
 
 Cogent, ko-jent (Latin, cogo, to drivB 
 together). Having great force ; calculated 
 to convince. 
 
 Cogitate, kodjy-tate (Latin, cogiio, to 
 reflect). To think deeply and anxiously ; 
 to revolve in the mind. 
 
 Cognate, kog-nate (Latin, con, with ; 
 nascor, to be born). Born together ; pro- 
 ceeding from the same stock: allied by 
 nature. 
 
 Cognizance, konny-zanse (Latin, con, 
 with ; nosco, to know). In law, an ac- 
 knowledgment ; a badge to distinguish 
 certain occupations, and to make known 
 by whom the wearers are engaged; in a 
 general sense, notice or acknowledgment, 
 or acquaintance with. 
 
 Cognomen, kog-nomen (Latin, con, 
 with ; jionwi, a name). Surname ; family 
 
eo 
 
 COG 
 
 name ; or name added from any accident 
 or quality. 
 
 Cognovit, kogno-vit (Latin, cognovit) . 
 In law, an acknowledgment made by the 
 defendant in a case, that the claim of the 
 plaintiff is a j ust one. 
 
 Cognoscen-fe, kogno-sen-te (Italian). 
 A person having a thorough knowledge of 
 anything, commonly termed a " knowing 
 one." The plm-al is cognoscenti. 
 
 Co-heir, ko-ayr (Latin, cohcerere, to 
 join together). A joint heir ; one of two 
 or more persons, among whom an inheri- 
 tance is to be divided. 
 
 Colierenee, ko-herens (Latin, cohcerere, 
 to join together). A joining together ; a 
 union of parts ; connection or dependence 
 arising from the mutual or natural relation 
 of parts to each other, as in the arrange- 
 ment of a discourse. 
 
 Cohort, ko-hort (Latin, cohors). Among 
 the Romans a body of soldiers niimbering 
 about 500 oi- 600. In poetical language, 
 a body of warriors. 
 
 Coif, koyf (French, coiffe). A kind of 
 cap or head-dress ; the covering for the 
 head, worn by serjeants-at-law. 
 
 Coigne, koyn (Irish, cuinne, a corner). 
 A corner of a building, and angle of a wall. 
 
 Coin, ko;m (Greek, gonia, a corner. 
 Latin, cuneus, a wedge). A piece of metal, 
 generally fiat and circular, legally stamped 
 and issued for circulation as money. C'wr- 
 rent coin, is coin legally stamped and cir- 
 culating in trade. Foreign, coin, coin valued 
 according to the assayer's report of its 
 purity, regarded in this country merely as 
 bullion 
 
 Colchicum, koltshy-kum. Another 
 name for meadow saffron ; a plant with a 
 bulbous root and bright flowers, growing 
 in several parts of Great Britain. 
 
 Cold Blood. A term used to imply a 
 calm and delibei-ate frame of mind. Thus, 
 when a person is in a passion or angry, his 
 Mood is literally roused; but when nothing 
 occurs to disturb the system, the circula- 
 tion of the blood continues at the same 
 even flow. A murder committed without 
 provocation, or long after the provocation 
 has been given, is termed a *' cold-blooded 
 murder." 
 
 Coleoptera, kolly-opterah (Greek, Jco- 
 leus, a sheath ; pteron, a wing). The name 
 given to a class of insects characterised by 
 having four wings, of which the two supe- 
 rior are not adapted for flight, but form a 
 covering or protection for the two under. 
 
 COL 
 
 CoUaborateur, kol - labah - rahtiu 
 (French, collahoraieur, a feJ low-labourer). 
 An associate in employment ; an assistant ; 
 a coadjutor in office. 
 
 Collapse, kol-laps (Latin, con, with ; 
 laioso, to fall). A falling together, or clos- 
 ing ; a sudden prostration of strength. 
 
 Collate, kol-late (Latin, con, together ; 
 latus, side). To compare one thing with 
 another of the same kind ; to examine with 
 a view of arrangement and completeness. 
 In ecclesiastical matters, to confer a bene- 
 fice on a clergyman. 
 
 Collateral, kol-lattural (Latin, con, 
 together ; latus^ side). Placed side by side. 
 Collateral descent is that which stands in 
 equal relatio^^ to some common ancestor ; 
 collateral security is a securitj'- for the per- 
 formance of covenants, or pecuniat-y obli- 
 gations, in addition to the principal securi- 
 ty, as a deed made of other lands, besides 
 those granted by the deed of mortgage. 
 
 Collation, kol-layshun (Latin, con, 
 with ; latus, side). Comparison of one 
 copy or one thing of the same kiud with 
 another ; the act of confei-ring or bestow- 
 ing a gift ; also a repast between meals. 
 
 Colleague, kol-leeg (Latin, con, with ; 
 lego, to choose). A partner in office ; an 
 associate in employment. 
 
 Collectanea, kol-lektah-neah (Latin, 
 collectanea). A collection. In literature, a 
 selection of notes or observations, gathered 
 from a variety of works. 
 
 Collier, kol-yer. A vessel employed 
 exclusively in the coal trade ; also, a 
 labourer in a coal mine. 
 
 Collocation, kollo-kayshun (Latin, col- 
 locaiio, a placing in order). The act of 
 placing; disposal; the state of being 
 placed. 
 
 Collocution, kollo-kewshun (Latin, 
 collocutio). A speaking together ; confer- 
 ence ; conversation. 
 
 Colloquial, kol-lo-kweal (Latin, collo- 
 quium, a discourse). Pertaining to ordinary 
 conversation ; expressions commonly used. 
 
 Collusion, kol-lewzhun (Latin, co7i, 
 with ; ludo, to play). A secret agreement 
 between persons, to defraud and deceive. 
 In law, a deceitful contract or agreement 
 between two or more persons, for the one 
 to bring an action against the other, in 
 order to defraud a third party of his right. 
 
 Colophon, kolo-fon. An end ; an 
 achievement ; the conclusion of a book, 
 formerly containing the place^ or year, or 
 
COL 
 
 botli, of publication. The name is taken 
 from a city of Ionia. 
 
 Colossus, ko-lossus (Latm, colossus, a 
 stattie larger than life). A brass statue of 
 Apoilo erected across the harboui* of 
 Khodes, is called the Colossus of Rhodes ; 
 its height was 126 feet; large ships could 
 pass between its legs; and few persons 
 could span its thumb. 
 
 Colporteur, kol-por-tur (French. From 
 the Latin, collum, the neck ',porto, to carry). 
 Originally a hawker or pedlar, so called 
 from having his pack suspended about his 
 ne'.lj. In France the hawking of books in 
 remote districts is undertaken by colpor- 
 teurs. 
 
 Coma, ko-mah (Greek, loma, profound 
 sleep). In pathology, a morbid condition 
 of the brain, attended with the loss of 
 sensation and voluntary motion, the patient 
 lying meanwhile as if in a profound sleep. 
 
 Combe, koom. A word which wholly 
 or partly forms the name of many places, 
 as Wycombe, Ilfracombe. It has been 
 defined as that tinwatered portion of a 
 valley which forms its continuation beyond 
 and above the most elevated spring that 
 issues into it — at this point or spring-head, 
 the valley ends, and the ravine begins ; a 
 narrow, undulating ravine, 
 
 Comm.ander,kom-mandur. In mari- 
 time affairs, the master of a merchant 
 vessel. In the royal navy, it is a title given 
 to officers, next in rank above lieutenants, 
 appointed to the command of ships, pre- 
 viously to their being posted as captains. 
 
 Commensurable, kom-menshurah-bl 
 (Latin, con, together ; mensura, measure). 
 Having a common measure. 
 
 Coinm.entary, kommen-tar-e (Latin, 
 con, with ; tnens, mind). An exposition ; 
 an illustration or explanation of difficult or 
 obscure passages in an author's writings , 
 a book of annotations or remaj-ks ; a 
 memoir, or historical narrative. 
 
 CoTnmination, kommy-naysb.m (Lat. 
 con, with ; minor, loss). A threat of punish- 
 ment ; a denunciation ; the recital of God's 
 threatenings, as contained in the iitm-gy 
 of the Church of England, and appointed 
 to be read on the first day of Lent. 
 
 Commiserate, kom-mizzarate (Latin, 
 con, with ; imser, pitiful). To pity ; to 
 sympathise with ; to feel sorrow or pain for. 
 
 ComLm.issariat, kommis-sary-at (Old 
 French). A body of persons attending an 
 
 COM 
 
 61 
 
 army, who are commissioned to reguiata 
 the procuring and conveyance of ammu- 
 nition, stores, &c. 
 
 Conunissary, kommis-sa-re (Latin, 
 commisserius, a commission). In ecclesias- 
 tical affairs, a deputy of the bishop, in 
 parts of tne diocese remote from the see. 
 In military affairs, an ofiicer who has the 
 charge of furnishing provisions, &c. for 
 the army. A commissary -general is an 
 oflBcer appointed to inspect the muster- 
 rolls, and keep an exact statement of the 
 strength of the forces. 
 
 Commission, kom-mishun (Latin, con, 
 with ; mitio, to send). In law, the warrant 
 or letters patent by which a person is 
 authorised to exercise jurisdiction. In 
 military affairs, the warrant of authority 
 by which an officer holds a post in the army. 
 In commerce, the order by which one 
 traffics or negotiates for another ; also the 
 per centage given to agents and factors for 
 transacting the business of others. 
 
 Committee, kom-mittee (Latin, con, 
 with ; mitto, to send). Those to whom the 
 consideration of any business or question 
 is referred, either by a legislative body, a 
 society, or any number of individuals. 
 Committee of tlce House is a parliamentary 
 phrase, denoting that the members, as a 
 body, resolve themselves into a committee, 
 suspending the standing rules of debate, 
 and permitting the members to make their 
 observations. Standing Committees are such 
 as are appointed for a definite period, to 
 take charge of any particular matters. 
 Special Committees are such as are appointed 
 over a special subject, and whose office 
 ceases as soon as they have reported to 
 their constituents, or brought the matter 
 under their charge to an issue. 
 
 Commitment, kom-mitment (Latin, 
 con, with ; mitto, to send). The act of 
 sending a person to prison by warrant, 
 either for a crime or misdemeanour ; a 
 parliamentaiy expression when a bill is re- 
 ferred to a committee for consideration, 
 
 Commixt'DTe, kom-miksture (Latin, 
 con, together ; misceo, to mix). The act of 
 mingling ; the state of being miitgied ; in- 
 corporation ; the mass formed by mingling 
 different things, &c. 
 
 Comm.odore, kommo-dore (Spanish, 
 comendador, a commander). A senior cap. 
 tain in the royal navy appointed to the 
 command of a squadron of ships of war 
 destined on some particular service ; his 
 vessel cax-ryiug a broad, tapei'ing pendant. 
 
62 
 
 COM 
 
 COM 
 
 If appointed to the permanent rank of 
 commodorej his pendant, which receives 
 the name of a broad-pendant, is forked. 
 The leading ship of a fleet of merchant- 
 men also has the name of commodore. 
 
 Common Law. The body of rules 
 for administering justice within the king- 
 dom, grounded upon the general customs 
 or usages of the realm, and distinguished 
 from the statute laws, as having been the 
 law of the land before any of the acts of 
 j)arliament now extant were made, 
 
 Com.m.orL-place Book. A sort of 
 register or orderly collection of things 
 worthy to be noted in a book. 
 
 ComLm.011 Pleas. In law, pleas inclu- 
 ding aU civil actions between subject and 
 subject ; for the deciding of these, there is 
 instituted the Court of Common Pleas, con- 
 sisting of a chief and other three judges. 
 
 Commonage, kommon-adj (Latin, 
 con, with ; munus, a gift). The right of 
 using or pasturing on a common ; the just 
 right of enjoying anything in common 
 with other persons. 
 
 Commonalty, kommon-alty (Latin, 
 cow, with ; mumts, a gift.) The common 
 people ; those classes below the rank of 
 nobihty, 
 
 ComzDLOner, kommun-ur, A member 
 of the House of Commons ; a student of 
 the second rank in the universities of 
 England ; a term also apphed to private 
 gentlemen generally. 
 
 Commons, kom-munz. The lower 
 House of Parliament, consisting of the 
 representatives of cities, boroughs, and 
 coimties; the vulgar; the common people, 
 or those who have neither honours nor 
 titles ; food provided at a common table, as 
 at colleges, inns of court, &c. 
 
 C omjnon"we altli, kommun - welth 
 (from common, and iceal or wealth). The 
 entire bulk of the people of any state in 
 their social and pohtical relations; an 
 established form of civil polity or govern- 
 ment ; a republic, or that form of govern- 
 ment emanating from the franchises of a 
 free people. 
 
 Commune, kom-mewn (Latin, com- 
 munico, to share). To converse or talk to- 
 gether ; to impart sentiments mutually ; 
 to indulge in meditation. A French com- 
 nmne is a small territorial division or 
 district of the country. 
 
 Comjnnnicant, kom-munikant. One 
 who partakes of the sacrament of the 
 Lord's Supper. 
 
 Comjnimism. kommu-n zm. Com- 
 munity of property among all the citizens 
 of a state. 
 
 Commutation, kommu-tayshun (Lat. 
 con., with; TO ?( to, to change). Change; alter- 
 ation ; exchange for another. In law, the 
 change of a penalty or punishment from 
 a greater to a less, as when death is com- 
 muted to transportation. 
 
 Companion. In a vessel, a raised 
 hatch, or covering, to the cabin or stair ; 
 the companion ladder is that by which 
 officers ascend to and descend from the 
 quarter-deck. 
 
 Company. In miUtary affairs, a body 
 of infantry, consisting usually of from 
 sixty to a hundred men, commanded by a 
 captain, who has under him a lieutenant 
 and an ensign. 
 
 Comparative Anatom.y. The ana- 
 tomy of aU organised bodies, animal or 
 vegetable, compared with a view to illus- 
 trate the general principles of organisation. 
 
 Com.patible,kom-patty-bl (Latin, con, 
 with ; peto, to seek). Consistent with duty ; 
 well adapted for. 
 
 Com.patriot,kom-patry-ot (Latin, con, 
 with ; patria, one's country). A fellow- 
 countryman; a patriot of the same 
 nation. 
 
 Compeer, kom-peer (Latin, con, with ; 
 par, equal). An equal ; a companion ; an 
 associate. 
 
 Compendiiim, kom-pendy-um (Latin, 
 con, with ; pendeo, to hang). A summary ; 
 an abridgment ; a brief compilation or 
 composition. 
 
 Compete, kom-peet (Latin, coii, with ; 
 peto, to seek). To contend with ; to enter 
 into rivalry with another ; to strive for 
 something that another is striving for. 
 
 Complacent, kom-playsent (Latin, 
 con, with ; placeo, to please). Evincing a 
 mildness of manners ; showing pleasure or 
 satisfaction. 
 
 Complaisance, komplah-zans (French, 
 complaisance). Suavity; mildness of de- 
 portment ; coui-teous behaviour. 
 
 Complement, komply-ment (Latin, 
 con, with; plenv^, ivi\.). In a numerical 
 sense, the complement of a nnmherr is what 
 is wanted to make it 1, 10, or 100, or any 
 number consisting- of 1 with the annexa- 
 tion of ciphei's ; in a general sense it is 
 used to denote that the reqmred or proper 
 number is attained, as an omnibus having 
 its complement of passengers. 
 
COM 
 
 Complex, kom-pleks (Latin, compledor, 
 to comprehend). Complicated; involved; 
 composed of many parts. 
 
 Complication,^ komply-kayshim ( Lat. 
 con, together; plico, to be knit). A 
 mixture of many things; an entangle- 
 ment. A complication of disorders denotes 
 the simultaneons existence of many dis- 
 eases, not exactly dependent on each 
 other. 
 
 Comtpline, kom-plin. The closing 
 prayer of the day in the Eomish breviary. 
 
 Com.plot, kom-plot (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; and plo€). To conspire together ; 
 to combine for the purpose of executing 
 any design generally understood as of a 
 criminal nature. 
 
 Com.ponent, kdm-ponent (Latin, con, 
 with ; pono, to place). Forming a com- 
 pound ; an elementary part of a compound 
 body. 
 
 Composite Order, kompo-zit. (Lat. 
 con, together ; pono, to place). Made up 
 of parts. In architecture, the last of the 
 five orders of columns, composed of the 
 lonic-and Corinthian. 
 
 Com.posite USTumbers. Such num- 
 bers as some other number beside units 
 will measure, as 12, which is measured by 
 2, -3, 4, and 6. 
 
 Com.position. In music, a piece 
 written according to the rules of art. 
 In painting, the putting together the 
 several parts of a picture, so as to display 
 the whole to the best advantage. In 
 commerce, an agreement entered into be- 
 tween an insolvent debtor and his credi- 
 tor, by which the latter consents to accept 
 a pai-t of the debt in compensation for the 
 whole. 
 
 Com.positor, kom-pozzy-tur. In letter- 
 press printing, one who sets or composes 
 type, and makes it up into forms and 
 pages for the press. 
 
 Com.port, kom-port (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; porto, to carry). To conduct ; to 
 behave one's self ; to agree with ; to suit. 
 
 Compost, kom-post (Italian, composta). 
 In agriculture, a composition consisting of 
 various manming substances. The word 
 is frequently pronounced coviipo. 
 
 Compreliension, kompre-henshun 
 (Latin, con, with ; prehendo, to take). 
 Capacity ; understanding ; a compendium 
 or 3„bridgment in which much is com- 
 prise. 
 
 CON 
 
 63 
 
 Compromise, kompro-mize (Latin, 
 con, with; promitto, to promise). A 
 mutual promise of two or more parties, 
 who cannot agree, to refer the settlement 
 of their case to a decision of arbitrators ; 
 this word is also used to imply a pledge 
 undertaken for another without his con- 
 ciurrence or consent ; the subjecting an- 
 other person to hazard. 
 
 Com.pulsion, kom-pulshun (Latin, con, 
 with; pello, to drive). The act of com- 
 pelling to something ; force or violence 
 used to gain some object. 
 
 Com.punction, kompunkshun (Latin, 
 con, with ; pungo, to prick). Kemorse ; 
 grief from the consciousness of ha-ving 
 acted wrongly. 
 
 C om.p"ur gation, kompur - gay shun 
 (Latin, con, with ; purgo, to purge). In 
 law, the act of justifjdng the veracity of 
 one person by the testimony of another. 
 
 Com.piitation, kompu-tayshun (Latin, 
 con, together ; puto, to reckon). The act 
 of reckoning ; the process by which sums 
 or numbers are estimated ; the collection, 
 distribution, or settlement by calculation. 
 
 Con Amore, konnah-mor-e (Italian, 
 con amore, with love). In good earnest ; 
 with one's whole heart and soul ; perform- 
 ing anything not as a set task, but as a 
 pleasurable occupation. 
 
 Concatenation, kon-katty-navshun 
 (Latin, con, with ; catena, a chain). A 
 series of links ; a connection or union of 
 things, depending on each other, in suc- 
 cessive order. 
 
 Concave, kon-kave (Latin, concaviis, 
 boUow). Hollow in the inside ; rounded, 
 as the inner surface of a cup ; opposed to 
 convex. 
 
 Concentrate, konsen-trate (Latin, 
 con, with ; centrum, the centre). To bring- 
 to a common point or centre ; to bind in 
 close union ; to cause to occupy less space ; 
 to render more dense. 
 
 Conception, kon-sepshun (Latin, con, 
 with ; capio, to take). The action by 
 which a new being is produced ; the action 
 of the mind, by which we perceive certain 
 relations between ideas and the objects 
 they refer to; notion; idea; image in the 
 mind. 
 
 Concert Pitch. The degree of ele- 
 vation principally adopted for a given note, 
 and by which the other notes are governed. 
 
cox 
 
 CON 
 
 Concerto, kon-serto (Italian, concerto),. 
 A piece of music, consisting of several parts, 
 played by the various instruments com- 
 prising an orchestra. 
 
 Concession, kon-sesliun (Latin, con, 
 with ; ceclo, to yield). The act of granting 
 or yielding a matter; pajdng a deference 
 to the wishes of others. 
 
 Concliology, kon-kollo-jy (Latin, 
 concha, a shell ; logos, a discourse). That 
 science which treats of shells ; their form, 
 i-elations, and classification. 
 
 Concierge, konsy-airzh (French, con- 
 cierge). Porter ; portress ; door-keeper ; 
 keeper of a place or castle. 
 
 Conciliate, kon-silly-ate (Latin, con- 
 cilio, to bring together). To win by kind- 
 ness ; to gain ; to reconcile. 
 
 Concisely, kon-sise-le (Latin, con, 
 with; coesvjm, cutting). Briefly; shortly; 
 expressing much in a few words. 
 
 Conclave, kon-klave (Latin, con, to- 
 gether; kleio, to shut^. In a general 
 sense, a private assembly of persons for 
 the discussion of some important matter ; 
 it applies especially to the assembly of 
 cardinals, when the election of a pope 
 takes place, and is so termed, in con- 
 sequence of the cardinals being locked up 
 in separate apartments during the days of 
 election. 
 
 Co:pclusive, kon-klewzir (Latin, con, 
 together; claudo, to close). Decisive; 
 putting an end to debate ; giving a final 
 detennination. 
 
 Concoct, kon-kokt (Latin, con, with ; 
 coctum, digested). To digest; to mature, 
 or bring to perfection. 
 
 Concomitant, kon-kommy-tant (Lat. 
 €071, with ; comes, a companion). Ac- 
 companying ; conforming with ; coming 
 and going with, as collateral 
 
 Concordance, kon-kordans (Latin, 
 con, with ; cor, the heart). An index or 
 dictionary to a book, in which all the lead- 
 ing words used are alphabetically arranged, 
 with references to the places where they 
 are to be found. 
 
 Concordat, kon-kordat. In canon 
 law, an agreement respecting some bono- 
 ficiaiy matter, in particular when made 
 between the Pope and a prince. 
 
 Concrete, kon-kreet (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; cresco, to gi'ow). United in growth ; 
 formed by a union of separate particles. 
 
 Concur, kon-kur (Latin, con, together; 
 arrro, to run). To meet at one point ; to 
 agree together in the same principles. 
 
 Concussion, kon-kushshon (Latin, con, 
 together; qnassum, shakev). The act of 
 shaking or striking together; a sudden 
 shock or jar. In pathology, generally 
 applied to injuries of the brain, indepen- 
 dent of fracture of the skull by blows or 
 fallii. 
 
 Condense, kon-dens (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; densus, close). To compress into 
 a smaller compass ; to make thick ; to ope- 
 rate on any body, so as to cause its consti- 
 tuent particles to unite more closely, and 
 render the body itself of less bulk. 
 
 Condign, kon-dine (Latin, con, with; 
 dignus, worthy). Worthy of a persou. 
 It is used of something deseiwed by crime, 
 as condign punishment — deserved pimish- 
 ment. 
 
 Condiment, kondy-ment (Latin, co7i- 
 dimentum, a provoker of the appetite). 
 Seasoning ; sauce ; anything used to give 
 rehsh to food, or excite the appetite. 
 
 Condole, kon-dole (Latin, con, with ; 
 doleo, to grieve). To grieve with others ; 
 to express sorrow or concern for the dis- 
 tress of others. 
 
 Condonation, kondo-nayshmi (Latin, 
 con, with ; dono, to give). Pardoning or 
 overlooking an offence ; forgiving an in- 
 
 Condottieri, kondot-te-e-re (Italian. 
 condottieri). In Italian history, a class of 
 military mercenary adventurers, who, 
 during the fourteenth and fifteenth 
 centuries, had followers at their commajid 
 amountiug to armies, which were hired out 
 to sovereign princes and states. 
 
 Conduce, kon-dewse (Latin, conduco, 
 to lead to). To promote or serve towards 
 a purpose, as exercise conduces to health. 
 
 Condllit, kon-dwit (French, condvAt). 
 A canal or pipe made use of for the con- 
 veyance of water ; a place furnished with 
 a tap, whence people are publicly supplied 
 with water. 
 
 Cone, kone (Greek, Jconos, tending to a 
 point). A solid llgure, tapering regularly 
 to a point from a circular base, as a sugar- 
 loaf, or a pine. 
 
 Confabulate, kon-fabu-late (Latin, 
 
 con, together ; fabnlo, to talk). To talk 
 
 familiarly together; to discv«3S withoiit 
 ceremony. 
 
CON 
 
 CON 
 
 65 
 
 Confection, ken-fekshun (Latin, con, 
 with; facio, to make). A sweetmeat; a 
 preparation of fruit, sugar, &c. 
 
 Confederate, kon-fedder-at (Latin, 
 C071, together ; fcedus, a league). An accom- 
 plice ; an associate in vice or crime, hy 
 agreement or contract. 
 
 Conference, konfur-ens (Latin, con, 
 with ; fero, to bear). Formal discussion ; 
 an appointed meeting for discussing some 
 point. 
 
 Confidant, konfe-dant (Latin, con, 
 with ; fido, to trust). One entrusted with 
 the secrets or private affairs of another. 
 
 Configuration, kon - figu - rayshun 
 (Latin, con, with ; figuro, to form). Exter- 
 nal form or shape ; the form of the various 
 parts of anything as they are disi^osed to 
 each other. Aspect of the planets. 
 
 Confirmation, konfirm-ayshun (Latin, 
 con, with ; firmo, to make firm). The act 
 of establishing or confirming by undeniable 
 proof. In the English Church, the cere- 
 mony of laying on of hands in the 
 admission of baptised persons to the enjoy- 
 ment of Christian privileges. 
 
 Confiscation, konfis-kayshun (Latin, 
 con, with ; fiscus, tribute-money). The act 
 of condemning as forfeited, and adjudging 
 the property of the public treasury; as 
 smuggled goods are seized and sold for the 
 benefit of the Crown. 
 
 Conflagration, kon - flah - grayshun 
 ^Latin, con, together ; flagro, to burn). A 
 large tire ; an object burnt in every part ; 
 the burning of many things together, as 
 the portion of a city or of a forest. 
 
 Conflict, kon-flikt (Latin, con, together ; 
 fligo, to strike against). A violent opposi- 
 tion ; contest ; combat ; struggle. 
 
 Confluence, kon-flewens (Latin, con, 
 together ; fluo, to flow). A flowing together ; 
 the junction or union of two or more 
 streams ; a concourse or meeting together 
 of many people. 
 
 Conform, kon-form (Latin, con, with ; 
 formo, to form). To make like ; to adapt 
 to a form ; to comply with ; to live or act 
 according to. 
 
 Confound, kon-fownd (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; fundo, to pour). To mingle ; to 
 mix together; to throw into disorder; to 
 regard or treat one thing as another; to 
 astonish ; to stupefy ; to amaze. 
 
 Confrere, kong-frair (French, confrere). 
 A compeer ; a brother in a professional or 
 
 social sense ; anything worthy of being pre- 
 sented with another. 
 
 Confident, kon-frunt (Latin, con, with ; 
 frons, front). To stand in fuUview ; to set 
 face to face as the accuser and the accused ; 
 to compare one thing with another. 
 
 Confute, kon-f ewt (Latin, con., together ; 
 fundo, to poiu"). To destroy an argument 
 by proving its fallacy; to prove to be 
 erroneous. 
 
 Conge, kong-zhay (French, conge; leave, 
 dismissal). The act of reverence ; bow ; 
 curtsey ; farewell. A person who is dis- 
 miaeed from an employment is said to have 
 received his cong^. 
 
 Conge d'Elire, kong - zhaide - leer 
 (French, cong^, leave ; d'elire, to elect). 
 The writ and licence given by the sove- 
 reign to the dean and chapter to choose a 
 bishop. 
 
 Congeal, kon-jeel (Latin, con, together ; 
 gelo, to freeze). To change from a fluid 
 to a solid state ; to bind or fix, as by cold ; 
 to freeze or harden into ice. 
 
 Congener, konjy-nur (Latin, con, 
 with; genus, same kind). One of the 
 same stock ; a thing partaking of a simi- 
 lar nature. 
 
 Congenial, kon-jeen-yal (Latin, con, 
 with ; genus, same kind). Partaking of the 
 same genus, disposition, or nature. 
 
 Congenital, konjenny-tal (Latin, con, 
 with; genitus, bom). Of the same birth. 
 In pathology, applied to any defect of eon- 
 fignration, infirmity, or disease which 
 exists in an individual at the time of 
 bkth. 
 
 Congestion, kon-jestyun (Latin, con, 
 with ; gero, to bear). Unnatural accu- 
 mulation of blood or humours. 
 
 Conglomerate, kon - glommy - rate 
 (Latin, con, with ; glomus, a heap, or ball). 
 To coUect together into a heap or mass ; to 
 make a compact of irregular fragments. 
 
 Congratulate, kon-r^atu-late (Latin, 
 con, with; gratus, aa-r'^ able). To wish 
 joy or happiness to another on any auspi- 
 cious occasion, as a marriage, a birth, or 
 an honourable appointment. 
 
 Congress, kon-gress (Latin, con, 
 with ; gradus, a step). A meeting, as of 
 the sovereigns or representatives of states ; 
 the name of the national legislature of the 
 United States of America, consisting of a 
 house of representatives and a senate, the 
 former being chosen by the people erorf 
 
66 
 
 CON 
 
 ^cond year. The senate is composed of 
 two members from each state ; the sena- 
 tors are chosen for six years, by the legis- 
 lature of the states they represent. 
 
 Congruity, kon-grewity (Latin, con- 
 graere, to coma together). Fitness, suit- 
 ableness ; the relation of agreement between 
 things. The Latin word gnis signifies a 
 crane, anii this word means literally to 
 come together as cranes do, in a flock. 
 
 Conical, konik-al. Having the form 
 of a cone. 
 
 Conic Section. A branch of mathe- 
 matical science, which treats of the pro- 
 perties of certain curves which are formed 
 by the cutting of a cone in different 
 directions. 
 
 Conirostres, kon-e-ros-tres (Latin, 
 conus, a cone; rostrum, a beak). In 
 natural history, a numerous family of 
 perching birds, distinguished by their 
 strong conical beaks, as the bullfinch, the 
 crow, &c. 
 
 Conjecture, kon-iektm*e (Latin, con, 
 together; jacio, to throw). An opinion 
 without proof, or founded only upon slight 
 probabilities. 
 
 Conjoint, kon- joint (Latin, con, with; 
 jungo, to join). United; mutual; inti- 
 mately associated in labour. 
 
 Conjugal, konju-gal (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; jugo, to join). Belonging to mar- 
 riage, or the marriage state. 
 
 Conjugal rights. Restitution of. 
 A species of matrimonial suit, which may be 
 brought either by the husband or the wife, 
 against the party who is guilty of the 
 injury of subtraction, or living in a state of 
 separation. 
 
 Conjugate, konju-gate (Latin, con, 
 with; jicgo, to join). In grammar to 
 arrange a verb according to its several 
 moods> tenses, numbers, and persons. 
 
 Conjunction, kon-junkshum (Latin, 
 con, with ; junyo, to join). Union ; asso- 
 ciation ; league. In grammar, a part of 
 speech which unites words or sentences, or 
 expresses the -relation of propositions or 
 judgments to each other. 
 
 Conjure, kon-jure (Latin, con, with; 
 'iuro, to swear). To call on or summon 
 'solemnly ; to bind two or more by oath. 
 
 Conjure, kun-jur. To practice decep- 
 tion by pretended magical art, or by super- 
 natural ag-ency, which the performer pro- 
 fesses to summon to his aid. 
 
 CON 
 
 Conning. In nautical language, the 
 operation of directing the steering of a 
 vessel. 
 
 Connivance, kon-nivans (Latin, con, 
 with; niveo, to wink). Voluntary blicd- 
 ness to an act ; consent given by pretend- 
 ing ignorance. 
 
 Connoisseur, kon-nis-su (French, 
 connoisseur, one who knows). A critical 
 judge of the fine arts; one who has a 
 thorough knowledge of the merits and de- 
 merits of a performance. 
 
 Connubial, kon-newbe-al (Latin, con, 
 with; mibo, to marry). Pertaining to 
 marriage; matrimonial. 
 
 Conquest. In English history, applies 
 to the invasion of WiUiam, Duke of Nor- 
 mandy, when Harold, the Saxon king, was 
 defeated and killed, and William became 
 king of England ; this occurred in the year 
 1066. 
 
 Consanguinity, konsang-gwirmy-te 
 (Latin, cou, together ; sanguis, hlood). Ee- 
 lationship by blood; relation by descent 
 from one common progenitor. 
 
 Conscientious, konshy-enshus (Latin, 
 con, with; scio, to know.) Regulated or 
 governed by conscience. 
 
 Conscript, kon-ski-ipt (Latin, conscribo, 
 to enrol). Registered ; enrolled. Conscript 
 Fatliers was a title given to the Roman 
 senators subsequent to the expulsion of the 
 kings. 
 
 Conscription, kon-skripshun (Latin, 
 conscribo, to enrol). The compulsory en- 
 rolment of individuals for the military 
 or naval service, taken by baUot or other- 
 wise from the people at lai'ge. 
 
 Consecration, konsy-ki-ayshun (Latin, 
 con, with ; sacro, to make sacred). The 
 act of setting apart any profane or com- 
 mon thing for a sacred purpose ; a devo- 
 tion of means, talent, time, &c., to the 
 accompUshment of sortie exalted object. 
 
 Consecutive, kon - seku - tiv (Latin, 
 con, with ; secutum, following). Following 
 in a train, or in order; uninterrupted 
 in succession. 
 
 Consequential, konsy-kwenshal (Lat., 
 con, with ; sequor, to follow). Following 
 as the effect or consequence ; important ; 
 hence applied to a person giving himself 
 consequential airs. 
 
 Conservancy, kon-servan-se (Latin, 
 con, together ; servo, to keep). Presei^dng 
 without loss ; especially applied to a court 
 
CON 
 
 held in London for tho preservation of the 
 fishery in the river Thames. 
 
 Conservative, kon-servah-tiv (Latin, 
 con, together ; sei'vo, to keep). In politics, 
 a person attached to old institutions and 
 bygone observances, and systematically 
 averse to change or innovation j opposed 
 to Liberal and Radical. 
 
 Conservatory, kon-servah-turry. A 
 place where anything is kept for preserva- 
 tion; especially a glazed structure, in 
 which exotic plants grow in a bed of soil. 
 
 Consign, kon-sine (Latin, con, with ; 
 signum, a seal). To transfer from one's 
 self to another by a formal agreement ; to 
 commit ; to entrust. A consignee is the 
 person to whom goods are addressed or de- 
 livered on stipulated conditions ; a con- 
 signor is he who transmits such goods. 
 
 Consistency, kon-sisten-se (Latin, 
 con, together; sisto, to stand). Natural 
 state of bodies ; degree of diversit}'- ; sub- 
 stance ; agreement with itself. 
 
 Consistory, kon-sistor-e (Latin, con- 
 sistoritim, a council-house, or council of 
 Eoman emperors). The place of justice 
 in a spiritual court ; also the court itself. 
 The court of every diocesan bishop, held in 
 theu' cathedral churches, for the trial of 
 ecclesiastical causes arising within the 
 diocese. 
 
 Console, kon-sole. In architecture, a 
 bracket, or shoulder-piece ; or an orna- 
 ment cut upon the key of an arch, which 
 has a projection, and on occasion serves to 
 support Utile figures, vases, buets, &c. 
 
 Consolidate, kon-solly-dait (Latin, 
 C071, with ; solidus, solid). To form into a 
 solid and compact body ; to make hard or 
 firm ; to combine or unite two parlia- 
 mentary bills into one. 
 
 Consolidated Fund. A name ap- 
 plied to a fund formed from certain portions 
 of the joint revenues of Great Bxitain and 
 Ireland, appi-opriated to the payment of 
 the national debt, civil list, and other 
 specified expenses of both kingdoms. 
 
 Consols. In commerce, funds es- 
 tablished by the consGlidation of different 
 annuities, which have been severally 
 formed into a capital. 
 
 Consonance, konso-nans (Latin, con, 
 together; sono, to sound). Concord of 
 sound ; agreement of one thing with 
 another. 
 
 Consonant, konso-nant (Latin, con, 
 with ; sono, to s^und). Agreeable to ; 
 
 CON 
 
 67 
 
 consistent with ; also, a letter which can- 
 not be sounded but by the aid of a vowel. 
 
 Con Sordini, kon-sawr-de-ne (Italian, 
 con sordini). In music, a direction to per- 
 form the passage to be played, on the 
 piano, with the dampers down ; and on the 
 violin with the mute on. Commonly 
 shortened into C. S. 
 
 Consort, kon-soi-t (Latin, consors, a 
 partner). A companion ; a partner in 
 matrimony, as Albert, Prince Consort of 
 England. In nautical language, a vessel 
 sailing in company with another. 
 
 Conspire, kon- spire (Latin, con, 
 together; spiro, to breathe). To plot to- 
 gether ; to concert a crime ; to agree 
 together. 
 
 Con spirito, konspe-reto (Italian, con 
 spirito). In music, a phrase denoting that 
 the part is to be played with spirit. 
 
 Constellation, konsteh-layshun (Latin, 
 con, together ; stella, a star). A cluster of 
 fixed stars ; applied in a general sense to 
 an assemblage of splendours or excel- 
 lences. 
 
 Consternation, konstur - nayshun 
 (Latin, con, with ; sterno, to throw down). 
 A species of terror which overpowers one's 
 faculties. 
 
 Constipation, konste-payshun (Latin, 
 consHpo, to cram close). The act of stop- 
 ping up ; state of fulness ; costiveness, or 
 an obstructed state of the bowels. 
 
 Constituent, konstittu-ent (Latin, con, 
 with; stiiuo, to fix). Forming; compos- 
 ing ; a person who appoints ; in which 
 latter sense the term constituent is appUed 
 to a voter for a member of Parliament or 
 municipal body, in which his interests are 
 represented by deputy. 
 
 Constitution, konste-tewshun (Latin, 
 con, with ; stituo, to fix). The franle of 
 body or mind ; the act of constituting. In 
 politics, any form or principle of govern- 
 ment, properly constituted ; also, a parti- 
 cular law made by a sovereign, or other 
 superior power. 
 
 Constrain, kon-strain (Latin, con, 
 with ; stri7igo, to bind). To compel ; to 
 force to some action ; to withhold ; to pro- 
 duce in opposition to nature. 
 
 Constrict, kon-strikt (Latin, con, 
 with ; stringo, to bind). To contract ; to 
 bind ; to confine in a small compass. 
 
 Construct, kon-strukt (Latin, con, 
 with ; struo, to form a pile). To form and 
 
 1- 2 
 
CON 
 
 CON 
 
 put together the parts of a thing ; to de- 
 vise or form by the mind ; to build. 
 
 Construe, kon-stru (Latin, con, to- 
 gether; struo, to dispose in order). To 
 arrange words in their natural order, and 
 point out, according to the rules of syntax, 
 the dependence which each word in a sen- 
 tence has with those which precede or 
 follow : in a general sense, to explain; to 
 show the meaning. 
 
 Consul, kon-sul (Latin, consul). A 
 chief officer in ancient Rome, who was 
 invested with supreme power ; also, an 
 officer appointed by Government to protect 
 the interests of its citizens in some foreign 
 country. 
 
 Consultation, konsul-tayshun (Latin, 
 consulo, to take counsel together). The 
 act of private deliberation ; asking the 
 advice and opinion of others. In law, a 
 meeting of counsel engaged by a party to 
 a suit, for the purpose of deliberating on 
 the best mode of procedure in a case. In 
 medicine, a private deliberation held by 
 the medical attendants of a patient, for the 
 purpose of reviewing what has been done, 
 and to determine on the future mode of 
 action. 
 
 Consummation, konsum - mayshun 
 (Latin, con, with ; sumo, to take). Com- 
 pletion ; perfection ; the end of the present 
 state of things ; the fulfilment of a thing 
 long desired. 
 
 Consumption, kon-sumpshun (Latin, 
 consumo, to waste away). The act of con- 
 suming or wasting away ; a state of dimi- 
 nution. Pulmonary Consumption is a 
 diseased state of the lungs, causing gra- 
 dual decay and wasting away. 
 
 Contact, kon-takt (Latin, co», together ; 
 tango, to touch). Touch ; close union ; the 
 juncture of two or more bodies by touch, 
 not admixture. 
 
 Contagion, kon-taje-yan (Latin, con., 
 together; tango, to touch). Communica- 
 tion of disease by contact, either by per- 
 son or through the medium of the air. 
 
 Contaminate, kon-tammy-nate (Lat., 
 contamino). To defile ; to pollute by base 
 mixture ; to taint. 
 
 Contemn, kon-tem (Latin, contemno, 
 to scorn). To despise ; to scorn ; to regard 
 with contempt ; to disregard utterly. 
 
 Contemplate, kontem- plate (Latin, 
 con, with; templum, a temple). The 
 primitive signification of this word is to 
 ''behold the heavens from the temple;" 
 the original temples being open to the sky. 
 
 To dwell upon in thought ; to consider ia 
 reference to a future act. 
 
 Contemporary, kon- tempo -ra-ra 
 (Latin, con, with; tempus, time). A per- 
 son or thing bom or existing at the same 
 time with another ; a public journal, 
 speaking of another public journal, alludes 
 to it as " our contemporary." 
 
 Contempt of Court. In law, a term 
 applied to express the offence of disobe- 
 dience of the rules and orders of a court of 
 law. 
 
 Contention, kon-tenshun (Latin, con^ 
 with ; tendo, to stretch). Strife ; debate ; 
 contest; violent struggle. 
 
 Context, kon-text (Latin, con, to- 
 gether ; texo, to weave). The series of a 
 discourse ; the parts which precede and 
 follow a sentence. 
 
 Contiguous, kon-tig-u-us (Latin, con, 
 together ; tango, to touch). Meeting so as 
 to touch ; joining at the sm-face ; border- 
 ing upon. 
 
 Continence, konty-nens (Latin, con^ 
 with ; teneo, to hold). Self-command ; 
 restraint ; forbearance from sensual indul- 
 gence. 
 
 Continent, konty-nent. In geography, 
 a wide extent of land, nowhere entirely 
 separated by water, as the Continent of 
 Europe. 
 
 Contingent, kon-tinjent (Latin, con- 
 tingens, happening by chance). Happen- 
 ing by chance ; depending upon something 
 else ; in politics, the proportion or quota, 
 generally, of troops furnished by each of 
 several contracting powers, according to 
 some agreement entered into by them. 
 
 Contorniati, kontawr-ne-ati (Italian, 
 contorni). In numismatics, a name given 
 to certain bronze metals, with a flat im- 
 pression, and marked with peculiar fur- 
 rows, supposed to have been struck in 
 favour of Constantino the Great and his 
 immediate successors. 
 
 Contortion, kon-tawr-shu.n (Latin, 
 con, with ; tortum, crookedness). Wry 
 motion ; twisting of the body ; violent 
 twisting of any parts of the body affected, 
 as in convulsive diseases. 
 
 Contour, kon-toor (French, contour). 
 Outline of a figure ; that line by which any 
 figure is defined or terminated. 
 
 Contra, kon-trah. A Latin preposi- 
 tion, used in the composition of English 
 words, signifying against or in opposition to. 
 In statements of accounts, the term 
 
CON 
 
 CON 
 
 " per contra " is used to express the other 
 side. 
 
 Contraband, kontrah-band (French, 
 contrabande). Prohibited ; illegal ; espe- 
 cially appliea to smuggled goods. 
 
 Contrabasso, kontrah-basso. The 
 name given to the largest kind of bass 
 violin, for the playing of the lowest, or what 
 is termed the double bass ; also, a term for 
 thorough bass. 
 
 Contraetilej, kon-traktile (Latin, con, 
 together ; tracium, drawn). Tending to 
 contract; having the power to draw into 
 small dimensions. 
 
 Contractor, kon-traktur. One of the 
 parties in a contract or bargain ; one who 
 engages in operations according to specifi- 
 cation, or in terms of a deed of contract. 
 
 _ Contradistinguish, kontrah-dis- 
 tiagwish. To distinguish by opposite 
 quaUties. 
 
 Contralto, kon-tralto (Italian, con- 
 tralto). In music, the counter-tenor ; the 
 part immediately below the treble. 
 
 Contrariety, kontrah-riet-e (Latin, 
 contrarietas). Opposition ; inconsistency ; 
 repugnance. 
 
 Contravene, kontrah-veen (Latin, 
 contra, against; venio, to come). To 
 oppose ; to obstruct ; to baflfle. 
 
 Contre-temps, kontrah-tong (French, 
 contre, against ; temps, time). A mis- 
 chance ; a mishap ; happening inoppor- 
 tunely. 
 
 Controller. In law, an overseer or 
 officer, appointed to control or oversee the 
 accounts of other officers. 
 . Controversy, kontro-ver-se (Latin, 
 contra, against ; verto, to turn). Debate ; 
 dispute ; quarrel ; opposition by written 
 argument. 
 
 Contumacy, kon-tumah-se (Latin, 
 'Con, with; tumeo, to swell). Obstinacy; 
 stubbornness; perverseness. In law, a 
 wilful contempt and disobedience to any 
 lawful summons or order of court, 
 
 Contumely, kon-tumeh-le (Latin, con, 
 with; tumeo, to swell). Eudeness ; inso- 
 haughty reproach; bitterness of 
 
 Contusion, kon-tewzhun (Latin, con, 
 with ; tusum, bruised). The act of bruising 
 or beating ; a hurt resulting from a shock 
 or blow from a blunt body, without break- 
 ing the skin. A contused wound is the term 
 for such a hurt when the skin is broken. 
 
 Conundrum. A riddle ; a low jest. 
 
 Convalescence, konval-essens (Latin, 
 C071, with ; valeo, to be strong). Kecovery 
 of health ; especially that interval between 
 the cessation of actual disease and the 
 restoration to robust health. This term is 
 sometimes erroneously used to denote a 
 person being in health, without any rela- 
 tion to previous illness ; but the structure 
 of the word indicates the recovery of 
 health, rather than the mere possession 
 of it. 
 
 Convene, kon-veen (Latin, con, to- 
 gether; venio, to come). To cause to 
 assemble ; to bring together ; to promote 
 a meeting. 
 
 Convent, kon-vent (Old French, co7i- 
 ventus, an assembly). A monastery, oi- 
 nunnery ; a community of persons devoted 
 to religious seclusion. 
 
 Conventicle, kon-venty-kul (Latin, 
 con, with ; venio, to come). A term applied 
 first to the little private meetings of 
 the followers of John Wickliffe, and after- 
 wards to the religious meetings of Non- 
 conformists. 
 
 Convention, kon-venshun (Latin, 
 conventio, a meeting of people). The act 
 of assembling together ; a formal meeting 
 or gathering of persons for some deliberate 
 purpose; an agreement previous to a 
 definite treaty. 
 
 Conventional, kon-venshun-al (Fr., 
 conventionnel). Stipulated; agreed on by 
 contract ; arising out of custom or tacit 
 
 Converge, kon-vurj (Latin, con, to- 
 gether; vergo, to incline). To tend to- 
 wards one point ; opposed to diverge. 
 
 Conversant, kon-versant (Latin, co7i, 
 together ; versum, turned). Familiar with ; 
 having a perfect knowledge of. 
 
 Conversazione, konver-sahtze-ona 
 (Italian). A meeting of persons for the 
 purpose of conversation and interchange 
 of ideas ; usually devoted to scientific and 
 literary subjects. 
 
 Converse, kon-vurs (Latin, con, with ; 
 versum, turned). In geometry, a proposi- 
 tion is said to be the converse of another 
 when, after drawing a conclusion from 
 something first proposed, we proceed ta 
 suppose what had been first included, and 
 to draw from it what had been supposed. 
 
 Conversion, kon-vershun (Latin, con, 
 with ; versum, turned). The art of chang- 
 ing from one form or state into another ; 
 
70 
 
 CON 
 
 COE 
 
 change from one religion to another, or 
 from reprobation to grace. 
 
 Convertible, kon-verty-bl (Latin, con, 
 
 >-ith; verto, to turn). Changeable from 
 
 • one state or condition into another ; having 
 
 so strong a resemblance that one may be 
 
 converted for the other. 
 
 Convex, kon-veks (Latin, con, with; 
 rectum, conveyed). Rising in a cu'cular 
 form on the exterior surface, as the outside 
 of a cup ; opposed to concave. 
 
 Convex Lens. An optical arrange- 
 ment, by means of which light proceed- 
 ing fi'om its focus is re-converged on the 
 other side, upon which a picture of the 
 object is made. 
 
 Conveyance, kon-vayans (Latin, con, 
 with ; veho, to carry). In law, the trans- 
 mission of property, titles, or claims from 
 one person to another; the writing by 
 which a conveyance of property is made. 
 
 Convocation, konvo-kayshun (Latin, 
 co:i, together; voco, to call). The act of 
 calling an assembly together ; an assembly 
 of the clergy for consultation upon eccle- 
 fciastical matters. 
 
 Convoluted, konvo-lewted (Latin, con, 
 together; volvo, to roll). Rolled together; 
 QTiG part twisted on another. 
 
 Convoy, kon-voi (Latin, con, together; 
 vehu, to carry ) . To accompany for defence ; 
 to escort. In nautical affairs, one or more 
 ships of war employed to attend and pro- 
 tect merchant ships from pirates, or from 
 a common enemy in time of war. 
 
 Convulsion, kon-vulshun (Latin, con, 
 together; vulsum, pulled). Violent mo- 
 tion ; tumult ; an involuntary contraction 
 of the fibres and muscles, causing a pre- 
 ternatural distortion of the body and 
 limbs. 
 
 Cooing, kooing. The note of the dove 
 or the pigeon. 
 
 Coolie. A labourer in the East Indies 
 and other places, who hires himself out 
 by the day or hour, much in the same way 
 as our dock-labourers do. 
 
 Co-operate, ko-opper-ate (Latin, con, 
 together ; opics, work). To labour jointly 
 with another to the same end ; to work 
 together to produce the same result. 
 
 Co-ordinate, ko-ordin-ait (Latin, co7i, 
 with ; ordo, order). Holding the same 
 rank. 
 
 Copal, ko-pal. An American name 
 given to clear gums. A colourless and 
 
 nearly transparent resin, obtained from the 
 Mexican plant, rhiis copallinum. 
 
 Co-partner, ko-partnur {co a,nd part- 
 ner) . One who has a share in some common 
 stock or business. 
 
 Cope, kope (Saxon, cveppe). A cover 
 for the head ; a priest's cloak ; a portion of 
 the vestments worn in sacred ministra- 
 tions ; anything which is spread overhead, 
 as the arch of the sky ; or the archwork 
 over an entrance. 
 
 Copemican, ko-pemy-kan. Relating 
 to the astronomical system of Copernicus. 
 This system supposes the sun to be placed 
 in the centre, and all the other bodies to 
 revolve round it in a particular manner. 
 
 Copious, kopy-us (Latin, copia, plenty). 
 Plentiful ; ample ; in large quantities ; 
 abounding in words or images ; opposed to 
 concise. 
 
 Copperas, kopper-as. A name formerly 
 synonymous with vitriol, and hence appUed 
 to blue, white, and green vitriol, but 
 especially the green ; a factitious sulphate 
 of iron. 
 
 Copper Nickel, kop-pur nik-el. A 
 native arseniuret of nickel ; a mineral of 
 copper-colour, foimd in Westphalia. 
 
 Copper-plate Printing. The pro- 
 cess of taking impressions from copper- 
 plates, which is done by means of a rolling 
 press. 
 
 Copy. Among printers and authors, 
 the manuscript, or original, of the matter 
 to be printed. 
 
 Copyhold. In law, a species of cus- 
 tomary estate, said to be held by copy of 
 court roll ; that is, by copy of the rolls of 
 a manor, made by the steward of a lord's 
 court. 
 
 Copyright. The exclusive right of 
 printing and pubUshing copies of any liter- 
 ary performance or musical composition, 
 either by an author in his own right, or 
 vested in the hands of those to whom h 
 may have a.ssigned that right. 
 
 Coquette, ko-ket (French, coquette). 
 vain, deceitfiil girl or woman, who endea- 
 vours to gain admirers by artful lures and 
 affected manners. 
 
 Coracle, kora-kul (Welsh, cwrwgle). A 
 boat u«ed in Wales by fishermen, made by 
 drawing leather or oil-cloth upon a frame of 
 wicker-work. 
 
 Coral, kor-al (Greek, Tcorallion). A 
 hard, calcareous substance foimd in the 
 
COR 
 
 COR 
 
 71 
 
 ocean, having ashrub-liJce appearance, and 
 of various colours. 
 
 Coral-reef or Coral Island. A reef 
 or island formed chiefly of coral, but 
 usually mingled with a large number of 
 shells and other marine matters. 
 
 Corbels, kawr-bels. In architecture, 
 a row of stones projecting from the wall to 
 support the parapet in castellated and 
 Grothic edifices, instead of brackets or 
 modiUions. The term is also applied to a 
 horizontal row of stones and timber in a 
 wall or vault, to support the roof or floor. 
 
 ' Cordeliers, kawr-de-leers (French, 
 cordeliei-). An order of friars, so named 
 from a knotted cord worn aroimd the waist, 
 in place of a belt. 
 
 Cordon,^ kawr-don (French, cordon). 
 In fortification, a row of stones, rounded 
 on the outer side, and set between the 
 wall of the fortress which lies aslope, and 
 the parapet, which stands perpendicular ; 
 also a ribbon worn as an honourable dis- 
 tinction. 
 
 Cordovan, kawr-do-van. A leather 
 made from the skin of a seal, horse, or 
 goat ; Spanish leather, so called, made at 
 Cordova, in Spain. 
 
 Corduroy, kawr-du-roy (French, cord, 
 cord ; du, of the ; rot, king). A stout, 
 corded cotton cloth fabric, originally made 
 of silk, and worn by royalty. 
 
 Cordwainer, kawr-de-nur {cordovan, 
 Spanish leather). A shoemaker. Under 
 this title shoemakers are incorporated ; as 
 the Cordwainers' Company, in London. 
 
 Corinthian Order, ko-rinth-yan. In 
 architecture, the noblest, richest, and most 
 elegant of the five orders ; so called, be- 
 cause first erected at Corinth. 
 
 Cormorant, kawrmo-rant. A sea-bird 
 of the pelican tribe, notoi-ious for devour- 
 ing fish in enormous quantities ; this name 
 is applied to a glutton. 
 
 Cornea, kawr-neah (Latin, cornu, a 
 horn). The homy, ti-ansparent portion of 
 the ball of the eye. 
 
 Corneoiis, kawmee-us (Latin, co?-/i«, 
 a horn). Horny, resembling horn. 
 
 Corner Stone. The stone which 
 umtes two walls at the corner. The chief 
 stone. 
 
 Comet, kawr-net. A cavalry officer who 
 bears the colours of the troop, and holding 
 rank nest below a lieutenant ; al so, a musical 
 instiTimesat, closely resembling a trumpet. 
 
 Cornet-a- Piston. A brass winat 
 musical instrument. 
 
 Cornice, kawr-nis. In architecture, 
 any moulded projection which serves to 
 crown or finish the part to which it is 
 affixed, as the cornice of a room. 
 
 Corn-Rent. A money rental, varying 
 in amoxmt according to the fluctuations in 
 the price of grain. For the purpose of 
 assessing a corn-rent, the average price of 
 wheat alone, or of wheat and any other 
 grain, is taken, sometimes for one year, 
 and sometimes for a number of years. 
 
 Cornucopia, kawr-nu-kopy-yab, (Lat., 
 cornu, a horn; copia, plenty). A fabu- 
 lous horn, which Hercules is said to 
 have broken from the head of Achelous, 
 and which was filled by the nymphs with 
 all manner of fruits of flowers, and thus 
 made the emblem of abundance. 
 
 Corollary, ko-roUah-re (Latin, corolla, 
 a little crown). A conclusion ; an infer- 
 ence ; a consequence drawn from premises, 
 or from what is advanced or demon- 
 strated. 
 
 Coronal, korro-nal (Latin, corona, a 
 crown). A garland; a chaplet ; a crown, 
 belonging to the top of the head. 
 
 Coroner, korro-uur. An officer whose 
 duty it is to inquire into the cause of any 
 sudden or violent death. He is so called, 
 because anciently he was principally con- 
 cerned with pleas of the Crown. 
 
 Coronet, korro-net (Latin, corona, a 
 crown). In heraldry, a smaU crown worn 
 by the nobUity ; a duke's coronet is adorned 
 with strawberry leaves ; a marquis's coro- 
 net has leaves with pearls introduced ; an 
 earl's coronet has the pearls raised on the 
 top of the leaves ; the viscount's coronet is 
 surrounded with pearls only; a iaron's 
 coronet has but four pearls. 
 
 Corporal, kawrpo-ral. The lowest 
 officer of a company of infantry, next be- 
 low a sergeant ; his chief duty is to placa 
 and relieve sentinels. 
 
 Corporation, kawrpo-rayshun (Latin, 
 corpus, body). A body politic, authorised 
 by prescription, patent, charter, or act of 
 parliament, to have a common seal ; one 
 head officer or more, able, by their common 
 consent, to grant or receive in law any- 
 thing within the compass of their charter, 
 and to sue and be sued as one man. Cor- 
 porations are either spiritual or temporal : 
 spiritual, as bishops, deans, and deacons, 
 &c. ; temporal, as mayor, common council. 
 
72 
 
 COE 
 
 &c. ; and some are of a mixed nature^ as 
 the heads of colleges and hospitals. 
 
 Corporeal, kawrpo-real (Latin, cor- 
 pus, body). Pertaining to the body only ; 
 not spiritual. 
 
 Corps, kore (French, cor^:)5). A French 
 term used to denote a body of troops or 
 any division of the army ; also applied to 
 the Eifle Volunteers, as a body. 
 
 Corps d'armee, kore-dar-mai (Fr. 
 coj^s, body ; d'armee, of the army). A 
 portion of an array; a military force. 
 
 Corpse, kawrps (Latin, corpus, body). 
 The dead body of a human being. 
 
 Corpulence, kawrpu-lens (Latin, cor- 
 pxUentia). Excessive fatness; bulkiness 
 of body. 
 
 Corpuscle, kawr-puskul (Latin, cor- 
 pusculum, diminutive of corpus, body). A 
 minute particle ; an atom of which a body 
 is composed or made up. 
 
 Corpus Christi, kawr-pus kris-te 
 (Latin, corpus, body; Christi, of Chi'ist). 
 A festival of the Church of England, kept 
 on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday, 
 instituted in honour of the Eucharist ; to 
 which also one of the colleges at Oxford is 
 dedicated. 
 
 Corrective, kor-rektiv (Latin, con, 
 with ; recUis, straight). Having the power 
 to alter or obviate any bad qualities ; limi- 
 tation; restriction. 
 
 Corregidor, kor-rejjy-dur. A Spanish 
 magistrate. 
 
 Correlative, kor-rellah-tiv (Latin, con, 
 with ; re, back ; latum, carried). Having 
 a reciprocal relation, so that the existence 
 of one in a particular state depends upon 
 the existence of another. 
 
 Corridor (Italian, corridore). A long 
 gallery or passage in a building connected 
 with various departments, and sometimes 
 running round a quadrangle. 
 
 Corroborate, kor-robbo-rate (Latin, 
 con, with ; robur, strength). To confirm ; 
 to establish ; to give additional strength 
 to. Corrolorative evidence is that which 
 confirms and bears out testimony already 
 .-^ven. 
 
 Corrosive, kor-roziv (Latin, con, 
 with ; rodo, to gnaw). That which has the 
 quality of eating or wearing away gradually. 
 Corrosive sublimate is the perchloride of 
 mercury, and is highly poisonous. 
 
 Corrugate, korru-gate (Latin, con, 
 with ; ruga, a wrinkle). To wrinkle or 
 purse up ; to contract. 
 
 COS 
 
 Corsage, kor-saj (French, corsage). 
 The front part of a lady's dress, covering 
 the bust. 
 
 Corsair, kor-sair (Latin, cursumy 
 speed). A pirate ; one who scoiu-s the 
 ocean with a view of plunder ; the name 
 is applied alike to the vessel and the per- 
 son. 
 
 Corselet, kawrs-let (French, corselet). 
 A light cuirass ; a coat of armour for the 
 fore part of the body, anciently worn by 
 pikemen. 
 
 Corset, kawr-set (French, corset). A 
 kind of bodice or stays worn by females. 
 
 Cortege, kor-taje (French, cortige). 
 A train of attendants. 
 
 Cortes, kawr-tez (Spanish, cortes). The 
 Spanish and Portuguese parliament, or 
 assembly of the states, composed of the 
 nobility, clergy, and representatives of 
 cities. 
 
 Cortical, kawrty-kal (Latin, cortex, 
 bark). Partaking of the nature of bark, 
 or the external covering of trees and shrubs. 
 
 Coruscation, korrus-kayshun (Latin, 
 corusco, to glitter). A quick, sudden, and 
 short, flashing light, as that produced by 
 the explosion of fireworks. 
 
 Corvette, kawr-vet (Spanish, corveta). 
 A sloop of war, ranking next below a 
 frigate ; it is rigged like a ship, and carries 
 one tier of guns on a flush. 
 
 Cosmetic, koz-mettik (Greek, Cosmos, 
 beauty). A term usually applied to any i 
 article employed for beautifying the com- 
 plexion, hair, or teeth ; or that in any 
 way contributes to enhance personal 
 beauty. 
 
 Cosmogony, koz-mogah-ne (Latin, 
 cosmiciis, according to the course of the 
 world). That science which treats of the 
 formation of the world. 
 
 Cosmopolite, koz-moppo-lite (Greek, 
 Cosmos, the world; polites, a citizen).. A 
 citizen of the world ; one who has no fixed 
 residence, but makes himseK at home 
 wherever he goes ; also, of enlarged feel- 
 ings, embracing the whole human race. 
 
 Cosmorama, kozmo-rahmah. A pic- 
 turesque exhibition of drawings viewed- 
 through a convex lens. 
 
 Cosset. Among farmers, a colt, calf, 
 or lamb, brought up by the hand without 
 the dam. In general t^ms, a pet, one 
 who is tended with extreme care and indul- 
 gence. 
 
COS 
 
 Costermonger. One who hawks 
 fruit and veget^les about for sale. The 
 term originates in costard^ a large kind of 
 apple, which originally formed the staple 
 portion of the costermonger's stock. 
 
 Costive, kos-tiv (Latin, con, together ; 
 stipo, to bind). Bound in body ; having 
 the bowels obstructed. 
 
 Costs of Suit. The expenses attend- 
 ing a law-suit, for the chief part of which 
 the party losing the cause is liable, unless 
 specially ruled to the contrar}'. 
 
 Costume, kos-tewm (French, couiume). 
 The established or customary style of dress. 
 In painting and sculpture, the adaptation 
 of all the details of a subject to cha- 
 racter, time, place, &c. 
 
 Coterie, ko-te-ree (French, coierie). A 
 friendly or fashionable association ; a select 
 party of friends ; a society which is very 
 choice in the selection of its members. 
 The origin of the term was purely com- 
 mercial, signifying an association in which 
 each member furnished his part, and bore 
 his share in the profit and loss. 
 
 Cotillion, ko-tilyong (French, cotillon). 
 A brisk lively dance, usually performed by 
 eight persons. 
 
 Cottage Orn^, kot-tazh or-nay 
 (French, cottage, cottage; orne, adorned). 
 A cottage villa ; an ornamental cottage ; 
 a cottage residence belonging to persons in 
 good circumstances, as contradistinguished 
 from the cottages of the poor. 
 
 Cotyledon, ko-te-le-don (Greek, hotyle, 
 a cavity). In botany, the perishable seed- 
 lobe of plants. 
 
 Couehant, koosh-awng (French, cou- 
 chant, lying down). In heraldry, the 
 posture of lying down, but with the head 
 erect; applied to a lion or other beastr 
 
 Couch-grass. A noxious weed which 
 spreads very fast in arable land, and chokes 
 everything else that is sown. 
 
 Couleur de Rose, koo-lurd-roze 
 (French, couleur, colour; de o^ose, of the 
 rose). Highly coloured; too favourably 
 depicted ; used to denote the romantic and 
 highly-coloured pictures which are some- 
 times drawn of life, in opposition to sombre 
 reality. 
 
 Counteract, kownter-akt (Latin, con- 
 tra, against ; actum, done). To act contrary 
 to ; to hinder or frustrate by an opposite 
 agency. 
 
 Counterfeit, kownter-feet (Latin, 
 contra, against ; factum, made). To forge, 
 
 COU 
 
 73 
 
 copy, or feign ; to imitate with the inten- 
 tion of making a thing pass off as genuine 
 or original. Figuratively, to put on tha 
 appearance of something really excellent. 
 
 Countermand, kownter-mand (Latin, 
 contra, opposite ; mando, to bid). To re- 
 voke a command ; to cancel an order pre- 
 viously given. 
 
 Countermarch, kownter - march 
 (Latin, contra, opposite ; French, marcher^ 
 march). To march back again ; to change 
 the wings and front of a battalion, whereby 
 the men in front are taken to the rear. 
 Figuratively, a change or alteration of 
 measures or conduct, opposite to those 
 which preceded. 
 
 Counterpart, kownter-part (Latin, 
 contra, against ; ^mrs, a part). A part 
 which answers to or corresponds with 
 another. 
 
 Counterpoint, kown-tur-point (Latin, 
 contra, against; ;punctuvi, a point). In 
 music, a term synonymous with harmony, 
 and derived from the old method of placing 
 the stemless 'points, or notes, aij(u,ixt or 
 over one another, in compositions of two or 
 more parts. 
 
 Counterscarp, kownter-skarp (Latin, 
 contra, against. Italian, scarva, slope). 
 In fortifications, the outer boundary of a 
 ditch, rivetted with masonry, in order 
 that the slope may be as steep as possible. 
 
 Countersign, kownter-sine (Latin, 
 contra, opposite; signum, sign). Ta sign 
 what has been already sig-ned by a supe- 
 rior. In military affairs, a particular word 
 or number which is exchanged between 
 guards, and entnasted to those employed 
 on duty in camp or garrison. 
 
 Counter tenor, kowntur tenur (Latin, 
 contra, opposite ; teneo, to hold). In music, 
 that part between the tenor and the treble. 
 
 Country Dance. A lively, pointed 
 air, calculated for dancing. The correct 
 term is contra dance, from the dancers 
 being placed opposite each other. 
 
 Coup, koo (a French word, signify- 
 ing, literally, a blow or stroke). Coup-de- 
 grace, the finishing stroke. Coup-de-main, 
 in military phraseology, denotes a sudden, 
 instantaneous, and desperate attack ; 
 apphed generally to anything executed 
 with promptness and vigour. Co^tp d'itat, 
 an extraordinary ana violent measure, 
 taken by a Government when the safety of 
 the state is apprehended to be in danger. 
 Coup d'ceil, the first glance, or a slight view 
 
n 
 
 cou 
 
 of anything, Coup-de-soleil, a sun-stroke, 
 or inflammation of the brain, owing to the 
 heat of the sun. 
 
 Coupe, koo-pay (French, cotipS). That 
 part of the diligence, or French stage- 
 coach, which is in the front and covered 
 over. Also a step in dancing, when one 
 leg is slightly bent and suspended from the 
 ground, while with the other a motion is 
 made forward. 
 
 Couple. In architecture, rafters 
 framed together in pairs, with a tie fixed 
 above their feet. 
 
 Couplet, kup-let (Latin, copulo, to join). 
 Two verses ; a pair of rhymes. 
 
 Coupon, koo-pon. In commerce, an 
 interest certificate attached to a trans- 
 ferable bond. 
 
 Courant, koo-rawng (French, coxcrant, 
 from Latin, curro, to run). Anything 
 which is spread abroad or published quickly, 
 as a newspaper. In heraldiy, a term for 
 any beast in a running attitude. A^i, 
 cGurant is a French phrase, signifying to 
 be aware of, acquainted with, or fanuLiar 
 ■vvitli a circumstance. 
 
 Courier, koo-re-er (French, couiiei^) 
 A messenger sent specially or in haste. 
 
 Course of Exchange. In commerce, 
 the price or rate at which the ciu-rency of 
 one country is exchanged for that of 
 another, supposing the currencies of both 
 to be of the precise weight and pm'ity 
 fixed by their respective merits. 
 
 Courser, kors-ser (Latin, ciirsum, run- 
 ning). A swift horse ; a war horse ; a man 
 who pui-sues the sport of hunting hares. 
 
 Coursing, kors-ing (Latin, cursum, 
 running). The sport of hunting hares 
 with greyhounds. 
 
 Court Baron. A court held by every 
 lord of a manor, within the same ; punish- 
 ment is by amercement. 
 
 Courtesy, kurte-se (French, cour, a 
 court). Civility; complaisance; deference 
 of manner. 
 
 Courtier, korte-yur (French, cour, a 
 court). One who attends or frequents the 
 courts of princes ; one who courts the 
 favour of another ; one who makes it his 
 
 study to flatter and please. 
 
 Court Leet. A coui't of record, held 
 once a year in a particular hundred, lord- 
 ship, or manor, before the steward of the 
 leet. 
 
 cov 
 
 Court Martial, kort-marshul. A 
 court consisting of military or naval 
 officers, for the trial of military or naval 
 offenders. 
 
 Court of Conscience. A court for 
 the determination of cases where the debt 
 or damage is under forty shillings. 
 
 Court Plaister. A plaister made by 
 covering black silk with a mixture of bal- 
 sam of benzoin and isinglass. 
 
 Cousin, kuz-in (French, cmisin). A 
 title of relationship applied to those who 
 are bom of two sisters or two brothers. 
 Cousin German, signifies first cousin ; 
 second covins, are those of the second 
 generation. Figuratively, this title is 
 given by a sovereign to a nobleman, 
 especially to such as form the privy 
 council. The root of this word is, Latin, 
 con, with, or of the same ; sanguis, blood. 
 
 Coute qui Coute, koot-keh-koot 
 (French, coute, cost ; ce qui, what ; coute, 
 cost). Cost what it may ; come what will ; 
 at any price. 
 
 Cove, kove (Saxon, Icof). A small 
 creek, or bay ; an inlet or recess in the sea- 
 shore, where vessels may enter for shelter. 
 
 Covenant, kuwy-nant (Latin, con, 
 with; venio, to come). A stipulation; a 
 compact ; an agreement on certain terms. 
 In law, an engagement under seal tc» do or 
 omit a direct act ; it is also a form of action 
 which lies, when a party claims damages 
 for breach of a covenant vmder seal. 
 
 Covenanters, kuwy-nanturs. A 
 term applied to the Scottish Presbyterians 
 during the civU wars, on account of their 
 having taken ''the solemn league and 
 covenant;" the object of which was to 
 resist the encroachments of Charles I. 
 on the religious liberty of his Scottish 
 subjects. 
 
 Coverlet, kuvur-let {cover, and lit, a 
 bed, French). The outermost covering of 
 the bed-clothes, under which all the rest 
 are concealed. 
 
 Covert, kuv-ert (Latin, con operio, to 
 cover with). A shelter ; a thicket ; a 
 defence ; a hiding-place. 
 
 Coverture, kuvur-tshure. In law, the 
 state of a married woman, who is con 
 sidered as under the cover, or the power of 
 her husband, and is on that account ab- 
 solved from certain responsibilities. 
 
 Covey, kuv-e (Latin, culo, to lie down). 
 A brood of birds ; an old bird with 
 
GOV 
 
 her young ones ; a number of birds to- 
 getber. 
 
 Covin, kuv-in (Norman, covyne, a 
 secret meeting-place). In law, a collusive 
 agreement between two or more parties to 
 prejudice a tbird person. 
 
 I Cowl, kowl (Saxon, cujle). A monk's 
 ..__'< bood; a covering placed on cbimney-tops 
 to prevent smoking. 
 
 Coxcomb, koks-kom [cocM-s conib, a 
 comb formerly worn by licensed jesters). 
 A fop : a vain, empty, conceited fellow. 
 
 Coy, koy (French, coi). Modest; 
 retiring ; shrinking from familiar advances, 
 or condescending to notice them with 
 reluctance. 
 
 Coz, kuz. A familiar conti-action for 
 coushi. 
 
 Cozen, kuz-zn (Armonc, conzzyein, to 
 cheat). To impose on by feigned appear- 
 ances ; to cheat, trick, or defraud. 
 
 Crabbed, krab-bed (Saxon, crahha). 
 Applied to the temper and behaviour of a 
 person, sour, morose, and void of affability ; 
 with respect to writings, difficult, perplex- 
 ing, not easy to be understood. 
 
 Craft, krahft (Saxon, crceft). Art; 
 ability ; dexterity ; skill ; a trade or 
 mechanical employment ; in an evil sense, 
 cunning, a dexterity in deceiving. 
 
 Craft. In nautical language, a general 
 name for river traders, lighters, or any 
 boats or vessels employed in shipping and 
 discharging goods. Also, a cant term 
 applied by seamen to any vessel what- 
 ever. 
 
 Crag, krag (Gaelic, creag). A rugged, 
 steep rock ; or the parts of a rock which 
 are rugged and steep. In geology, a de- 
 posit of gravel with shells. 
 
 Crambo, kram-bo. A game of rhyme, 
 in which one person supplies a word or 
 line, for which another person is to iind a 
 rhyme. 
 
 Cranium, krajTie-um (Latin, cranium, 
 the skull). The skull, or superior part of 
 the head, which forms the great cavity 
 eontaining the brain. 
 
 Crank, krank. Literally, a hand. In 
 mechanics, a square piece projecting from 
 a spindle, serving by its motion to raise 
 and lower the pistons of a steam-engine ; 
 to turn a wheel, kc. 
 
 Crapula, krapu-lah (Latin, crapula). 
 A surfeit; the oppressed state of the 
 
 CEE 
 
 75 
 
 stomach, arising from excess in eating and 
 drinking. 
 
 Crass, krass (Latin, crassus). Thick; 
 gross ; coarse ; as applied to fluids, not 
 easily running. 
 
 Crate, krate (Latin, crates). A hamper 
 or basket, made of wicker-work or wood, 
 used in the packing of crockery-ware, 
 glass, &c. 
 
 Crater, kray-tur (Latin, crater). The 
 mouth of a volcano ; also a brass vessel 
 witb a broad base and a narrow mouth. 
 
 Craven, kray-ven (Saxon, cvafiaoi). 
 A word of obloquy, applied formerly to 
 one who, having been overcome in combat, 
 craved for mercy ; hence a coward, or one 
 afraid of encountering any danger. 
 
 Crawrfish, kraw-fish (French, ecrevisse). 
 A small fresh-water fish, resembling the- 
 lobster and crab ; it is sometimes called 
 crayfish. 
 
 Crayon, kra-yon (French, crayon, from 
 craie, chalk). Materials for drawing, rolled 
 into the form of a pencil. Artificial cray- 
 ons are composed of different coloured 
 earths and other pigments, rolled into 
 solid sticks, with some tenacious substance, 
 as milk. The term is also applied to any 
 drawing or design done with crayons. 
 
 Credence, kree-dens (Latin, credo, to 
 believe). Credit ; belief ; assent to the- 
 truth of a person's pretensions, and con- 
 fidence placed in his claim. 
 
 Credentials, kree-denshals (Latin, 
 credo, to believe). That which entitles to- 
 credit ; the warrant or authority which a 
 person has to show in support of his pre- 
 tensions. 
 
 Creditor, kred-ittur (Latin, credo, to 
 believe). One who gives credit, or to 
 whom a debt is owing. In book-keeping 
 the credit side of an account is that where- 
 in all things which are delivered are 
 entered ; in the cash-book, it represents 
 all monies paid away. This word is com- 
 mercially contracted into Cr. 
 
 Creek, kreek (Saxon, crecca). That 
 part of a haven or small channel running 
 from the se;\ ; a prominence, or jutting, in 
 a winding coast. 
 
 Creese, krees. A dagger used by the 
 Malays. 
 
 Cremona, kre-monah. A name givea 
 formedy to violins of a vary superior kind, 
 made in the seventeenth century, by tha 
 Amati family at Cremona, in Italy. 
 
76 
 
 CEE 
 
 CEO 
 
 Creole, kree-ole. A native of the 
 "West Indies and Spanish America, descen- 
 ded from European parents. 
 
 Creosote, kreoh-sote (Greek, hreas, 
 flesh; S020, to preserve). An oily, colourless, 
 transparent liquid, of a penetrating odour, 
 resembling that of smoked meat, and of a 
 burning and exceedingly caustic taste. It 
 takes its name from its antiseptic property. 
 
 Crepitation, kreppy-tayshun (Latin, 
 •creiyo, to crack). The crackling noise made 
 by some salts, during the process of calci- 
 nation. 
 
 Crescendo, kreh-shendo (Italian, cres- 
 cendo, to increase). In music, a term for 
 the gradual swelling of the notes so indi- 
 cated ; and generally marked thus (<). 
 
 Crescent, kres-sent (Latin, crescens, 
 growing). Increasing; growing; the in- 
 creasing or new moon, which, when 
 receding from the sun, shows a curved rim 
 of light, terminating in horns or points. 
 In heraldry, a bearing in form of a new 
 moon ; used either as an honourable badge, 
 or as a distinction between elder and 
 younger families, being generally assigned 
 to the second son, and his descendants. 
 The Turkish flag contains a representation 
 of the new moon, and is symbolical of 
 Turkish power or empire of the crescent. 
 This name is also given to buildings having 
 a crescent shape. 
 
 Crest, krest (Norman, crest, it rises). A 
 term used in armoury to signify the top 
 part of the helmet, generally ornamented. 
 In heraldry, the uppermost part of an 
 armoury, or that portion of the helmet 
 next the mantle. The crest is deemed a 
 greater mark of nobility than the armoury ; 
 being borne at tournaments, to which none 
 were admitted till they had given proof of 
 their nobility. 
 
 Crestfallen, krest-fawln. Dejected; 
 spiritless ; cowed. 
 
 Cretaceous, kree-tayshus (Latin, creta, 
 chalk). Chalky ; of the nature of chalk ; 
 abounding with chalk. 
 
 Cretinism, kree-tinizm. A peculiar 
 ■endemic disease common in Switzerland 
 and some other mountainous districts. It 
 nearly resembles rickets in its general 
 symptoms; but its most remarkable cha- 
 racteristic is the mental imbecility which 
 accompanies it fi'om the first. The indi- 
 viduals affected with this disease become 
 a species of deformed idiot, and are 
 termed Creiiois ; the word is derived from 
 Chretien, a Christian, on the supposition 
 
 that persons thus affected are incapable oi 
 
 sin. 
 
 Crew, kru (Saxon, crutfi). The whole 
 of the persons employed on board a ship 
 or boat ; it is more particularly applied to 
 all who are imder the master of the vessel. 
 
 Crimp, krimp. A person formerly em- 
 ployed to decoy others into the naval or 
 military service ; one who decoys for any 
 purpose of deceit. 
 
 Cringe, krinj (German, hrieclien). To 
 contract ; to shrink ; to bend the body in a 
 fawning and servile manner. 
 
 Cringle. In nautical affairs, a short 
 piece of rope with each end spliced into the 
 bolt-rope of a sail ; usually confining an 
 iron ring or thimble. 
 
 Crinkle, krin-kul (Danish, Ici^nlelen). 
 To wind ; to bend ; to wrinkle. 
 
 Crisis, kri-sis (Greek, h^isis, from Jcrino, 
 to sift, or separate). That point in the 
 progress of a disease which indicates death 
 or recovery ; the decisive moment when 
 any circumstance or affair is ripe for a 
 change. 
 
 Criterion, kri-teer-yun (Greek, krino, 
 to sift.) A standard by which the good- 
 ness or badness of a thing may be measured 
 or judged. 
 
 Critic, krit-ik (Greek, Jcrino, to judge). 
 A judge of merit in literature or art; a 
 person who undertakes to point out the 
 merits and defects of a performance. The 
 judgment thus given is called a critique, 
 or a criticism. 
 
 Crocodile's Tears. The tears of a 
 hj^ocrite ; pretended weeping. This 
 phrase arises from the accounts which 
 certain travellers have given of the habits 
 of the crocodile, asserting that while the 
 animal is devouring its victim it is also 
 shedding tears. 
 
 Croft, krawft (Saxon, croft). A little 
 field, adjoining to or near a dwelling-house, 
 used either for tillage or pasture. 
 
 Cromlech, krom-lek (Welsh, crom, 
 bent; llec, a flat stone). A large stone 
 resting on other stones, in the manner of a 
 table. Such stones were usually placed in 
 the centre of a circle of stones, which 
 formed the Druidical temple, and had a 
 single stone placed near them, supposed to 
 have served as a pedestal for some deity ; 
 they are considered to have been the altars 
 of Druidical sacrifice. 
 
 Crone, krone (Irish, criona). Literally, 
 an old ewe; figuratively, an aged woman. 
 
CRO 
 
 CUE 
 
 77 
 
 Crop out. A technical term to denote 
 the rising up, or exposure at the surface, of 
 a stratum or series of strata. 
 
 Crosier, kro-zhur (Latin, crux, a cross). 
 The pastoral staff of a bishop, so called 
 from having a cross on the top. 
 
 Cross-examination. In legal prac- 
 tice, the examination of a •witness who is 
 called by one party, by the opposite party 
 or his counsel. 
 
 Cross-grained, kraws-graind. In 
 joinery, applied to wood, whence a bough 
 or branch has shot out, the grain of the 
 branch pressing forward and crossing that 
 of the trunk. Figuratively, hard to 
 please; peevish; troublesome; vexatious. 
 
 Crotchet, krotsh-et (French, crochet, a 
 hook). In music, one of the notes or 
 characters of time equal to half a minim, 
 and double that of a quaver ; also a mark, or 
 character, serving to inclose a word or 
 sentence which is distinguished from the 
 rest, thus [ ]; a support ; a piece of wood 
 fitted into another to support, a building. 
 Figuratively, a whim ; a fancy ; perversity 
 of mind, or inconstancy of ideas. 
 
 Croupier, kroo-peer (French, croujpier). 
 One who sits at the foot of the table as an 
 assistant to the chairman ; also called vice- 
 chairman. . 
 
 Croxvn-glass. A superior kind of 
 glass, differing in composition and fusi- 
 bility from flint-glass. 
 
 Crucible, kroosy-bul (Latin, cr^cx, a 
 cross). A chemical vessel indispensable in 
 the various operations of fusion by heat. 
 Crucibles are commonly made of fire-clay, 
 and so tempered and baked, as to endure 
 extreme heat without melting. 
 
 Cruciform, kroosy-form (Latin, cru- 
 ciformis). Having the form of a cross. 
 
 Crude, krood (Latin, crudus, raw). 
 Eaw ; not prepared or dressed ; not changed 
 by any process or preparation. Figura- 
 tively, immature, unfinished ; not brought 
 to perfection ; not reduced to order in the 
 mind. 
 
 Cruise, krooz (Dutch, kroes). A voyage 
 made by a ship along the coast (or in the 
 open sea), in order to intercept such of the 
 enemy's ships as are near. 
 
 Crusade, kroo-sade (French, croisade). 
 An expedition against infidels. The term 
 crusades was originally applied to those 
 military expeditions in the eleventh, twelfth, 
 and thu-teenth centuries, by the Christian 
 princes of the West for the purpose of 
 
 i wresting the Holy Land from its Moltam- 
 I medan possessors. They were called crxo- 
 \ sades in consequence of the cross having 
 
 been adopted as their distinguishing ban- 
 1 ner. 
 
 I Crustacea, krus - taysheah (Latin,, 
 I crusia, a shell). A class of animals with aa 
 I exterior shell, which is generally hard and 
 { calcareous, and is cast off periodically, as 
 
 in the crab, the lobster, the shrimp, &c. 
 
 Crypt, kript (Greek, krypto, a cave). 
 The under or hidden part of a building |, 
 also, that part beneath churches and 
 abbeys appropriated to the monuments of 
 deceased persons and the interment of tha- 
 dead. 
 
 Cryptography, krip-tograh-f e (Greek, 
 hryptos, secret ; grapho, to wi'ite). The 
 art of writing in a secret manner, as in 
 cypher. 
 
 Crystal, ki-is-tal (Greek, hryos, ice; 
 sello, to set). A body formed in the pro- 
 cesses of consolidation in a symmetrical 
 figure, through the agency of chemical 
 affinity, and the peculiar form of the 
 particles of which it is composed; glass 
 used in the manufacture of drinking- vessels,, 
 chandeliers, &c. 
 
 Cube, kube (Greek, hihos). A regular 
 solid body, consisting of six square and 
 equal faces, with right, and therefore, 
 equal angles, as a die, for example. Cube 
 root is the number or quantity, which 
 multiplied by itself and then into the pro- 
 duct, produces the cube ; thus 4 is the cube 
 root of 64. 
 
 Cud, kud. The food which ruminating 
 animals return to the mouth from the; 
 first stomach, to be re-chewed. 
 
 Cudbear, kud-bare. A neutral colour- 
 ing matter, prepared from certain lichens, 
 and named from Dr. Cuthhert Gordon. 
 
 Cuddy, kud-de. In East India ships,, 
 a name for the cabin under the poop, in 
 which the captain, chief officers, and 
 passengers mess and sleep. 
 
 Cue, kew. In theatrical parlance, the 
 word spoken by an actor or the prompter, 
 which indicates to another actor that it is 
 his turn to speak. In a general sense, the 
 hint or idea which one person gleans from 
 another; also used to imply the existing 
 state of the temper, or the present humour 
 of any one. 
 
 Cuerpo, kwer-po (Spanish, cuerpo, 
 bodily shape). Slightly clad ; -WTithout 
 over-garments ; in an unprotected state. 
 
■8 
 
 GUI 
 
 CUR 
 
 Cui Bono, kwi bono (Latin, cut lono). 
 An expression often used to ask — For 
 what purpose? or, To what end? 
 
 Cuirass, kwe-rass (French, cuirasse). 
 A piece of defensive armour made of iron 
 plate, and covering the body, from the 
 neck to the girdle; a breast-plate. Cui- 
 rassier is a cavalry soldier, protected by a 
 cuirass. 
 
 Cuisine, kwe-zeen (French, cuisine). 
 The kitchen, or cooking department; the 
 living or fare of an establishment. 
 
 Cul-de-Sac, koold-saak (French, cul- 
 de-sac). An alley blocked up at one end ; 
 figuratively, used to imply a position lead- 
 ing to nothixig else. 
 
 Culinary, kewle-na-re (Latin, culina, 
 a kitchen). Pertaining to the art of cook- 
 ery ; belonging to the kitchen. 
 
 Culminate, kulmy-nait (Latin, cidmen, 
 the top or height). In astronomy, to be 
 in the highest point of altitude as a planet ; 
 to grow upward, instead of laterally. 
 
 Culpable, kulpah-bul (Latin, culjta, 
 blameable). Deserving blame; censurable; 
 criminal; guilty. 
 
 Cultrirostres, kultre-rostris (Latin, 
 cidter, a knife ; rostrum, a beak). A family 
 of wading birds, distinguished by their 
 long, thick, and strong bills, which are 
 generally trenchant and pointed, as in the 
 herons and cranes. 
 
 Culver House, kul-vur hows (Saxon, 
 culfra). A dove-cote. 
 
 Culverin, kulvur-in (French, cou- 
 levrine). A long slender piece of ordnance, 
 intended to carry a ball of about sixteen 
 pounds to a long distance. 
 
 Cumulus, kewmew-lus (Latin, cumulus, 
 a heap). The stackeii- cloud ; a primary 
 form of clouds, known by its irregular 
 hemispherical or heaped superstructure, 
 and usually flattened base. It is formed 
 by the gathering together of detached 
 clouds, which then appear stacked into 
 one large and elevated mass. 
 
 Cuneal, kew-neal (Latin, cuneus, a 
 wedge). Pertaining to a wedge ; having 
 the form of a wedge. 
 
 Cuniform., kew-neyf orm (Latin, cuneus, 
 a wedge). Having the form or shape of a 
 w'orlge. Cuniform letters are those in 
 which the inscriptions on the old Persian 
 and Babylonian monuments are traced, 
 and are so termed from their wedge-like 
 appearance. 
 
 Cupel, kew-pel (Latin, cupella, a ]ittl« 
 cup). A shallow vessel, shaped Uke a cup, 
 used for refining metals. It is made of 
 phosphate of lime, which suffers the baser 
 metals to pass through it, when exposed to 
 a melting heat, and retains the purer 
 metal. The process of fining gold or silver 
 by this means is termed cupellation. 
 
 Cupidity, kew-pidit-e (Latin, cupdio, 
 eager desire). An eager desire to .possess 
 something; an inordinate or unlawful 
 craving for wealth or power. 
 
 Cupola, kew-polah (Italian, ciqmla). 
 A dome ; an arched roof ; having the form 
 of a cup inverted. 
 
 Curate, kew-rate (Latin, cura, care). 
 An ofiiciating minister of the Church of 
 England, who performs the duty of the in- 
 cumbent, rector, or vicar, and receives a 
 salary for his services. 
 
 Cure, kew-ray (French, cure). In 
 France, the incumbent; the parson; the 
 parish priest. 
 
 Curioso, kewry-oso (Italian, cuyioso). 
 A person who delights in seeing new >oid 
 rare objects. 
 
 Curfew, kur-few (French, couvre-, 
 cover ; feu, fire). The ringing of a bell, as 
 a sig-nal to the inhabitants that all the 
 lights are to be extinguished and the fires 
 put out. The most celebi'ated curfew in 
 England was that established by William 
 the Conqueror, who appointed that under 
 severe penalties, at the ringing of a bell at 
 eight o'clock in the evening, eveiy one 
 should put out his light and go to bed. A 
 bell rung at the present time, about that 
 hour in the evening, is still called the 
 curfeio-hell. 
 
 Curm.udgeon, kiu"-mudj-un. A corrupt 
 pronunciation and spelling of the French 
 jphrase, cceiLr mediant, bad heart; applied 
 to a niggardly, mean, churhsh, avaricious 
 person. 
 
 Currency, kurren-se (Latin, curro, to 
 run). In monetary affairs, circulation, 
 passing from hand to hand, and acknow- 
 ledged as local, whether applied to paper 
 money or metal coin. 
 
 Current, kur-rent (Latin, curro, to 
 run). A flowing; applied to fluids, as a. 
 stream or flux of water moving, some- 
 times rapidly in any direction, and com- 
 mon in various parts of the ocean. The 
 setting of the current is that part of the 
 compass to which the water runs, and the 
 
CUE 
 
 dnft of the current is the rate it runs per 
 hour. 
 
 Currently, kurrent-le (Latin, ctirro, 
 to ruB). In a constant motion; without 
 opposition; a report circulating from 
 mouth to mouth. 
 
 Curricle, kurry-kul (Latin, curriculum, 
 a place to run in). An open chaise with two 
 wheels, drawn by two horses abreast. 
 
 Curriculum, kur-riku-lum. A term 
 used to denote the complete course of 
 studies of a university, school, &c. 
 
 Cursitor Baron. An oflacer of the 
 Court of Exchequer, who attends at 
 Westminster to open the court, prior to 
 the commencement of each of the four 
 terms, and on the seal- day, after each 
 term, to close the court. 
 
 Cursory, kur-sorre (Latin, cursiim, 
 hasty). Quick; hasty; a partial view; a 
 careless remark. 
 
 Curtail, kur-tail (Latin, curtus, short). 
 To cut short ; to deprive ; to abridge. 
 
 Curtesey, kiu'-te-se (Latin, cui-ia, a 
 court). By the law of England, the right 
 of a husband who has married a woman 
 seised of an estate or an inheritance, in fee 
 simple or fee tail, and has by her issue born 
 alive, which was capable of inheriting her 
 estate, to hold the lands, &c., for life, as 
 tenant after her death. A title by curtesey 
 is that allowed by custom, but to wliich no 
 legal right can be maintained, such as 
 designating the sons of peers "Lords." 
 Curtesey also means an obeisance, generally 
 as applied to females, 
 
 Curule, ku-rool (Latin, curulis, belong- 
 ing to a chariot). Pertaining to a chariot ; 
 senatorial. The cunde chair was the seat 
 of a Roman magistrate. 
 
 Curvet, kur-vet (Italian, corvetter). 
 Leap of a horse, so as to raise aU Ms legs 
 at once. 
 
 Curvilinear, _ kur-re-lin-ear (Latin, 
 I curmis, a curve; linea, a hne). Consisting 
 ■ of curved lines ; relating to curves. 
 
 Cusp, kusp (Latin, czispis, a pointed 
 ! end). In mathematics, a term used where 
 t two branches of the same or different 
 . curves appear to end in a point. 
 
 Custos Rotulorum, kus-tos rotu- 
 lorum. The chief civil ofl&cer of the 
 county, to whose custody/ ai'e committed the 
 records and rolls of the sessions. He is 
 always a justice of the peace and quorum 
 in the county for which he is appointed. 
 
 CZA 79 
 
 Cutaneous, kew-tayneous (Latin, 
 cutis, the skin). Relating to the skin. 
 
 Cuticle, kew-tik-kl (Latin, ciUis, the 
 skin). The outer skin, or scarf skin ; the 
 cuter bark of plants. 
 
 Cutter. A small vessel with a single 
 mast, and a straight running bowsprit, 
 which can be run on the deck occasionally. 
 A revenue cutter' is an armed vessel of this- 
 description, employed for the prevention 
 of smuggling. 
 
 Cutwater. The sharp part of the 
 head of a vessel, under the beak or figui'e. 
 
 Cycle, si-kul (Greek, h/Hos, a circle). 
 In chronology, a certain period or series oi: 
 years, in which the calculation proceeds 
 from the first to the last, and then returns 
 again to the first, and so circulates per- 
 petually. The cycle of the moon is a period 
 of 19 years, which being completed, the 
 new and fidl moons return to the same 
 days of the month. The cj/cle of tlie sun is 
 a period of 28 years, which being elapsed, 
 the dominical or Svmday letters return to 
 their former place, and proceed in the 
 same order as before. 
 
 Cyclopedia, syklo-peedeah (Greek, 
 Tcyhlos, a circle; paideia, instruction). A 
 circle of knowledge ; a work containing an 
 account of the principal subjects in one or 
 aU departments of learning, art, or science ; 
 called also, Encyclopedia. 
 
 Cylinder, sillin-dur (Greek, hjlindros, 
 a roller), A solid, having two equal ends 
 parallel to each other, and every piano 
 section parallel to the ends, also a circle, 
 and equal to them. 
 
 Cjniic, sin-nik (Greek, Jcyon, dog). 
 Having the qualities of a surly doci ; brutal; 
 snarling; satirical; captious. The cynics 
 of old prided themselves upon their con- 
 tempt for everything which others valued, 
 except virtue. 
 
 Cynosure, sin-ozhure (Greek, hy- 
 nosoura, dog's tail). In astronomy, a con- 
 stellation near the north pole, consisting of 
 seven stars, four of wliich are disposed 
 like the wheels of a chariot, and three 
 lengthwise, representing the beiim. The 
 ancient Phoenicians used to be gniided in 
 theu' voyages by this constellation, from 
 which circumstance it has been use<5 
 figuratively, as a looint of attraction ; thus a 
 person who is singled out in an assembly 
 as the general object of obsei-vation, is said 
 to be the "cynosure of aU eyes." 
 
 Czar, zar. The title of the Emperor of 
 Russia. Czarina is the titlo of the 
 
80 
 
 DAB 
 
 Empress ; Czaromtz is the title of the 
 eldest son of the Czar, 
 
 D 
 
 Dabble, dab-bul (Dutch, daUelen). To 
 smear ; to dip slightly ; to spatter ; also to 
 do anything in a slight, superficial manner ; 
 to tamper with, as to dabble in the funds. 
 
 Da Capo, dah kah-po (Italian, da capo, 
 from the head). In music, a phrase signi- 
 fying that the first part of the tune is to be 
 played over again. 
 
 Dactyl, dak-til (Greek, daUylos, a 
 finger). In poetical composition, a foot 
 consisting of three syllables, the first long, 
 and the other two short, as in the bones 
 of a finger. 
 
 Dactylology (Greek, daUylos, a finger ; 
 logos, a discourse). Finger-language, or 
 the art of expressing ideas or thought by 
 the fingers ; also, the science of the history 
 and qualities of finger rings. 
 
 Dactylopterus, dak - telop - j^rus 
 (Greek, daUylos, a finger ; ptet-wi, a wing, 
 or fin). A term applied to a genus of 
 fishes, commonly known as flying fishes ; 
 the peculiar construction of the sub-pectoral 
 rays enabling the fish to rise above the 
 water and fly for a short distance. 
 
 Daddy {da-da). A child's way of ex- 
 pressing father ; and which arises from the 
 first articulations being dental and labial ; 
 dental, in tad, dad, and labial in 'papa, 
 mamma. 
 
 Daguerreotype, dah - ger - ro - type. 
 An ingenious invention, named after the 
 originator, M. Daguerre, a celebrated dio- 
 ramic painter, by which drawings are 
 made through the medium of a camera- 
 obscura on plates of silvered copper. 
 
 Dais, day-is (French, dais). A name 
 formerly given to the chief seat at the prin- 
 cipal table in a baronial hall, usually covered 
 with hangings of tapestry or carpet ; the 
 word is now used to denote a raised floor 
 in a dining room, a canopied seat, usually 
 reserved for the most distinguished guests. 
 
 Dale (Gothic, dalei). A low-lying or 
 hollow place between hills. 
 
 Dally, dal-le (Saxon, ^o;e,_dull). To 
 waste or idle away time ; to sit like one 
 dull or foolish ; to spend or loiter time away, 
 in wanton or idle amusements ; to trifle ; 
 to fondle. 
 
 Dam (Dutch, dei,m, a pond), A water- 
 tight mole, bank, or weir, erected across a 
 river or stream, for the purpose of raising 
 
 DAS 
 
 the level of the water by confining it, and 
 which is employed for various purposes, as 
 for irrigation, impelling water-wheel s, &c. 
 
 Damages, dammy-jez (Latin, damnum,. 
 loss). In law, the amount assessed upon 
 a defendant as a remuneration to the plain- 
 tiflf for the injury he has sustained, 
 
 Dam.ascus Blades. Swords or scy- 
 mitars, presenting upon their surface a 
 variegated appearance of watering, as 
 white, silvery, or black veins, in fine lines 
 or fillets, fibrous, crossed, interlaced, or 
 parallel. They are brought from the East, 
 and are fabricated chiefly at Damascus, 
 whence their name. 
 
 Dam.per. A valve, or sliding-plate, in 
 a furnace, which serves to regulate the 
 draught of air in the flue, according as it 
 is raised, depressed, or drawn out ; also a 
 portion of a piano-forte, covered with soft 
 leather, by which the vibration of a string- 
 is modified, and the sound deadened. 
 
 Dandrif (Saxon, tan, a spreading 
 eruption ; drof, filthy). A disease which 
 betrays itself in thin bran-like scales on the 
 skin, 
 
 Danegelt, dane-gelt (Saxon, dane, 
 Dane ; gelt, a debt). A tax or tribute on 
 every hide of land, imposed by the Danes 
 on the Saxons, It subsequently consti- 
 tuted a yearly tax, until the reign of Henry 
 the Second. 
 
 Dangle, dang-gl (Danish, dingier). 
 To hang loosely, so as to be put in motion 
 by a breath. Figuratively, to hang as a 
 dependent upon a person. 
 
 Danish, day-nish, Eelating to the 
 Danes, or to Denmark. 
 
 Dank (Teutonic, tunJcen). Moist ; 
 humid ; damp. 
 
 Dapper, dap-pur (Dutch, dapper). 
 Small of stature ; neat, spruce, dnd active. 
 
 Dapple, dap-pul (Teutonic, dapffe^; ap- 
 ple covered with spots). Marked with 
 various colours ; streaked. A dapple grey 
 horse is a light grey shaded by a deeper 
 tint ; a dapple bay, a light bay spotted 
 with darker hues, 
 
 Darsis, dar-sis (Greek, daro, to exco- 
 riate). In anatomy, the process of re- 
 moving the skin from the subjacent texture; 
 also the morbid abrasion of the skin, in 
 the living body. 
 
 Dash.. In music, a mark, thus (' ), im- 
 plying that the notes over which it is placed 
 are to be played in a short, distinct manner^ 
 
DAS 
 
 in literary composition, a straight mark, 
 thus ( — ), used to express a sudden stop, or 
 change of the subject. 
 
 Dash. Board. A board placed on the 
 fore part of a vehicle, to prevent the mud 
 thrown from the horse's heels reaching the 
 carriage. 
 
 Dastard, das-tard (Saxon, adastrigan). 
 A coward ; a faint-hearted person ; one 
 who meanly shrinks from danger. 
 
 Data, day-ta (Latin, plural of datum, 
 given). A mathematical form for such 
 things or quantities as are given or known, 
 in order thereby to find other things that 
 are unknown ; used, in a general sense, to 
 express things given for finding results. 
 
 Date (Latin, datum, given). The day 
 or time of an event or transaction ; the 
 period at which a letter is written. 
 
 Dative Case (Latin, dativus, from 
 do, to give). In Latin grammar, the 
 giving case of nouns, known by the signs 
 to and for, and serving to denote the re- 
 moter object to which the action of the 
 subject is directed ; for which, either ad- 
 vantageously or disadvantageously, some- 
 thing is done. 
 
 Dauk, dawk. The term used in the 
 East Indies for the system of forwarding 
 letters and passengers by bearers stationed 
 at certain distances. 
 
 Dauphin, daw-fin. A title formerly 
 given to the eldest son of the King of 
 Prance. The name is derived from the cir- 
 cumstance that, in 1349, Humbert the Se- 
 cond, the last of the princes of Dauphiny, 
 having no issue, transferred his dominions 
 to the crown of France, upon condition that 
 the king's eldest son should be styled 
 Dawphin. 
 
 Davit, day-vit. A piece of iron or 
 timber, with sheaves or blocks at the 
 outer ends, projecting over a vessel's sides 
 or stern to hoist boats up to ; a fish-davit 
 is a spar with a roller or sheave at the end, 
 used for fishing the anchor. 
 
 Dawn (Saxon, dagian). The com- 
 mencement of the day, when twilight 
 appears; figuratively, a clearing up; en- 
 lightenment from obscurity, as when 
 reason dawns, or a glimmer of light is 
 afforded to the understanding. 
 
 Day (Latin, dies). In common lan- 
 guage, that portion of time in any place 
 during which the sun remains above the 
 horizon. The astronomical day is reckoned 
 from noon to noon, continuously through 
 
 DEA 
 
 81 
 
 the twenty-four hours. The civil day com- 
 mences at midnight. The solar day is 
 that interval between the departure and 
 return of a meridian to the sun. As applied 
 to the moon, the interval is termed a lunar 
 day; and in relation to a star, o, sidereal 
 day. The nautical day commences at noon, 
 and ends at noon the day following. 
 
 Day Dream. A dream or phantasm 
 to the waking senses. 
 
 Day-rule. In law, an order of court 
 permitting a prisoner for debt to go for 
 one day beyond the bounds of the prison. 
 
 Day-spring. The first appearance of 
 light in the morning; the commencement 
 of the day. 
 
 Day-star. The morning star; figura- 
 tively, the light of the Gospel, which is 
 spread by Christ, the day-star of righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 Days of Grace. In law, three days 
 granted by the court beyond the time 
 named in the writ, during which the per- 
 son summoned may appear and answer. 
 In commercial affairs, a customary number 
 of days for the payment of a bill of ex- 
 change after the same becomes due, as also 
 for the payment of insurance premiums. 
 
 De. A prefix denoting from, or separa- 
 tion; hence employed to impart a negative 
 sense to words, as de-caj, a falling away 
 from; c?e-capitation, the severing of the 
 head from the body. 
 
 Deacon, de-kun (Greek, dia, through ; 
 Jconeo, to serve). One of the orders of the 
 Christian Church, to which originally the 
 administration of charity was committed. 
 In the Church of England, the lowest of 
 the three orders of clergy (bishops, priests, 
 deacons). A deacon is empowered to read 
 the Scriptures and homilies publicly, also 
 to catechise, and to preach when licensed to 
 do so by the bishop ; but he may not con- 
 secrate the elements at the administration 
 of the Lord's Supper, nor pronounce the 
 blessing. The deacon and deaconess of 
 Congregational Churches perform some- 
 what the same duties as churchwardens of 
 the Established Church. 
 
 Dead - beat. An escapement in a 
 watch, which lessens the effect of the wheel 
 on the pendulum. The word is commonly 
 used to express a state of extreme ex- 
 haustion or fatigue, or the being utterly 
 defeated. 
 
 Dead Colouring. The first layex o| 
 colours in a picture ; a shade of grey. 
 
 Q 
 
82 
 
 DJEA 
 
 DEC 
 
 Dead Languages. Languages which, 
 are no longer spoken or in common use by 
 a people, but are known through writings, 
 as the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. 
 
 Dead Letter. A letter which has 
 been sent through the Post-office, but, 
 failing to reach the person to whom it is 
 addressed, has been returned. Thus, figu- 
 ratively, a law or document which fails in 
 its purpose is called a dead letter. 
 
 Dead Lift. Lifting at disadvantage; 
 a hopeless exigency. 
 
 Dead Lights. In a ship, strong 
 wooden shutters, adapted to the cabia- 
 windows in which they are fixed, to pre- 
 vent the water entering a ship in a storm. 
 
 Dead Reckoning. In navigation, 
 the difference between the place of a ship 
 as given by the log, and by astronomical 
 observations, owing to the currents, &c. 
 
 Dead "Water. The eddy or little 
 whirlpool that closes behind a ship as she 
 passes onward. 
 
 Dead Weight. A heavy burden ; 
 weight of a slaughtered animal, or any 
 other object which has no vitality. 
 
 Dean (Latin, decamis, the leader of a 
 file, anciently ten deep). A dignitary of 
 the Church of England, next to a bishop, 
 and head of the chapter in a cathedral or 
 council. Dean and Chapter are the bishop's 
 council, to assist him with their advice in 
 ecclesiastical affairs, and in the temporal 
 concerns of his see. 
 
 Dearth, durth (Saxon, dyre, dear). 
 Great scarcity ; want ; famine ; barrenness ; 
 the term is also used figuratively, as a 
 dearth of neivs, a dearth of intelligence. 
 
 Death "Warrant. The order for exe- 
 cution of one sentenced to death; in the 
 present day, it ordinarily consists in the 
 judge writing against the name of the 
 culprit, on the calendar, sus. per coll., an 
 abbreviated Latin form for "To be hanged 
 by the neck." 
 
 Debar, de-bar (Latin, de, from. French, 
 larj'e, to bar). To exclude; to preclude; 
 to shut out ; to hinder or restrain a person 
 from the enjoyment of a thing. 
 
 Debark, see Disembark. 
 
 Debase, de-bace (Latin, de, down; 
 hasis, the lowest part). To reduce from a 
 higher to a lower value; to adulterate 
 anything by the addition of something less 
 valuable ; to spoil and render less perfect 
 bymeftn and unworthy additions. 
 
 5 
 
 *! 
 
 Debate, de-bait (Latin, de, down 
 French, hattre, to strike). A personal dis- 
 pute; a public discussion; a contest con- 
 cerning the truth and intention of any 
 proposition. 
 
 Debauchee, deb-aw-shee (French, de~ 
 laucher). A person whoUy given to sen- 
 sual enjoyments and riotous living. 
 
 Debenture, de-benchur (Latin, deheo, 
 to owe). A writing which is evidence of a 
 debt; certificate of drawback. In law, a 
 ■RTit or note drawn upon Government. 
 
 Debility, de-bilHt-e (Latin, dehilis, 
 weak). Weakness; feebleness; infirmity ■ 
 of mind or body. 
 
 Debit, deb-it (Latin, deheo, to owe). A 
 term used to express the debtor side of the 
 account, in account books, usually placed 
 at the left hand. 
 
 Debonair, debon-air (French, debon- 
 naire). Of good or polite appearance ; easy ; 
 compliant; airy; well-bred. 
 
 Debouch, de-boosh (French, debou- 
 cher). To issue or march out of a wood or 
 narrow pass, in order to meet with or retire 
 from an enemy. In a general sense, the 
 junction of by-ways with main thorough- 
 fares or outlets. 
 
 Debris, day-bree (French, debris). 
 Euins or rubbish ; the heap of fragments 
 and broken articles occasioned by the fall 
 of a house, a railway concussion, or similar 
 accident. Especially applied to the frag- 
 ments of rocks ; and by the French, to the 
 wreck or remnants of a routed army. 
 
 Debut, day-boo (French, debut). The 
 first appearance of any person before the 
 public, as an actor, orator, &c. A male 
 person so appearing is called a debutant, 
 a female debutante. 
 
 Decade, dek-ad (Greek, del:a, ten). A 
 number amounting to or consisting of ten. 
 
 Decadence, de-kaydens (Latin, de, 
 down; cado, to fall). A fall from the 
 standard of excellence. In ancient art this 
 tei-m is applied to the works of the ages 
 which succeeded the fall of Eome. In modem 
 art it expresses that which succeeded the 
 Renaissance, and began to assume the rococo 
 of Louis the Fifteenth. 
 
 Decagon, dek-a-gon (Greek, deJca, ten ; 
 gonia, an angle). In geometry, a plane 
 figure,- having ten sides and ten angles. 
 
 Decalogue, dekah-log (Greek, deha, 
 ten; logos, a discoiirse). The ten com- 
 mandments given by God to Moses on 
 
DEC 
 
 DEC 
 
 83 
 
 Mount Sinai, originally engraved on two 
 tables of stone. 
 
 Decameron, de-kammy-ron (Greek, 
 deka, ten ; meros, part). A book contain- 
 ing the actions or conversations of ten 
 days, as the Decameron of Boccaccio, which 
 consists of a hundred tales related in ten 
 days. 
 
 Decamp, de-kamp (Latin, de, from ; 
 campus, a held). To shift a camp ; to re- 
 move from a place ; in a general sense, used 
 to denote absconding in debt or disgrace. 
 
 Decapitation, de - kappy - tayshun 
 (Latin, de, from; ca-pnt, the head). The 
 act of beheading. 
 
 Decapodal, de-kappo-dal (Greek, <ZeX-a, 
 ten; j;otts, a foot). Having ten feet; be- 
 longing to an order of the Crustacea called 
 decajpoda, as having ten limbs. 
 
 Deeasyllabie, dekah-sil-labik (Greek, 
 deha, ten, and si/llable). Consisting of ten 
 syllables, as in English heroic verse. 
 
 Decease, de-sees (Latin, de, from ; 
 cessum, departing). Departure from life; 
 death. 
 
 December, de-sembur (Latin). The 
 last month of the year; so called from 
 decern, ten, being the tenth month of the 
 year, which formerly began with March. 
 
 Decemvir, de-semver (Latin, decern, 
 ten ; vir, a man). In Eoman history, one 
 of the ten magistrates or functionaries 
 appointed for various ofl&ces in ancient 
 Eome ; collectively called the Decemviri, 
 
 Decennary, de-sennary (Latin, decern, 
 ten; annus, a year). A period of ten 
 years. In law, a tithing, consisting of ten 
 freeholders and their families. 
 
 Deciduous, de-siddu-us (Latin, de, 
 from; cado, to fall). Falling off. In 
 botany, leaves which are shed annually are 
 said to be deciduous, as also plants which 
 shed their leaves ; it is the opposite of ever- 
 green. In zoology, the term is applied to 
 parts which have but a temporary existence, 
 and are shed during the life-time of the 
 animal, as certain kinds of hair, horns, and 
 ; teeth. 
 
 ^Decimal, dessy-mal (Latin, decern, ten). 
 Numbered by ten; multiplied by ten. 
 ' Decimal arithmetic, that part of the science 
 of numerical calculation which treats of 
 decimal fractions. Decimal fractions, such 
 fractions as have ten, or some power of 
 ten, for a denominator. 
 
 Decipher, de-syfur (French, dechiffrer). 
 To eyplain anything written in ciphers. 
 
 In a general sense, to unravel, to ex- 
 plain. 
 
 Deck, dek (Saxon, decan, to cover). The 
 floor of a ship, by which the sides 
 are held together. Small vessels have 
 only one deck; large vessels, two or more. 
 In merchant ships, the quarter-deck is the 
 aftermost deck, which is raised higher 
 than the upper decJc, to give room to the 
 cabins; if the vessel be flush- decked, it is 
 the aftermost part of the upper-deck ; if 
 she have a poop, the upper-deck is con- 
 tinued, as in the latter case, aft to the 
 stem, and the deck which covers in the 
 poop is called either the poop-dech or 
 quarter-dech. The forecastle-deck is the 
 foremost part of the upper-deck ; if there 
 be a deck above this, it is called the top 
 gallant forecastle-deck. That part of the 
 upper-deck which Ues between the fore- 
 castle and the poop is termed the main- 
 deck. In a first-rate ship of war, the 
 decks below the main or upper-deck are 
 successively called the middle-deck, gun- 
 deck, and orlop-deck. The quarter-deck, 
 which is distinct from the poop-deck, ex- 
 tends from the poop to the mainmast ; the 
 main-deck from the mainmast to the fore- 
 mast ; and the forecastle-deck from the 
 foremast to the bow. 
 
 Declamation, deklah-mayshun (Latin, 
 c?€, from ; clamo, to cry out). A discourse 
 addressed to the passions; an harangue; 
 a set speech delivered with rhetorical 
 earnestness. 
 
 Declaration, deklar-ayshun (Latin, 
 de; claro, to make clear). In law, that parjb 
 of the process or pleadings in which .% 
 statement is made of the plaintiff's com- 
 plaint. 
 
 Declension, de-klenshun (Latin, de, 
 down; clino, to bend). Act of bending or 
 falling away ; tendency from a greater to 
 a less degree of perfection. In grammar, 
 the variation or change of the last syllable 
 of a noun, whilst it continues to signify the 
 same thing. 
 
 Declination, deklee-nayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; clino, to beiAl, or lean). In 
 astronomy, the declination of a star, or any 
 point in the heavens, is the shortest dis- 
 tance from the equator, corresponding with 
 latitude on a terrestrial globe. In navi- 
 gation, the declination of tJie needle, or com- 
 pass, is its variation from the true meridian 
 of any place to the east or west. In dial- 
 ing, the declination of a wall, or plane, is an 
 arc of the horizon contained between th© 
 plane and the prime vertical circle, if 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 DEC 
 
 DEE 
 
 reckoned from east or west, or between the 
 meridian and the plane, if reckoned from 
 the north or south. 
 
 Declinatory Plea. In law, a plea 
 before trial or conviction, intended to show 
 that the party is not liable to the penalty 
 of the law, or is specially exempted from 
 the jurisdiction of the court. 
 
 Decoction, de-kokshun (Latin, de- 
 coctns, boiled). The act of boiling any- 
 thing to extract its virtues ; in a secondary 
 sense, the strained liquor of a plant or 
 other ingredient boiled in water. 
 
 Decollation, dekko-layshun (Latin, de, 
 from off; collum, the neck). The act of 
 beheading. 
 
 Decomposition, de - kompo - zishun 
 (Latin, de, from; co7i, together; positio, 
 place). A separation of parts ; the resolu- 
 tion of a body into its component parts, 
 either spontaneously or by chemical 
 agency. 
 
 Decorous, dekkur-us (Latin, decus, 
 dignity). Becoming; suitable; decent; 
 agreeable to the character, dignity, or 
 perfection of a person or thing. 
 
 Decoy, de-koy (Dutch, iooi). To lure 
 into a snare; to entrap; to mislead. 
 Decoy-duch, is a duck trained to allure 
 others into a place where they may be 
 caught. 
 
 Decree, de-kree (Latin, decretum). An 
 edict; a law; a determination; an estab- 
 lished rule; an ordinance enacted by any 
 council for the government of others. In 
 law, the judgment of a court of equity on 
 any bill preferred, and which may be inter- 
 locutory or final. 
 
 Decrement, dekre-ment (Latin, de, 
 down; cresco, to grow). Decrease; the 
 state of growing less or diminishing ; the 
 quantity lost by decreasing. In heraldry, 
 the wane of the moon from the fuU to the 
 new. Decrement equal of life, is a term in 
 the doctrine of annuities, denoting that 
 out of a certain number of lives there 
 should be an equal decrease within a given 
 number of years. 
 
 Decrepit, de-krepit (Latin, de, down; 
 crepitus, broken). Wasted and worn by 
 age or infirmity; broken down by reason 
 of old age ; in the last stage of decay. 
 
 Decretal, de-kreetal (Latin, decretum, 
 a decree). Pertaining to a decree; con- 
 taining a decree. A decretal epistle is a 
 letter from the Pope, determining some 
 j-^oint or question in ecclesiastical law. 
 
 Decry, de-kry (Latin, de, down. 
 French, crier, to crj'^). To censure ; to 
 clamour against; to cry down; to en- 
 deavour to lessen the popular esteem for 
 a person or thing. 
 
 Decus et tutamen (Latin). Honour 
 and defence ; safeguard, or protection. 
 
 Dedalian, de - day - leean (Latii^ 
 Dcedalus, builder of the Cretan labyrinth) 
 Various ; intricate ; variegated. In botany, 
 applied to leaves of a delicate texture, 
 with margins marked by various intricate 
 windings. 
 
 Dedolation, deedo-layshun (Latin, de- 
 dolo, to hew, or cut smooth). Literally., 
 hewing or chipping. In surgery, the action 
 whereby a cutting instrument, applied ob- 
 liquely to any part of the body, inflicts an 
 oblique woimd with loss of substance. 
 
 Deduce, de-dewse (Latin, de, from; 
 duco, to lead). To draw as an inference ; 
 to describe in a connected series, so that 
 one thing shall introduce another. 
 
 Deemsters, deem-sturs (Saxon, dema, 
 a judge). A name given to certain judges 
 in the Isle of Man who decide cases with- 
 out any process or writings, and make no 
 charge for so doing to the parties con- 
 cerned. 
 
 Deep- wais ted, deep-waste-ed. Ap- 
 plied to a ship, as when the quarter-deck 
 and forecastle are raised some feet above 
 the level of the main-deck. 
 
 Deface, de-fase (Latin, de, from; facio, 
 to do). To disfigure ; to destroy ; to erase. 
 
 De facto, de fakto (Latin, de facto). In 
 law, something actually existing, as dis- 
 tinguished from dejure; in a general sense, 
 it is a phrase implying anything estab- 
 lished as a fact. 
 
 Defalcation, deffal-kayshun (Latin, 
 de, down; falx, a pruning knife). A cut- 
 ting off; diminution; decrease; a deficit 
 in funds, or in moneys intrusted to a per- 
 son's care. 
 
 Defamation, deffa-mayshun (Latin, 
 ie, from; fatna, fame). The act of de- 
 faming or bringing infamy on another; 
 slander; calumny; detraction. In law, 
 defamation of character consists in speak- 
 ing slanderous words of another, and the: 
 party slandered may bring an action 
 against the slanderer to recover damages ; 
 but the action will not lie, unless the words 
 alleged to have been spoken should ex- 
 press an imputation of some crime or mis- 
 demeanour, which would render him 
 
DEF 
 
 DEI 
 
 85 
 
 amenable to punishment, or that such 
 words shoiUd seriously have affecte:! him 
 in his business relations or professional 
 pursuits. 
 
 Default, de-fawlt (Latin, de, from ; 
 fallo, to fail). Omission; failure; defect. 
 In law, a non-appearance in a court on a 
 day assigned; in which case, should the 
 absentee be the defendant, and judgment 
 be given against him, it is called jitdgment 
 ly default. 
 
 Defeasible, de-feezah-bl (Latin, de, 
 Ixova.', facio, to do). That which may be 
 annulled, set aside, or made void. 
 
 Defection, de-fekshun (Latin, deficio, 
 to fail). Failure; apostasy; rebellion; re- 
 volt; the act of abandoning a person or 
 cause to which one has been previously 
 attached or pledged. 
 
 Defendant, de-f endant (Latin, defendo, 
 to defend). In a general sense, one who 
 holds out against an aggressor. In law, the 
 person accused or summoned into court, 
 and who defends, denies, or opposes the 
 demand or charge, and asserts his own 
 right. 
 
 Defender of the Faith. A title 
 conferred upon Henry the Eighth of Eng- 
 land, by Pope Leo the Tenth, for writing 
 against the reformer Martin Luther, in be- 
 half of the Church of Kome, This title is 
 stUl retained by the Sovereigns of England. 
 
 Deference, defer-ens (Latin, differo, to 
 put off). Eegard or respect paid to rank, 
 age, or superior talents. 
 
 Deficit, def-e-sit (Latin, de, from ; facio, 
 to do). Want; deficiency; a balance on 
 the wrong side. 
 
 Definite, deffy-nit (Latin, de, from; 
 finis, the end). Cex'tain; exact; precise; 
 something having a determined signifi- 
 cation. 
 
 Deflection, de-flekshun (Latin, de, 
 i from; flecto, to bend). A deviation, or 
 t turning aside from a proper course, point, or 
 
 direction. In mathematics, a bending off ; 
 
 a term applied to the distance by which one 
 : cmve departs from . another, or from a 
 
 straight line. 
 
 Defoliation, de-fo-le-ayshun (Latin, de, 
 from; foliatio, foliage). The faU of the 
 leaf, or shedding of leaves ; technically 
 applied to the autumnal season, when the 
 leaves of plants are shed. 
 
 Deftly, deft-le (Saxon, dceft). In a 
 skilful manner ; with neatness and dex- 
 terity. 
 
 Defunct, de-funkt (Latin, defungor, tc 
 finish). Dead; deceased; the course of 
 life finished. This term is applied equally 
 to things as to persons, as a defunct com- 
 pany or association; that is to say, ono 
 that exists no more. 
 
 Degeneracy, de-jener-a-se (Latin, de, 
 from ; genus, family). A decline in ex- 
 cellence; a loss of strength, virtue, or 
 value of some kind , a course of conduct 
 unworthy of one's ancestors ; departui-e 
 from a moral course to an immoral one. 
 
 Deglutition, deglu-tishun (Latin, de, 
 down; glutio, to swaUow). The act of 
 swallowing. 
 
 Degradation, deggrah-dayshun (Latin, 
 de, down; gradus, a step). The act of 
 debasing or depriving of dignity ; dismis- 
 sion from office ; removal into a lower rank. 
 
 Degree, de-gree (Latin, de, from ; gra' 
 dus, a step). Quality ; rank ; station ; 
 step ; order ; measure. The comparative 
 state and condition of things. In geome- 
 try, the 360th part of the circumference 
 of a circle ; 60 geographical miles. In 
 genealogy, a certain distance or remove in. 
 the line of descent, determining the 
 nearness of blood, as a relation in the 
 second or third degree. In colleges, de- 
 grees are conferred on learned men and 
 others, as tokens of respect, and marks of 
 distinction. 
 
 Dehiscence, de-his-sens (Latin, delds' 
 cens). Opening wide; gaping. In botany, 
 the opening of caps\iles. 
 
 Deify, de-e-fi (Latin, Deus, God). To 
 make a god of ; to worship as a god. Figu- 
 ratively, to extol too highly ; to i)ay 
 homage to a person exceeding that which 
 a mortal should receive. 
 
 Dei Gratia, de-i-gray-shea (Latin, Dei 
 gratia). By the grace of God. 
 
 Deign, dane (Latin, dignus, worthy). 
 To condescend ; to vouchsafe ; to grant a 
 favour ; to permit. 
 
 Deipnosophist, dipe-nos-so-fist. A 
 philosopher of the sect famed for conver- 
 sation at meals. 
 
 Deism, de-izm (Latin, Deus, God). 
 Belief in the existence of a God, couplei 
 with a disbelief of the sacred character Oi.\ 
 the Holy Scriptvires. A deist is one wha 
 professes no form of religious belief, but 
 constitutes the light of nature and reasoi, 
 as his only guides in doctrine and practice; 
 such a person is also designated a free- 
 thiiiler. 
 
86 
 
 DEJ 
 
 DEM 
 
 I 
 
 Dejeuner, day-zhoon-ay (French, de- 
 jedner). Breakfast ; the morning repast. 
 Dejeuner dinatoire, is a breakfast ser^^ng as 
 a dinner ; dejeilner a la fourchette, literally a 
 breakfast at which forks are used, and 
 which may be either a breakfast, or a 
 species of lunch or dinner, according to 
 circumstances. 
 
 Del Credere, del-kred-er-e. An 
 Italian term used in commerce to express 
 the guarantee given by factors, who for an 
 additional premixim warrant the solvency of 
 the parties to whom are sold goods upon 
 credit. 
 
 Dele, de-le (Latin, deleo). To blot out ; 
 to erase. 
 
 Delectable, de-lektabul (Latin, delecio, 
 to delight). Highly pleasing ; delightful; 
 capable of affording great joy and pleasure. 
 
 Delegate, delly-gate (Latin, de, from ; 
 lego, to send). To send upon an embassy; 
 to commission to act for another ; a person 
 deputed to represent another, or to act on 
 behalf of a certaia cause. 
 
 Deleterious, delly-tery-us (Latin, (Z«5- 
 leterins). Destructive; deadly: of a 
 poisonous quality. 
 
 Delf. A common pottery, manufactured 
 at Delft, in Holland. It was generally 
 gaudily coloured, and rude in design, but 
 very cheap and extremely durable. 
 
 Deliberate, de-libbur-ate (Latin, de, 
 from ; libra, a balance). To weigh in the 
 mind; to consider the reasons for and 
 against a measure ; to estimate the weight 
 or force of argument, or the probable re- 
 sult of an undertaking, in order to a choice 
 or decision. 
 
 Delineate, de-Im-yate (Latin, de, from ; 
 liTiea, a Hne). To desigai ; to draw ; to 
 sketch; to represent the true lines in a 
 picture ; to give a graphic description. 
 
 Delinquency, de-linkwensy (Latin, de, 
 from ; hnqiio, to leave). Failure or omis- 
 sion of duty; a fault; a misdeed; an 
 offence ; a crime. 
 
 Deliquesce, delly-kwes (Latin, deli- 
 quesco). To melt gradually, or become 
 Hquid in the air 'by the absorption of 
 water. 
 
 Delirious, de-lirry-us (Latin, delirium). 
 Light-headed; raving; wandering in the 
 mind. 
 
 Delirium Tremens, de-lirry-um tre- 
 mens (Latin, delirium tremens). A disease 
 of the brain, which subjects the person 
 afflicted to sudden fits of insanity ; result- 
 
 ing generally from excessive indulgence in 
 intoxicating liquors. 
 
 Delphic, del-fik. Pertaining to Del- 
 phi, in Greece, and the oracle there. 
 
 Delphin Classics, del- fin clas-siks. 
 A name given to the edition of the Latin 
 classics, prepared and commented upon by 
 thirty-nine eminent scholars, at the sugges- 
 tion of Louis the Fourteenth, King of 
 France, for the benefit of his young son, 
 the Dauphin, or as the Latin phrase runs, in 
 ^cs^(,m Delpldm ; hence the designation. 
 
 Delta, del-tah. The Greek letter a, the 
 D of the Greek alphabet. In geology, 
 applied to a tract of alluvial or other land 
 at the mouths of rivers, and which usually 
 assumes a triang-ular form. 
 
 Delude, de-lude (Latin, de, from ; ludo, 
 to play). To beguile ; to deceive ; to mis- 
 lead the judgment ; to impose upon. 
 
 Deluge, del-uje. An inundation; a 
 flood ; an ovei"flowing with water ; more 
 especially the great flood which occurred in 
 the time of Noah ; according to common 
 chronology, Anno Mundi, 1656. Figura- 
 tively, tMs word is used to express an 
 exuberance of anything ; as a deluge of 
 words ; a deluge of written applications. 
 
 De lunatico inquirendo (Latin), 
 A commission appointed to inquire into 
 the state of a person's mind, when such 
 person is suspected or alleged to be insane. 
 
 Delusion, de-lu-i;hun (Latin, delusio). 
 The act of deceiving or misleading ; false 
 representation ; fraud ; error. 
 
 Delve, delv (Saxon, delfan). To dig ; 
 to open the ground with a spade. 
 
 Demagogue, demmah-gog (Greek, de- 
 mos, the people ; ago, to lead. ) A leader 
 of the people ; a popular and factious 
 orator ; one who cajoles the populace by 
 professions of liberality, and adapts his 
 public addresses to the selfishness and 
 prejudices of his listeners. 
 
 Demarcation, demar-kayshun (Span- 
 ish, deviarcadon. ) Division ; separation of 
 territory ; the boundary line which divides 
 the possessions of one ovmer or occupant 
 from those of another. 
 
 Demean, de-meen (Latin, de, down. 
 French, mener, to carry). To conduct ; to 
 behave ; to lower one's self. 
 
 Dementia, de-menshea (Latin, de- 
 mentia). A species of imbecility or mental 
 weakness, most frequently met with in 
 aged persons. 
 
DEM 
 
 Demesne, de-meen (Latin, domimis, a 
 master, or lord). A manor-house and land 
 adjacent; land adjoining a mansion. 
 
 Demi, dem-e (French, demi, half). A 
 prefix frequently used in the composition of 
 English and French words, signifying half. 
 
 Demicadence, demmy-kaydens. In 
 music, an imperfect cadence, or one which 
 falls on any other than the key-note. 
 
 Demi-god. A general appellation for 
 an inferior divinity in the mjrthology of 
 Greece and Rome, applied to such as were 
 regarded as the mixed offspring of gods 
 and mortals, who were afterwards deified. 
 
 Demi-john, dem-my-jon (French, dame 
 Jeanne). A glass vessel or bottle with a 
 large body and a small neck, inclosed in 
 wicker-work. 
 
 pem.ise, de-mize (Latin, de, from ; 
 missum, dismissed). Death ; decease ; 
 also a grant by will. The demise of the 
 C'roivn is a transfer of the crown, royal 
 authority, or kingdom to a successor. In 
 law, applied to an estate, either in fee or 
 for a term of years. Demise and Re-demise 
 signify a conveyance where there is a lease 
 made from one to another at a merely 
 nominal rent, and the latter re-demises 
 to the first lessee the same land for a 
 shorter term, subject to an actual rent. 
 
 Dem.i-sem.iquaver, demmy-semmy- 
 kwayvur. The shortest note in music, 
 being half a semiquaver. 
 
 Demitone, demmy-tone. In music, an 
 interval of half a tone ; semitone. 
 
 Democracy, de-mokkra-se (Greek, de- 
 mos, the people ; hratio, to govern). That 
 form of government in which the whole, 
 or the greater portion of the adult males of 
 a population, have a voice in the election of 
 their political rulers and lawgivers. 
 
 Dem.olition, demo-lishun (Latin, de, 
 down ; moles, a mass). The act of throw- 
 ing down, pulling up, or otherwise destroy- 
 ing ; ruin ; destructiou. 
 
 Dem.ou, de-mon (Greek, daimon). A 
 name given by the ancients to a spirit in- 
 termediate between a Pag-an god and a man, 
 and which was supposed to possess the 
 power of working good or evil to man- 
 kind. 
 
 Demoniac, de-mony-ak. Pertaining to 
 demons; possessed of an evil spirit; acting 
 more like a demon than a human being. 
 
 Demonstrate, demon-strate (Latin, 
 c?e, from ; vwiistro, to show). To show 
 
 BEN 
 
 87 
 
 plainly; to prove with perfect clearness, 
 and so as to convince the most prejudiced. 
 
 Demoralizse, de-moral-ize (Latin, de, 
 down ; mores, manners). To render corrupt 
 in morals ; to destroy or lessen the effect 
 of moral principle ; to weaken in respect to 
 moral force as distinguished from physical. 
 
 Demosthenic, de-mos-the-nik. Per- 
 taining to or resembhng Demosthenes, the 
 Grecian orator. A person speaking with 
 great eloquence is said to employ Demos- 
 thenic eloquence. 
 
 Demotic (Greek, demos, the people). 
 Relating to the people; popular; common. 
 
 Demulcent, de-mulsent (Latin, de- 
 mulceo, to soothe). Softening ; mollifying ; 
 a medicine which protects sensible parts of 
 the body from the irritative action of other 
 substances. 
 
 Demur, de-mur (Latin, de, from ; mora, 
 delay). Suspense ; doubt from uncertainty 
 or want of sufficient proof; hesitation; 
 tardiness of judgment ; choice of opinion. 
 
 Demurrage. In nautical affairs, the 
 compensation due to a ship-owner from the 
 freighter, or from the party who claims 
 and receives goods under a bill of lading, 
 on account of undue delay in the loading 
 or unloading of them, or on account of this 
 not being done within the specified time 
 in the charter-party or the bill of lading. 
 
 Demurrer, de-mur-rur (Latin, demeror, 
 to delay). One who demurs. In law, an 
 issue joined upon matter of law, to be 
 determined by the judges : it is an abiding 
 in point of law, and a referring to the 
 judgment of the court, whether the 
 declaration or plea of the adverse party is 
 sufficient to be maintained in law. 
 
 Demy, de-mi (French, demi). A size 
 of paper next smaller than medium. 
 
 Denarius, de-nary-us (Latin, denarius). 
 A Eoman silver coin, worth about eight- 
 pence, English money. 
 
 Denary, den-a-re (Latin, denarius). 
 Containing ten ; the number of ten. 
 
 Dendriform, dendre-fawrm (Greek, 
 dendron, a tree ; forma, shape). Having 
 the form or appearance of a tree. 
 
 Denizen, denny - zun (Old French, 
 donaison, a gift). A freeman ; one not a 
 native, but made a citizen ; an alien made 
 a subject by letters patent, holding a 
 middle state between an alien and a natural 
 born subject. 
 
88 
 
 DEN 
 
 DEP 
 
 Denomination, de - nommy - nayshim 
 (Latin, de, from; nomen, a name). A 
 name given to express some peculiar qua- 
 lities; a body of individuals united by 
 the same name, as a denomriiation of 
 Christians. 
 
 Denominator, de - nommy - naytur 
 (Lat., de, from ; nomen, a name). In arith- 
 metic and algebra, the number and letter 
 below the line, showing the number of 
 parts into which the integer is divided, 
 and consequently indicating the denomi- 
 nation of the fraction, or giving it name. 
 
 Denote, de-note (Latin, de, from ; noto, 
 to mark). To be a sign of ; to indicate; to 
 imply, signify, or betoken. 
 
 De novo, de no-vo (Latin, de novo). 
 Again; anew; from the beginning; to 
 perform anything over again. 
 
 Denouement, den-oo-mawng (French, 
 denouer, to untie). The unravelling or 
 discovery of a plot ; the winding up of an 
 event; the final development of a narra- 
 tive or play. 
 
 Denotmce, de-nowns" (Latin, de, from ; 
 nuncio, to tell). To accuse publicly; to 
 inform against; to threaten by some out- 
 ward sign or expression. 
 
 Densit3r, den-se-te (Latin, densus, thick, 
 close). Thickness; solidity; compactness; 
 the closeness, near approach, or adhesion 
 of the parts of a body. 
 
 Dental, den-tal (Latin, dens, a tooth). 
 Pertaining to the teeth ; as tooth-drawing, 
 a dental operation. 
 
 Dentifrice, den-te-fris (Latin, dens, a 
 tooth ; fricare, to rub). A name given to 
 tooth-powders, generally, or anything that 
 cleanses the teeth. 
 
 Dentition, den-tishun (Latin, de^is, a 
 tooth). The period at which the teeth are 
 formed within the jaws, and protruded 
 through the gums; a condition commonly 
 known as teething. 
 
 Denude, de-nude (Latin, de, from; 
 ludus, naked). To strip; to deprive of 
 elothes or covering ; to make bare or naked. 
 
 Deny, de-ni (Latin, de, ne, not ; ago, to 
 do). To refuse to do something asked or 
 required; to affect perfect ignorance of. 
 
 Department, de-pai-t-ment (French, 
 departemeni). A separation or division. In 
 France, a district usually comprehending 
 four or five arrondissements, each of which 
 contains several cantons, which again con- 
 Bists of several communes. 
 
 Depasture, de-pass-ture (Latin, de-\ 
 pascor, to feed upon). To eat up ; to con- 
 sume by feeding. In law, the act of feed- 
 ing catile upon pastured land, for doing] 
 which, at the request of another, the actiottj 
 lies. 
 
 Dependency, de-penden-se (Latin, de, 
 from; pendeo, to hang). The state of I 
 hanging upon a supporter; subordination, 
 connection; reliance; the state of being 
 subject to or at the disposal of another; 
 also, a territory remote from the kingdom 
 or state to wkich it is subject. i 
 
 Depict, de-pikt (Latin, de, from; 
 pictum, painted or drawn). To paint or 
 portray ;* to represent the likeness of an 
 object in colours; to describe in words. 
 
 Depilatory, de-piUah-tory (Latin, de, 
 from ; piVfts, hair). Having the power to 
 remove the hair; any preparation or ap- 
 plication which causes the hair to come off. 
 
 Depletion, de-pleeshun (Latin, depleo 
 to empty). The act of emptying. In 
 medical practice, the diminishing th( 
 quantity of blood in the vessels; blood 
 letting. 
 
 Deploy, de - ploy (Latin, de, from ; 
 2}Uco, to fold). In military science, the 
 expansion of a body of troops, previously 
 compacted in column, so as to display an 
 extended front. 
 
 Deplume, de-plume (Latin, de, from : 
 pluma, a feather). To strip or pluck off 
 feathers ; to deprive of plumage. 
 
 Deponent, de-ponent (Latin, deponens, 
 laying do^vn). In law, one who gives his 
 evidence in a comi; of justice; one who 
 deposes to, or makes a deposition or state- 
 ment of any fact; such evidence being 
 taken down in writing, and then sworn to. 
 
 Depopulate, de-poppu-late (Latin, de, 
 from; 2^opulus, the -peo-ple). To unpeople; 
 to lay waste ; to deprive a place or town of 
 many of its inhabitants. 
 
 Deportation, depor-tayshun (Latin. 
 de, from ; 2J07'to, to cany). Transportation : 
 assigning to a person some remote place of 
 residence, and prohibiting his removal 
 therefrom under certain penalties. 
 
 Deportment, de-portment (Latin, de, 
 from; porta, to carry). Personal de- 
 meanour ; the manner in which one carries 
 himseK; behaviour; conduct; self -manage- 
 ment. 
 
 Depose, de-poze (Latin, de, down ; 
 positum, laid). To lay down; to deprive a 
 
 I 
 
DEP 
 
 DEE 
 
 89 
 
 person of post or dignity; to lay aside. 
 Also, to give testimony on oath, especially 
 such testimony as is committed to writing ; 
 to give answers to interrogatories, intended 
 as evidence in a court of law. 
 
 Deposit, de-pozit (Latin, de, down; 
 positum, laid). To lay down; to lodge in 
 any place for preservation; that which is 
 laid down or deposited ; a trust ; a pledge. 
 
 Depot, depo (French, depOt). In mili- 
 tary affairs, any special place in which 
 mihtary stores are deposited, or where 
 recruits for an army are assembled. In a 
 general sense, a warehouse or magazine ; a 
 place where any kinds of goods are de- 
 posited. A depot covijjany is a company 
 of soldiers' left at home for the purpose 
 of recruiting, by regiments embarking for 
 foreign service. 
 
 Depravity, de-prawy-te (Latin, de, 
 from; jpravus, wicked). Corruption; 
 wickedness ; state of sinfulness ; perversion 
 of the heart. 
 
 Deprecate, deppry-kate (Latin, de, 
 from; precor, to^rd^j). To pray earnestly 
 for the averting of some imminent punish- 
 ment ; to protest against. 
 
 Depreciate, de-preeshy-ate (Latin, de, 
 from; predum, price). To under-value; 
 to lower a thing in price ; to represent as 
 of no merit oi of less value than is com- 
 monly supposed. 
 
 Depredation, deppry-dayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; prceda, plunder). The act of 
 robbing or pillaging; laying waste; taking 
 away by violence. 
 
 Depression, de-preshun (Latin, de, 
 down; pressum, pressed). The act of 
 pressing down, or the state of being- 
 pressed down; a sinking of spuits, or of 
 strength. 
 
 Deprivation, deppry-vayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; privo, to take away). The act 
 of taking away ; a state of suffering loss or 
 want ; bereavement by loss of friends or of 
 goods. In ecclesiastical law, the act of 
 divesting a bishop or other clergyman of 
 his spiritual promotion or dignity. 
 
 Depurate, dep-urate (Latin, de, from ; 
 pwrus, pure). To purify; to cleanse; to 
 free from contamination or feculent 
 matter. 
 
 Deputation, deppu-tayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; 2^'><-io, to think). A person or 
 persons authorised and sent to transact 
 business for other persons or for a collec- 
 tive body; a number of individuals selected 
 
 to represent the views and wishes of anj 
 section of the community. 
 
 Deputy, deppu-ty (French, depute). A 
 person who acts for and takes the place of 
 another; a lieutenant; a viceroy. Inlaw, 
 a person who exercises an office in the right 
 of another, and for whose behaviour and 
 mistakes the principalis responsible. The 
 Chamher of Deputies is the lower of the two 
 legislative chambers in Fi-ance, 
 
 Derangement, de-i-anje-ment (Latin,. 
 de, from. French, ranger, to arrange). A 
 displacing ; pxitting out of order ; disturb- 
 ance of regularity or regular coiu-se. 
 Mental disorder ,• distiu-bance of the mind. 
 
 Dereliction, derry-likshun (Latin, de, 
 from; re, again ; linquo, to leave). The 
 act of forsaking or leaving ; abandonment ;. 
 the state of being left or abandoned. 
 
 Deride, de-ride (Latin, deride, to laugh 
 at). To laugh at contemptuously ; to treat 
 with scorn ; to turn into ridicule. 
 
 Derivative, de-riwa-tiv (Latin, de,. 
 from ; rivus, a river or spring). In gram- 
 mar, any word derived, or taking its origin 
 from another, called its primitive, as maii- 
 Jiood, from man. 
 
 Derivation, deny-vayshun (Latin, de,. 
 from; rivus, a river or spring). The act 
 of deriving, drawing, or receiving from a 
 source ; a tracing a word to its root ; the 
 thing derived or deduced. 
 
 Dermatology, dermah-tollo-jy (Greek, 
 derma, the skin ; lojos, a discourse), A 
 treatise or history of the skin, and tha 
 diseases to which it is subject. 
 
 Dernier, dare-ne-ai (French, dernier). 
 The last ; the only one left. Dernier res- 
 sort, the last resource ; forlorn hope. 
 
 Derogate, den-o-gate (Latin, de, from , 
 rogo, to ask). To lessen ; to detract ; ta 
 undervalue ; to take from. 
 
 Derogatory, de-roggah-tory (Latin, de^ 
 from; ro^ro, to ask). Detracting or tend- 
 ing to lessen by taking something from; 
 degrading, or unworthy of any person or 
 thing. Derogatory clause, in a person's will, 
 is a sentence or secret character inserted 
 by the testator, of which he reserves the 
 knowledge to himself, with the condition 
 that no will that he may hereafter make 
 will be vaUd, unless this clause be inserted 
 word for word. This is done as a preceiu- 
 tion to guard against later wiUs being 
 extorted by violence, or othenvise im- 
 properly obtained. 
 
90 
 
 DES 
 
 Dervish. A T;irkish priest or monk, 
 •whose order profess to renounce the hixu- 
 ries and comforts of life, tinder the belief 
 that a condition of poverty is the only 
 passport to heaven, and that privation in 
 this world is certain to secure, rewards in 
 the next. Many of the dervishes travel 
 •over the whole of the Eastern world, enter- 
 taining people with relations of the cui'iosi- 
 ties and wonders they have naet Avith. In 
 Egypt there are dervishes who live with 
 then* families, and exercise their trades, of 
 which kind are the dancing dervishes at 
 Damascus. 
 
 Desagrements, daze - ah - graymong 
 (French). Discomforts; inconveniencies ; 
 unpleasantnesses. 
 
 Descant, des-kant (Spanish, discante). 
 To comment on any subject ; to dispute ; 
 to carry on a discussion under several 
 heads ; to make a variety of remarks. 
 
 Descendant, de-sendant (Latin, de, 
 ■down; scando, to climb). Any person pro- 
 ceeding from an ancestor in any degree; 
 issue; offspring in the line of genera- 
 tion. 
 
 Descry, de-skri (Noi'mau, desa-ier). 
 To espy ; to reconnoitre ; to see from a 
 distance ; to discover anything concealed. 
 
 Desecrate, dessy-krate (Latin, de, from ; 
 mcer, sacred). To convert a thing to a use 
 different from that to which it was origin- 
 ally consecrated; to divest of a sacred 
 character or office. 
 
 Deserts, de-zerts (Latin, de, from; 
 servio, to serve). A deserving or worthi- 
 ness of reward or punishment, especially 
 the former. 
 
 Desliabille, daze-ha-bil (French). An 
 undress or morning dress; a dress worn 
 within doors and on ordinary occasions; 
 opposed to fuU dress. 
 
 Desiccation, dessy-kayshun (Latin, de, 
 from; sicco, to di-y). Act or process of 
 drying. 
 
 Desideratum, de - zidder - aytum. A 
 Latin word, meaning wished for, used to 
 express something greatly wanted, or much 
 to be desired. 
 
 Designation, dezzig-nayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; signo, to mark). The describing 
 a person or thing by some sign or object ; 
 a selecting and appointing ; distinct appli- 
 cation; to distinguish from others by in- 
 dication. 
 
 Desolation, desso-layshun (Latin, de, 
 ii-om; solus, alone). The state of being 
 
 DES 
 
 laid waste, ravaged, or forsaken; sadaoss 
 gloom; loneliness. 
 
 Despatch, de-spatch (Spanish, despcu* 
 char). To send away hastily; to perfornr 
 quickly ; to send out of the world. Also, 
 a letter sent with expedition, by a special 
 messenger; or a letter on some affair of 
 state, or of public importance. 
 
 Desperado, despee-rahdo. A desperate 
 f eUow ; one who is reckless of life or pro- 
 perty, and acts without fear of danger or 
 consequences. 
 
 Despicable, des-pikkah-btd (Latin, 
 despico, to despise). That which is only 
 worthy of being despised; contemptible; 
 vile; mean; sordid. 
 
 Desjjite, de - spite (French, depii). 
 Malice ; defiance ; also used in the sense of 
 notwithstanding; as to perform a thing, 
 despite such and such obstacles. 
 
 Despoil, de-spoil (Latin, de, from; 
 spolio, to plunder). To rob; to deprive; 
 to divest ; to take away from by force. 
 
 Despond, de-spond (Latin, de, from; 
 spondeo, to promise). To be cast down ; to 
 be depressed or dejected in mind; to be- 
 come hopeless and desperate. 
 
 Despot, des-pot (Greek, despotes). A 
 sovereign or ruler invested Tvith absolute 
 power ; in a general sense, one who abuses 
 power and authority ; a tyi*ant. 
 
 Despumation, des-pu-mayshun (Lat. , 
 de, from; spuma, foam or froth). The 
 separation of scum or other impurities from 
 an animal or vegetable fluid by the action 
 of fire or of albumen. 
 
 Desquamation, deskwa - mayshun 
 (Latin, desquamatid). Separation of the 
 skin in scales ; a scaling or exfoliation of 
 bone. 
 
 Dessert, dez-zert (French, dessert). 
 This word is derived from desservir, French, 
 to take away the dishes from table : thus 
 dessert, that which is placed upon the table 
 after it has been cleared. 
 
 Destemper or Distemper, des-tem- 
 pur (French, detrempe). In painting, a 
 preparation of opaque colour ground up 
 with size and water ; when practised on a 
 small scale, it is termed body-colour paint- 
 ing. Destemper requires the walls to be 
 dry on which it is laid, while fresco painting 
 requires that they should be wet. 
 
 Destiny, des-te-ne (Latin, destino, to 
 bind). Ultimate fate; state pre-deter- 
 mined; the immutable power by which 
 events are so ordered and regulated, that 
 
 I 
 
DES 
 
 DEV 
 
 91 
 
 whatever happens could not possibly have 
 been otherwise. 
 
 Destitution, destee-tewshun (Latin, 
 de, from; statuo, to set up). A state of 
 poverty, and with no prospect of the means 
 of subsistence ; a condition in which some- 
 thing is wanted and not possessed. 
 
 Desudation, dezu-dayshun (Latin, de- 
 sudatio, sweating). In pathology, an 
 eruption of small pimples resembling 
 naillet seeds, which sometimes occurs on 
 the skiQ of children. 
 
 Desuetude, des-swe-tude (Latin, de, 
 from ; suesco, to accustom). The cessation 
 of use; disuse; discontinuance of a prac- 
 tice, custom, or fashion. 
 
 Desultory, dez-ultur-e (Latin, de, 
 from; salio, to leap). Koving from one 
 thing to another ; unsettled ; without order, 
 connection, or method ; wavering ; pro- 
 ceeding by fits and starts. 
 
 Detached, de-tatsht (French, d£tacher). 
 Separated ; broken off. In painting, when 
 figures stand out from the background 
 and from each other in a natural manner, 
 so as to show that there is space and atmo- 
 sphere between. A detached house is one 
 standing quite apart from others. 
 
 Detadanent, de-tatsh-ment. A part 
 of a regiment or of an army sent upon any 
 particular service at a distance from the 
 main body. 
 
 Detail, de-tale (French, detailler). To 
 relate particularly; to display minutely 
 and distinctly. 
 
 Detainer, de-taynur (Latin, de, from ; 
 teneo, to hold). One who withholds what 
 belongs to another. In law, a forcible 
 detainer is the keeping another out of 
 possession of lands or tenements belonging 
 to him. A lorit of detainer is a writ which 
 lies against prisoners for debt, command- 
 ing the governor of the prison to detain 
 the person in question until he receives 
 his discharge. 
 
 Deter, de-tur (Latin, de, from; terreo, 
 to frighten). To discourage by terror; to 
 prevent acting or proceeding, by danger, 
 difficulty, or other consideration which dis- 
 courages and disheartens. 
 
 Detergent, de-terjent (Latin, de, from ; 
 ten'geo, to cleanse). Any preparation or ap- 
 phcation which has the power of cleans- 
 ing; a medicine which has the effect of 
 removing viscidity and cleansing sores. 
 
 Determine, de-turmin (Latin, de, from ; 
 terminus, a boundary). To fix; to settle; 
 
 to conclude ; to resolve ultimately ; to put 
 an end to. 
 
 Deteriorate, de-teereo-rate (Latin, de- 
 tei'ior, worse). To make worse ; to grow or 
 become worse ; to be impaired in quality ; 
 to degenerate. 
 
 Detinue, det-e-nu (Latin, detineo, to 
 hinder). In law, a personal action of con- 
 tract, which lies where a party seeks to 
 recover goods and chattels, or deeds and 
 writings, detained from him. 
 
 Detonate, detto-nate (Latin, detono, to 
 thunder). In chemistry, to cause to ex- 
 plode; to burn or inflame with a sudden 
 report. A detonating tube is a short glass 
 tube used by chemists, for the detonation 
 of gaseous bodies. Detonating po^cder, 
 fulminating mercury, silver, or other com- 
 pounds, which detonate when struck or 
 heated. 
 
 Detour, day-toor (French), A turning; 
 a circuitous way. 
 
 Detraction, de-trakshun (Latin, de, 
 from; tracium, drawn). Defamation; 
 slander ; the act of taking away something 
 from the reputation or worth of another, 
 with the view of lessening him in estima- 
 tion. 
 
 Detriment, dettry-ment (Latin, detri- 
 mentiun). Loss ; damage ; injury ; mis- 
 chief; harm, 
 
 Detrop, deh-tro (French), Out of 
 place; onetoonaany; not wanted. 
 
 Deuce, duse (French, deux, two). A 
 card with two spots ; a die with two spots. 
 
 Deuteronomy, dewtur - onno - me 
 (Greek, deuteros, second ; nomos, law). The 
 second law, or second giving of the law by 
 Moses ; the name accordingly given to the 
 fifth book of the Pentateuch, 
 
 Devastation, devas-tayshun (Latin, 
 de, from; vasto, to lay waste). Demoli- 
 tion; laying waste; destruction. 
 
 Development, de-vellop-ment (French, 
 developper). Eemoval of a covering so 
 as to expose anything concealed; dis- 
 closui'e of a secret ; \im-avelling of a plot. 
 This word is also used in the sense of 
 growth and expansion, as the development 
 of the human frame into manhood or 
 womanhood. 
 
 Deviation, deevy-ayshun (Latin, de, 
 from; via, the way). A wandering or 
 turning aside from the right way; acting 
 contrary to established rule. 
 
92 
 
 DEV 
 
 Device, de-vice (French, devise). A 
 contrivance ; a stratagem ; a project ; a 
 scheme or plan. In heraldry, an emblem 
 which has some relation to a person's name ; 
 the representation of some natural body 
 with a motto or sentence. 
 
 Devise, de-vize (Latin, divisum, divided). 
 To invent or contrive ; to bring out to bear 
 upon the execution of anything ; to scheme ; 
 to project. In law, -the act of giving or 
 bequeathing by will. 
 
 Devoid, de-void (Latin, de, from; vi- 
 duus, deprived). Empty; vacant; desti- 
 tute of any quality, whether good or bad. 
 
 Devoir, dev-war (French, devoir). 
 Service or duty; an act of civility or 
 respect ; respectful recognition due to 
 another ; the customa'y phrase is, to pay 
 one's devoirs. 
 
 Devolve, de-volv (Latin, de, down- 
 wards; volvo, to roll). Literally, to roU 
 down : hence, to move from one person to 
 another; to fall or descend to in order of 
 succession. 
 
 Devotee, dewo-tee (Latin, de, from; 
 voveo, to vow). One who is wholly devoted ; 
 a person superstitiously given to religious 
 ceremonies and observances. 
 
 Dewlap, dew-lap. The piece of flesh 
 which hangs from the throats of oxen ; so 
 called from its la'pping or brushing off the 
 dew. 
 
 Dew-point. The point of temperature 
 at which dew begins to form or fall. 
 
 Dexterity, deks-terry-te (Latin, dex- 
 ter, the right). Readiness; activity; 
 quickness of contrivance; quickness and 
 skill in managing or conducting an opera- 
 tion or process. 
 
 Di. A prefix to words, contracted from 
 dis, and denoting from, separation, nega- 
 tion, two. 
 
 Dia. A Greek prefix to many English 
 words, denoting through, across, around, hy. 
 
 Diablerie, de-ahb-le-rio (French). A 
 diabolical deed; conjuration. 
 
 Diabolical, diah-boUy-kul (Greek, Bia- 
 hohts, the evil one). Impious; extremely 
 mslicious ; outrageously wicked. 
 
 Diachylum, di-akky-lum (Greek, dia, 
 through; hjlos, chyle or ]nicG). A plaster 
 acting by or through its juices. 
 
 Diadem, diah-dem (Greek, diadeo, to 
 bind round) . A crown or fillet worn around 
 the head as a symbol of royalty. 
 
 DIA 
 
 Diagnosis, di-ag-no-sis (Greek, diagin- 
 osho, to distingiush). In pathology, the art 
 of distinguishing one disease from another. 
 
 Diagonal, di-aggo-nal (Greek, dia, 
 across; gonia, an angle). Applied to a 
 straight line drawn across a figure from 
 one angle or corner to another, so as to 
 divide it into equal parts. 
 
 Diagram, diah-gram (Greek, dia, 
 across; gramma, a letter or drawing). A 
 mathematical figure or scheme drawn for 
 demonstration. 
 
 Dial, di-al (Latin, dies, a day). An 
 instrument for marking the hour of tho 
 day by the sun. 
 
 Dialect, diah-lekt (Greek, dia, through ; 
 lego, to read). A peculiar form or idiom of 
 language. In a general sense, an appella- 
 tion given to a language when spoken of in 
 contradistinction to some other language 
 which it resembles in its general features, 
 though differing from it more or less 
 in detail. 
 
 Dialectics, diah-lektiks (Greek, dia, 
 through; lego, to read). The practical 
 part of logic, which treats of the rules of 
 reasoning. 
 
 Dialogue, diah-log (Greek, dia, 
 through; logos, a discourse). A discourse 
 or conversation between two or more per- 
 sons ; a written composition, representing 
 two or more persons as conversing. 
 
 Dialysis, di-al-e-sis. A mark or charac- 
 ter consisting of two points placed over 
 one or two vowels, as mosaic, to separate 
 the diphthong and show that they must be 
 sounded distinctly. In rhetoric, dialysis is 
 a figiire of speech in which several words 
 are placed together, without the aid of a 
 conjunction, as veni, vidi, vici, 1 came, I 
 saw, I conquered. 
 
 Diam.eter, di-ammy-tur (Greek, dia, 
 across ; metron, a measure). A line which 
 passes through the centre of a circle, and 
 divides into two equal parts. 
 
 Diametrically, diah - mettri - kally 
 (Greek, dia, across; metron, a measure). 
 Directly; in the direction of a diameter; 
 used to express an action or line of conduct 
 directly opposed to some other. 
 
 Diapason, diah-payson (Greek, dia, 
 thi-ough; pas, all). In music, an octave or 
 interval Avhich includes all the tones. 
 
 Diaphanous, di-affah-nus (Greek, 
 dia, through; phaino, to show). Trans- 
 mitting light ; peUucid ; clear. 
 
 t 
 
DIA 
 
 DIF 
 
 Diaphoretic, di-affo-rcttik (Greek, 
 diaphoreo, to carry through). Promoting 
 perspiration ; medicines which increase the 
 discharge of humours through the skin in 
 an imperceptible manner. 
 
 Diaphragm, diah-fram (Greek, dia- 
 phragma). A nervous muscle, vulgarly- 
 called the midriff, dividing the breast from 
 the stomach. 
 
 Diastase, dias-tase (Greek, dia, 
 through; istemi, to set). A peculiar vege- 
 table substance formed during germina- 
 tion. It is prepared by reducing freshly- 
 germinated barley into a pulp, with half 
 its weight of water, and then pressing out 
 the liquor strongly. 
 IjR Diathesis, di-athy-sis (Greek, dia- 
 " tithemi, to depose). Peculiar condition of 
 
 the body ; pre-disposition to certain dis- 
 
 Diatonic, diah-tonik (Greek, dia, 
 through; tonos, a tone). The ordinary 
 species of music, consisting of ascending 
 and descending by tones and semitones. 
 
 Diatribe, diah-tribe (Greek, diatribe). 
 A continued discourse; disputation; ap- 
 plied sarcastically to lengthy and tedious 
 harangues. 
 
 Dictate, dik-tate (Latin, dicfo, to repeat). 
 To tell with authority; to deliver a com- 
 mand to another; to speak certain words 
 which another pei'son is to write down. 
 
 Dictator, dik-tator (Latin, dictator). 
 One who dictates ; a person invested with 
 unlimited authority. 
 
 Diction, dik-shun (Latin, dictio). Ex- 
 pression of ideas by words ; style ; language ; 
 form of expression. 
 
 Dictum, diktum (Latin, dictum, some- 
 thing said). An authoritative sajdng or 
 opinion; the ruling of a judge; the find- 
 ing of an arbitrator. 
 
 Didactic, di-daktik (Greek, didaslo, 
 to teach). Preceptive ; giving instruc- 
 tions and rules ; teaching. Didactic ipoetry 
 is that which is written professedly for the 
 purpose of instruction ; as, Pope's Essay 
 on Man, or Young's Night TkougUs. 
 
 •Die, di. A small cube marked on each 
 of its sides with specks or dots, numbering 
 from one to six, and used for games of 
 chance and hazard ; pliu-al, dice. . 
 
 Die-sinking. A process employed in 
 the preparation of coins, medals, &c. 
 
 Dies non, di-eez non (Latin, dies, a 
 day ; non, not). A law phrase, meaning a 
 
 day on which no legal proceedmg-s can take 
 place. Such days are all the Sundays ia 
 the year; the Purification, in Hilary term; 
 the Ascension, in Easter term ; the festival 
 of St. John the Baptist, in Trinity term ; 
 and those of All Saints and All Souls, in 
 Michaelmas term. In a general sense, a 
 dies non is a day upon which, from some 
 circumstance, no business can be trans- 
 acted. 
 
 Diesis, di-esis. The mark (J); called 
 also a double dagger, and used as a mark 
 for reference. Diesis, in music, the divi- 
 sion of a tone less than a semitone ; or an 
 interval consisting of a less or imperfect 
 semitone. 
 
 Diet, di-et (Greek, (Ziai'to, a rule of life). 
 In a general sense, food or victuals ; more 
 particularly applied to a regular course of 
 living, or to food prescribed for the pvir- 
 pose of maintaining or regaining health. 
 
 Diet, di-et (Teutonic, diet, a multitude). 
 An assembly of princes and states, espe- 
 cially that known as the German diet: a 
 convention of princes, electors, eccle- 
 siastical dignitaries, and representatives 
 of free cities, to deliberate on the affairs 
 of the empire. 
 
 Dietetics, diet-etiks (Greek, diaita, 
 mode of living). The science or philoso- 
 phy of diets ; or that which teaches us to 
 adapt particular food to particular organs 
 of digestion, or to particular states of the 
 same organ, so that the largest amount of 
 nourishment may be extracted from a 
 given quantity of nutritive matter. 
 
 Dieu et m.on Droit, dooh ay mong 
 drwah (French). "God and my right." 
 The motto of the royal arms of England. 
 First assumed by Richard the First, to in- 
 timate that he did not hold his empire in 
 vassalage of any mortal. 
 
 Differential, diffur-enshy-al (Latin, 
 differo, to bear apart). A term applied 
 to any quantity infinitely small ; so small 
 as to be less than any assignable quantity. 
 Differential calcuhcs is the method of find- 
 ing the ratios of the differences of variable 
 magnitudes, on the supposition that these 
 differences become infinitely small. 
 
 Diffidence, diffy-dens (Latin, dis, a 
 negative particle ; Jido, to trust). Want of 
 trust or confidence, especially in ourselves ; 
 a moderate degree of timidity or bashful- 
 ness. 
 
 Diffuse, dif-fews (Latin, diffundo, to 
 pour out). To pour out as liquid; widely 
 spread ; applied to style of composition or 
 
94 
 
 DIG 
 
 DIM 
 
 manner of expression, when it contains an 
 excess of words. 
 
 Digamy, diggah-me (Greek, dis, twice ; 
 gamia, marriage). Marriage to a second 
 wife after the death of a first, as opposed 
 to bigamy. 
 
 Digest, de-jest (Latin, digero). To 
 dissolve in the stomach, as food after it has 
 been swallowed : hence, to reduce to method 
 that which has been received into the 
 mind ; to distribute or arrange methodically 
 into different classes. 
 
 Digest, di-jest (Latin, digestus). A 
 collection of the Roman laws, ranged and 
 digested under their proper titles, by order 
 of the Emperor Justinian. 
 
 Digit, dij-it (Latin, digitus, a finger). 
 A finger ; the measure of a finger's breadth, 
 or thi'ee-qiiarters of an inch. In arithmetic, 
 the numerals under ten, as 12345678 9, 
 are called digits, from the ancient and 
 original custom of counting on the fingers. 
 
 Dignitary, dignit-tary (Latin, dignns, 
 worthy). In the canon law, an ecclesiastic 
 who holds a dignity or a benefice which 
 gives him some pre-eminence over mere 
 priests and canons, as a bishop, dean, 
 archdeacon, prebendary, &c. 
 
 Digraph, di-graf (Greek, dis, twice; 
 qraplio, to wiite). A union of two vowels, 
 of which only one is pronounced, as in 
 'bread. It is essentially different from a 
 diphthong, which consists of two vowels 
 also, but produces a sound which neither 
 of the vowels has separately. 
 
 Digression, de-gresh\m (Latin, di, 
 from; gradus, step). Wandering from 
 the main subject; atiuning aside; a de- 
 viation. 
 
 Dike (Saxon, die). A mound of 
 eai-th, stones, or other materials, raised 
 to prevent low land being inundated 
 by the sea or a river ; a channel made to 
 receive water; a ditch. 
 
 Dilapidation, de-lappy-dayshun (Lat., 
 di, from; lai:>is, a stone). Euin; decay; 
 waste. In ecclesiastical law, the waste or 
 decay of a parsonage, for want of necessary 
 repair, and for which the profits of the 
 benefice may be sequestered. 
 
 Dilate, de-late (Latin, latus, broad). 
 To expand, spread out, enlarge, stretch, 
 or widen. Figuratively, to relate any- 
 thing at great length ; to narrate an event 
 with all its minute circumstances. 
 
 Dilatory, dillah-turry (French, dila- 
 toire). Given to procrastination ; habitually 
 
 delaying the performance of duties ; tardy ; 
 slow; behindhand. In law, intended to 
 cause delay; tending to delay, as a dilatory 
 plea. 
 
 Dilemma, de-lemmah' (Greek, dis, 
 twice ; lenima, an assumption). A difficult 
 or doubtful choice; a perplexing state or 
 alternative. In logic, an argument con- 
 sisting of two or more propositions, so dis- 
 posed, that, grant which you wiU, the 
 same conclusion must be inferred. 
 
 Dilettante, dillet-tan-te (Italian). An 
 admirer or lover of the fine arts ; one who 
 greatly interests himself in promoting 
 science or the fine arts. 
 
 Diligence, dil-e-zhaunce. The name of 
 a kind of stage-coach used in many parts 
 of the Continent, especially in France. 
 
 Diluent, dil-ewent (Latin, di, from; 
 hio, to wash away). Making thin or more 
 fluid ; that which reduces strength, as of 
 liquors. In medical treatment, applied to 
 a liquid which has a tendency to increase 
 the fluids in the body. 
 
 Dime, dime (French, dime, tithe). A 
 silver coin of the United States, value ten 
 cents, the tenth of a dollar. 
 
 Diminuendo, dim-en-u-endo (Itahan). 
 In music, those passages where the volum.a 
 of sound is to be lessened from loud to 
 soft, and marked thus (:=—). 
 
 Diminution, dimmin-ewshun (Latin, 
 di, from ; minor, less). The act of making 
 less ; the state of growing less ; discredit ; 
 loss of dignity or power. 
 
 Diminutive, dim-innu-tiv (Latin, di, 
 from ; minor, less). Small ; little ; con- 
 tracted. In grammar, a word or termina- 
 tion which lessens the meaning of the 
 original word ; as lajyillus, in Latin, a little 
 stone ; maisonette, in French, a httle house ; 
 gunion, in Greek, a little woman ; rivulet, 
 in English, a little river. 
 
 Dimissory, dim-issur-re (Latin, d.i, 
 from ; mitto^ to send). Sending away ; 
 dismissing to another jurisdiction. A letter 
 dimissory is one given by a bishop to a 
 candidate for holy orders, liaving a title in 
 his diocese, directed to some other bishop ; 
 and giving leave for the bearer to be or- 
 dained by him. 
 
 Dimple. A smaU natural cavity in the 
 flesh, usually forming in the cheek or about 
 the chin, and generally considered as im- 
 parting- beauty and expression to the 
 features. 
 
DIN 
 
 DIS 
 
 95 
 
 Dint. A blow or stroke ; the mark 
 made by a blow ; the cavity remaining 
 after great pressure ; violence ; force ; 
 power. Figuratively, the force brought to 
 bear upon the accomplishment of anything ; 
 as by di7it of pex'severance. 
 
 Diocese, dio-ses (Greek, dioilceds, a 
 government). An ecclesiastical division of 
 a kingdom or state, subject to the juris- 
 diction of a bishop : hence one having such 
 authority is termed the diocesan. 
 
 Diorama, dio-rahmah (Greek, dia, 
 through ; oravia, sight). A pictorial rep- 
 resentation of natural scenery painted on 
 a flat surface ; an exhibition of paintings, so 
 arranged as to receive shades of light and 
 various hues by means of movable blinds ; 
 also the name of a building for such 
 exhibition- 
 Diphthong, dip-thong (Greek, dis, 
 twice ; phthongos, a sound). A union of 
 two vowels pronounced in one syllable or 
 sound, as vain, Caesar. 
 
 Diploma, dip-lomah (Greek, diploos, 
 double). A writing conferring some pri- 
 vilege ; a certificate of ability, merit, or 
 honoui'. Diplomas are given to graduates 
 of colleges, on their receiving the usual 
 degrees ; to clergymen who are licensed to 
 exercise the ministerial functions ; to phy- 
 sicians who are licensed to practise their 
 profession ; and to agents who are autho- 
 rised to transact business for their prin- 
 cipals. The name is given because 
 diplomas were formerly written on waxed 
 notes, which were doubled together. 
 
 Diplomacy, de-plomah-se. Forms of 
 negotiation ; customs, rules, and privileges 
 of ambassadors, envoys, and other repre- 
 sentatives of princes and states at foreign 
 courts. In a general sense, the exercise of 
 great art and judgment in an tmdertaking. 
 
 Dipping. Among miners, sig-nifies the 
 interruption or breaking off of the veins 
 of ore ; an accident often attended with 
 considerable trouble before the ore can bo 
 again discovered. 
 
 Dipping Needle. A long straight 
 piece of steel, equally poised on its centre, 
 and afterwards touched with a loadstone, 
 whereby it dips or inclines to the earth, 
 and demonstrates the exact tendency of 
 the power of magnetism. 
 . Diradiation, di-rady-ayshun (Latin, 
 diridiatid). In medicine, an invigoration 
 of the muscles by the animal spirits. In 
 optics, the rays of light emitted and dif- 
 fused from a luminous body. 
 
 Dire (Latm, dirus). Dreadful ; horrible; 
 dismal ; evil in a great degree ; affecting a 
 beholder with horror. 
 
 Direct, de-rekt (Latin, di, from ; o-ectus, 
 straight). In a straight line ; leading or 
 tending to an end, as by a straight line or 
 course ; plain ; open ; express. In music, 
 a direct interval is that which forms any 
 kind of harmony on the fundamental sound 
 which produces it. A direct tax is one 
 upon real estates, houses, and lands. 
 
 Director, de-rektui-. A person ap- 
 pointed to manage the affairs of a public 
 company ; as the director of a bank, or a 
 railway comj)any . 
 
 Dirge, durj (Teutonic, dp^l-e). A 
 mom-nful song or tune, used as a lament 
 for the dead. 
 
 Dirk (Erse, dirl; dark). A kind of 
 dagger or poniard, specially adapted for . 
 assassination and use in the dark. 
 
 Dis. A prefix or inseparable prepo- 
 sition, implying a negation or jprivation, 
 as dis-ohey, dis-oblige, kc. Or to signify 
 separation and detachment ; as dis-arming, 
 dis-trihuting . 
 
 Disable, dis-aybul (Latin, dis, Saxon, 
 aid). To deprive of force ; to weaken ; 
 to render powerless ; to diminish or destroy 
 any competent means. 
 
 Disability, dissah-billy-te. In law, a 
 state which renders a person ineligible as 
 a holder of certain leeral benefits. 
 
 Disabuse, dissah-buze (French, desa- 
 huser). To \mdeceive ; to set right ; to 
 explain away error or misapprehension. 
 
 Disaffection, dissah-fekshun (Latin, 
 dis, ad, factmn). Alienation of affection, 
 attachment, or good-will ; a state of dis- 
 content and murmuring ; disloyalty. 
 
 Disafforest, dissah-forest. To throw 
 open a forest to common use ; to do away 
 with forest laws and their oppressive re- 
 strictions. 
 
 Disallow (Latin, dis; Saxon, a, lyfan"). 
 To deny ; to refuse pennission ; to testify 
 dislike, dissent, or disapprobation ; not to 
 grant ; not to permit ; to reject. 
 
 Di salto, de sal-to (Italian, di salto'). 
 In music, a motion by skips, not by de- 
 grees ; a melody which, in its progress, 
 omits one or more degrees. 
 
 Disaster, diz-astur (Latin, dis, from; 
 astrum, a star). Misfortune ; calamity ; 
 misery. The word is derived from the 
 
*)6 
 
 DIS 
 
 DIS 
 
 -•ancient belief in the influence of the stars 
 
 ■ on human fortunes. 
 
 Disavow, dissah-vow (Latin, dis, ad, 
 voveo). To disown ; to deny knowledge of ; 
 not to admit as tme or justifiable. 
 
 Disband, dis-band (Latm, dis; Saxon, 
 handa). To dismiss from service ; to dis- 
 perse ; to break up a band or body-of men 
 
 ■ enlisted. 
 
 Disburse, dis-burs {L&im, dis, from; 
 T)ursa, a pui'se). To pay away ; to spend 
 or layout money. 
 
 Disc, disk (Saxon, disc, a plate). The 
 body and face of the sun or moon, as 
 either appears to the spectator on the 
 earth. In optics, the magnitude of a tele- 
 . scope glass, or the width of its aperture. 
 
 Discard, dis-kard (Spanish, discartar). 
 To dismiss from service, employment, or 
 use. To cast off, or reject, as useless cards 
 are thrown out of the hand. 
 
 Discern, diz-m-n (Latin, dis, from ; 
 cerno, to perceive). To discover ; to distin- 
 guish; to recognise at a distance ; to judge. 
 
 Disciple, dis-sj3)ul (Latin, disco, to 
 learn). A learner; one who attends the 
 teachings and professes the tenets of 
 another. In a scriptural sense, the fol- 
 lowers of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Discipline, dissy-plin (Latin, disco, to 
 learn). Education ; rule of government ; 
 -the act of cultivating "the manners, and 
 forming the mind ; subjection to rules, 
 laws, orders, and regulations ; correction ; 
 chastisement. 
 
 Disciplinarian, dissy - plin - ary - an , 
 One who is well versed in tactics and 
 manoeuvi-es, and who exacts a strict ob- 
 servance of them from those under Ms 
 command. 
 
 Disclaim, dis-klaim (Latin, dis, from ; 
 damo, to cry out). To disown ; to deny ; 
 to renounce ; to withdi'aw a claim ; to dis- 
 avow all part or share. 
 
 Disclaimer. In law, an express or 
 imphed denial by a tenant that he holds 
 an estate of his lord; a denial of tenure 
 by plea or otherf\'ise. 
 
 Disclosure, dis-klozhure (Latin, dis, 
 from ; clausum, shut up, secret). Eeveal- 
 ing ; an uncovering, and opening to view ; 
 making kncwn what has hitherto been 
 secret or concealed ; that which is disclosed 
 or uiade known. 
 
 Discolouration, dis - kuUur - ayshun. 
 Change of colour ; stain ; alteration of 
 complexion or appearance. 
 
 Discomfiture, dis-kumfit-ure (Latin, 
 dis, from ; coii, with ; figo, to fix). Over- 
 throw ; defeat ; rout ; ruin. 
 
 Discompose, diskom-poze (Latin, dis, 
 from ; con, with ; liositum, placed). To 
 . disorder ; to disturb ; to vex ; to ruffle ; to 
 agitate. 
 
 Disconcert, diskon-sert (Latin, dis, 
 from ; con, with ; certo, to strive). To de- 
 feat or interrupt any order, plan, or ^r- 
 monious scheme ; to unsettle the niind ; to 
 disturb. 
 
 Disconsolate, dis-konso-late (Latin, 
 dis, con; solor, to comfort). Without con- 
 solation or comfoi-t ; bereaved ; friendless ; 
 sorrowful. 
 
 Discord, dis-kawrd (Latin, dis, cor; 
 the heart). Disagreement ; want of union 
 among persons or things ; difference <5f 
 opinions ; want of order. In music, dis- 
 agreement of sounds ; a union of so-onds 
 which is inharmonious, grating, and 
 disagi-eeable to the ear. 
 
 Discount, dis-kownt (Latin, dis; con., 
 puto, to prune). A sum deducted for. 
 prompt or advanced payment ; a deductiottj 
 made from the nominal price. AmoE^sJ 
 bankers and bill-brokers, when a biU ofl 
 exchange is converted into cash, thel 
 interest for the time which the biU has to 
 run is deducted, and is caUed discount. 
 Again, a merchant who allows, say, three 
 months' credit, wiU deduct a certain rate 
 per cent, for payment in hand, and this 
 sum is called the discount. 
 
 Discountenance, dis - kownty - nans. 
 To discourage; to restrain; to check by 
 frowns, censxu-e, argument, opposition, or 
 cold treatment. 
 
 Discourteous, dis-kurty-us (Latin, 
 dis. French, cour). Uncivil ; rude ; want- 
 ing in complaisance. 
 
 Discreet, dis-kreet (French, disa-et). 
 Prudent ; circumspect ; wise in avoiding 
 errors or evil, and in selecting the best 
 means to accomplish a pm-pose. 
 
 Discrimination, dis-krimmin-ayshun 
 (Latin, discrimen, a difference). The act 
 or faculty of distinguishing ; the act of 
 making or observing a difference ; judg- 
 ment displayed in selection. 
 
 Discursive, dis-kursiv (Latin, dis- 
 cursum, speed). Moving about; roving 
 from place to place ; desultory. In logic, 
 proceeding from things known to things 
 unknown. 
 
 
DIS 
 
 MS 
 
 97 
 
 Discussion, dis-kusshun (Latin, dis; 
 quatio, to shake). Argument; disquisi- 
 tion; the examination of a subject by- 
 debate. 
 
 Discutient, dis-kewshent (Latin, dis- 
 cutio, to beat asunder). Dispersing morbid 
 matter. In medical practice, a medicine or 
 application which disperses a tumom* or 
 tnj coagulated fluid in the body. 
 
 Disdain, dis-dain (Latin, dis; dignus, 
 worthy). To treat with scorn; to deem 
 unworthy; to regard mth contempt; to 
 refuse or decline with abhorrence; con- 
 temptuous anger and indignation; imply- 
 ing a consciousness of superiority of mind, 
 or a supposed superiority. 
 , Disembark, dis-embark (French, dis- 
 embarqzier). To land ; to put on shore ; to 
 remove from on board a ship to the land. 
 
 Disenchant, diss-en-tshant. To free 
 from enchantment ; to arouse a person 
 from an imaginary to a real state of things. 
 
 Disengage, dis-engaje (Latin, dis, in. 
 French, gager). To separate ; to extricate ; 
 to withdraw ; to release ; to free. 
 
 Disfavour, dis-fayvur. Slight dis- 
 pleasure ; vmfavourable regard ; with- 
 holding support. 
 
 Disfigure, dis-figure. To change 
 anything to a worse form ; to render ugly 
 that which was before beautifxil, or to cause 
 existing ugliness to appear stiU more 
 imsightly. 
 
 Disfranchise, dis-fran-tshiz. To de- 
 prive of the rights and privileges of a free 
 citizen ; to take away the power of voting 
 at elections. In England, to deprive a 
 constituency of the power of returning 
 members to parliament. 
 
 Disfrock, dis-frok. To punish a clergy- 
 man or priest, by forbidding him to 
 perform his ministrations, and thus 
 tiguratively taking away from him the 
 frock or gown, which is the external 
 emblem of his sacerdotal functions. 
 
 Disgorge, dis-gawrj (French, degorger, 
 to discharge). To eject or discharge ; to 
 empty itself. Figuratively, the being 
 compelled by force to give up what is 
 unlawfully possessed. 
 
 Disheveled, dish-ewuld (French, de, 
 from ; cheveu, hair). Thrown into dis- 
 order ; flowing loosely and negligently, 
 especially applied to the hair of the head. 
 
 Disinherit, dissin-herrit (Latin, (Zw, m/ 
 Jicires, an heir). To cut off from an in- 
 heritriQce ; to deprive of hereditary right. 
 
 Disintegration, dis-inty-grayshun 
 (Latin, dis, from ; integer, the whole). Sepa- 
 ration of the integrant parts of a 
 substance, as distinguished from decompo- 
 sition, or the separation of constituent parts. 
 
 Disjunctive,^ dis - jungktive (Latin, 
 dis; jungo, to join). Separating; dis- 
 joining; incapable of union. In gram- 
 mar, a disjunctive conjunction, or connective, 
 is a word which unites sentences or the 
 parts of a discourse in construction, but 
 disjoins the sense, noting an alternative or 
 opposition — as, " I love him," or, " I fear 
 him." In logic, a disjunctive proposition 
 is one in which the parts are opposed to 
 each other by means of disjunctives. 
 
 Dislocation, dislo-kayshun (Latin, dis, 
 from ; locus, a place). The act of dis- 
 placing or putting out of joint ; the act of 
 removing or forcing a bone from its socket. 
 
 ■ Dislodge, dis-lodj (Latin, dis. Saxon, 
 logian). To remove from a place where a 
 person lodges or rests ; to drive from the 
 place of natural or ordinary rest and 
 habitation. 
 
 Disloyal, dis-loy-al. Not true to 
 allegiance ; faithless ; false ; perfidious ; 
 inconstant in love, or friendship. 
 
 Dismantle, dis-mantul (Latin, dis. 
 Saxon, mentel). To strip ; to divest ; to 
 deprive of furniture or appurtenances ; t» 
 break down anything external. 
 
 Dismay, dis-may (Latin, dis. Spanish, 
 Tiiayar, to crush). Loss of power and 
 courage, occasioned by some fearful 
 apprehension. 
 
 Dismember, dis-mem-bur. To sepa- 
 rate ; disjoin ; disunite member from 
 member, limb from limb, one part or 
 portion of an entire body from another ; to 
 divide ; to sever ; to cut or tear to pieces. 
 
 Disoblige, disso-blije. To do some- 
 thing contrary to the wishes of another ; 
 to offend by an act of unkindness and 
 incivility. 
 
 Disorganization, dis-awr-ganni- 
 zayshun. The act of destroying organic 
 sti-ucture or connected system ; the un- 
 settUng the disposition and aii .ngemwit of 
 parts ; disorder ; derangement. 
 
 Disparagement, dis-parraje-ment 
 (Latin, dis, from ; par, equal). Injury by 
 comparison ; under-rating ; under- valuing ; 
 suffering by union or comparison with 
 something of inferior excellence. 
 
 Disparity, dis-parry-te (Latin, dis, 
 from ; p^r, equal). Inequality ; unlike- 
 
DIS 
 
 DIS 
 
 ness ; difference in degi'ee, ran k, age, 
 condition, or excellence. 
 
 Dispart, dis-part (Latin, dis ; pars, a 
 part). To divide ; to separate ; to dis- 
 sever. In gunnery, to set a mark on the 
 muzzle-ring of a piece of ordnance, so 
 that a sight-line from the top of the base 
 ring to the mark on or near the muzzle 
 may be parallel to the axis of the bore or 
 hollow cylinder. 
 
 Dispassionate, dis-passhun-ate. Cool ; 
 calm ; impartial ; free from passion or 
 feeling; exercising temperance and modera- 
 tion. 
 
 Dispatch. See Despatch. 
 
 Dispel, dis-spell (Latin, dis, from ; pello, 
 to drive). To disperse ; to clear away any 
 obstruction by scattering it; hence to 
 dispel gloom or sadness. 
 
 Dispense, dis-pence (Latin, dispenso, 
 to lay out). To distribute ; to deal out in 
 portions or parts ; to administer ; to allow ; 
 to give leave or permission to do or not to 
 do ; to exempt ; to excuse ; to waive. 
 
 Dispensation, dispen-sayshun (Latin , 
 dispenso, to lay out). Distribution; the 
 act of dealing out by method ; the dealing 
 of Providence to mortals. Mosaic dispen- 
 sation, or the Levitical law and rites ; the 
 Gospel dispensation, or scheme of human 
 redemption by Jesus Christ. 
 
 Disperse, dis-purse (Latin, dispergo, to 
 scatter). To scatter ; to spread ; to dissi- 
 pate ; to drive asunder ; to go or move 
 into different parts. 
 
 Dispersion of Light. The division 
 of a ray of white light into its variously 
 coloured component rays, as seen upon the 
 spectrum after it has undergone refraction, 
 by transmission through a prism. 
 
 Displayed. In heraldry, a term used 
 in connection with the position of a bird, as 
 an eagle displayed, that is, with the wings 
 expanded, and the legs stretched out on 
 either side. 
 
 Disport, dis-port. To sport ; to play 
 about ; to move with a lively and un- 
 restrained air. 
 
 Disposition. In an artistic sense, the 
 general arrangement of a group, or the 
 various parts of any picture or composition, 
 in regard to its general effect ; the pro- 
 per distribution of aU which forms a 
 composition for the artist's use. Compo- 
 sition may be considered as the general 
 order or arrangement of a design ; dispo- 
 sition disiliQ particular order adopted. 
 
 Disputant, dispu-tant (Latin, W?s ,* 
 piUo, to lop). One who argues against, 
 or opposes the opinions of another; a 
 person fond of controversy. 
 
 Disqualification, dis-kwally-fe-kay- 
 shun (Latin, dis ; qxialis^ of what kind). 
 The act of disqualifying, or that which 
 disqualifies ; the divesting or depriving of 
 certain qualities, which are fitting, enabling, 
 and entitling. 
 
 Disquietude, dis-kwi-et-ude (Latin, 
 dis ; quies, rest). Want of peace or tran- 
 quillity; uneasiness of mind; anxiety; 
 solicitude. 
 
 Disquisition, diskwe-sis-shun (Latin, 
 disquiro, to search diligently). A formal or 
 systematic inquiry into any subject, by 
 argument or discussion of the facts and 
 circumstances, that may elucidate truth. 
 
 Dissection, dis-sekshun (Latin, dis; 
 seco, to cut). The act of cutting apart or 
 in pieces, and thus laying open for in- 
 spection or examination ; the act of 
 separating into constituent parts, for the 
 purpose of critical examination. 
 
 Dissemble, dis-sembvil (Latin, dis; 
 simulo, to feign). To conceal real motives 
 and facts by some false pretence ; to 
 invest with false appearances or qualities ; 
 to disguise ; to play the hypocrite. 
 
 Disseminate, dis-semmin-ate (Latin, 
 dissemino, to sow as seeds). To scatter as 
 seed ; to spread abroad anything, as to 
 disseminate report. 
 
 Dissension, dis-senshun (Latin, dis ; 
 se7^i^o, to perceive). Disagreement; discord; 
 angry or warm contention in words ; breach 
 of union or friendship. 
 
 Dissent, dis-sent (Latin, dis ; sentio, 
 
 to perceive). To differ or disagree in 
 
 sentiment or opinion ; to think in a 
 different or contrary manner. 
 
 Dissenter. One who dissents to the 
 worship of an established church, and 
 attends some other form of worship. The 
 dissenters of England maintain that Christ 
 alone is the head of the Church, and they 
 acknowledge no human authority in matters 
 of religion. 
 
 Dissertation, dissur-tayshun (Latin, 
 dissero, to discuss). An argument or 
 debate intended to illustrate a subject ; a 
 written essay ; a treatise ; a discourse. 
 
 Dissever, dis-sewur. To part in two ; 
 to separate into several parts or divisions ; 
 to divide. 
 
DIS 
 
 BIT 
 
 99 
 
 Dissimulation, dis-siminu-laysliun 
 jjiatin, dis ; dmilis, like). The act of 
 dissembling; abiding under false pretence; 
 hypocrisy. 
 
 Dissipate, dissy-pate (Latin, dissipo, 
 to scatter in different ways). To scatter ; 
 to waste by throwing away in all directions ; 
 hence to dissipate groundless fears and 
 alarms. 
 
 Dissolute, disso-lute (Latin, dissoluttis). 
 Dissolved in, or abandoned to idle pleasures 
 and vice ; loose ; unrestrained in morals ; 
 licentious ; riotous ; profligate. 
 
 Dissolution, disso-lewshun (Latin, dis, 
 from ; solvo, to loosen). The act of dissolv- 
 ing ; the destruction of anything by the 
 separation of its parts. In an especial 
 sense, death, or the separation of the 
 body and soul. 
 
 Dissolve, diz-zolv (Latin, dis, from ; 
 solvo, to loosen). To destroy the form of a 
 thing by loosening or disuniting its parts ; 
 this word has a wide signification ; thus a 
 solid may be dissolved into liquid ; partner- 
 ship may be dissolved ;, and an assembly 
 may be dissolved. 
 
 Dissonant, dis-so-nant (Latin, dis, 
 apart ; sono, to sound). Disjoined or dis- 
 tmited in sound ; discordant ; harsh ; in- 
 harmonious. 
 
 Dissuade, dis-swade (Latin, dis; 
 Sicadeo, to persuade). To prevail upon a 
 person to abandon some object or pursuit ; 
 to represent as unfitting, or disadvanta- 
 geous ; to persuade not to do. 
 
 Dis-syllable,dis-sillah-bul (Greek, dis, 
 twice ; syllabos, a syllable). A word of 
 two syllables. 
 
 DistafF, dis-tahf (Saxon, distcef). The 
 staff of a spinning wheel, to which a bunch 
 of tow or flax is tied, and from which the 
 thread is drawn. 
 
 Distance. The extreme boundary of 
 view in a picture. In perspective, the 
 point of distance is that portion of the 
 picture where the visual rays meet. Mid- 
 dle distance is the central portion of a 
 picture, between the fore ground and the 
 extreme distance. 
 
 Distaste, dis-taste. Aversion of the 
 palate ; repugnance of the feeling; dis- 
 gust ; dislike ; disrelish. 
 
 Distemper, dis-tempur (Latin, dis; 
 tempero, to moderate). A disproportionate 
 mixture of ingredients. In medicine, 
 some disorder of the animal economy, oc- 
 casioned by the redundancy of certain 
 morbid humours; also a disorder of the 
 
 mind, arising from the predominance cf 
 any passion or appetite. In painting, a 
 term used for the admixture of colours 
 with some other ingredient besides water 
 and oil, as size, or white of egg ; the term 
 being originally applied owing to the 
 alternation of temperattire occasioned by 
 the process. 
 
 Distend, dis-tend (Latin, dis; tendo, 
 to stretch). To fill out ;• to stretch apart ; 
 to widen ; to extend ; to swell. 
 
 Distich, dis-tik (Greek, dis, twice ; 
 stichos, a row). In poetry, a couplet of 
 lines ; a poem consisting only ot two 
 verses ; a theme or subject treated of and 
 comprised in two lines. 
 
 Distil, dis-til (Latin, di, from ; stillo, 
 to drop). To separate di'op by drop ; to 
 flow gently ; to extract spirit. 
 
 Distort, dis-tawrt (Latin, dis; torqueo, 
 to twist). To twist ; to bend aside ; to 
 deform ; to writhe. 
 
 Distract, dis-trakt (Latin, dis; traho, 
 to draw). To draw apart ; to pull in 
 different directions and separate ; to draw- 
 away the thoughts or the attention ; to 
 perplex and unsettle the mind. 
 
 Distrain, dis-train (Latin, di; stringo, 
 to bind). To seize for debt ; to make 
 seizure. 
 
 Distraugllt, dis-trawt (Latin, dis; 
 tralw, to draw). Metaphorically, torn to 
 pieces by wild and profane thoughts. 
 
 Distribute, dis-trib-ute (Latin, dis; 
 tribuo, to allot). To apportion ; to d>eal 
 out ; to assign in shares and portions ; to 
 allot to certain places and stations. 
 
 District, dis-trikt (Latin, dis ; stringo, 
 to bind). A province ; a territory ; a cir- 
 cuit ; all that space within which there are 
 special powers for coercing and punishing ; 
 a word apphcable to any portion of land 
 or country, or to any part of a city or 
 town, which is defined by law or agree- 
 ment. 
 
 Distringas, dis-tring-gas (Latin, di&' 
 tringas). In law, a writ commanding the 
 sheriff to distrain a person for debt, or for 
 his appearance at a certain day. 
 
 Dithjncambie, dith-e-rambik (Greek, 
 Diihyrarahos, one of the names of Bacchus). 
 A song in honour of Bacchus, in which the 
 wildness of intoxication is imitated ; any 
 poem written in wild, enthusiastic strains ; 
 anything wild and enthusiastic. 
 
 Ditto, dit-to (Latin, dictum, as said). 
 A word denoting said, aforesaid, or tho 
 n2 
 
100 
 
 DITJ 
 
 same thing ; au abbreyiation used to avoid 
 Pepetition. Contracted into Do. in books 
 i»f accounts. 
 
 Diurnal, di-umal (Latin, dies, a day). 
 Pertaining to the day ; relating to the day- 
 time ; daily ; performed in a day. 
 
 Divan, de-van. A word much used in 
 Turkey, Persia, and Arabia. It is the 
 grand judicial tribunal of Tiu'key, wherein 
 justice is administered ; and the council of 
 Eastern princes. The term is also applied 
 to any hall or saloon set apart for the re- 
 ception of company. It further signifies a 
 kind of sofa, or lounging seat. 
 
 Divaricate, di-varry-kate (Latin, di ; 
 varico, to straddle). To divide into two ; 
 to separate into two branches ; to open ; 
 to stride. In botany, to turn off irregu- 
 larly, and almost at a right angle. 
 
 Diverge, de-\n.\rj (Latin, di ; xergo, to 
 lie or look towards). To turn away or 
 apart ; to tend various ways from one 
 point ; to shoot, extend, or proceed from a 
 point in different directions, or not in 
 parallel lines. 
 
 Divergent Rays. Those rays which, 
 proceeding from a point of a visible object, 
 are dispersed, and continually separate one 
 from another, in proportion as they are 
 removed from the object ; in which sense 
 they are opposed to convergent rays. 
 
 Divers, di-vurz (Latin, diversus, dis- 
 similar). Different ; sevei-al ; various ; more 
 than one, but not a gi'eat number. 
 
 Diversify, de-vursy-fi (Latin, diversiis, 
 dissimilar). To vary ; to make different ; to 
 give variety to ; to distinguish by various 
 characteristics ; to mark with various 
 colours. In oratory, to vary a subject, by 
 enlarging on what has been briefly stated, 
 Oy brief recapitulation, by adding new 
 ideas, by transposing words or periods, &c. 
 
 Diversion, de-vershun (Latin, di ; 
 verto, to turn). A turning aside ; that 
 which turns the mind aside or diverts ; 
 hence diversion means amusement, but of a 
 lighter and less engrossing kind than 
 pleAsui'e. In war, the act of di'awing off 
 an enfemy from some design, by an attack 
 made at some other place. 
 
 Divert, de-vert (Latin, di; verto, to 
 turn). To turn aside fi-om any com-se ; to 
 call away the attention ; to amuse ; to 
 entertain ; to exhilarate ; to draw the 
 forces of an enemy to a different point. 
 
 Divertisement, de-vertiz-ment. A 
 dance or interlude introduced on the stage 
 
 DIV 
 
 for the purpose of lightening and diversirfy^ 
 ing the entertainment. 
 
 Divest, de-vest (Latin, di; vestis, a 
 garment). Literally, to strip off, as a gar- 
 ment, hence to deprive anything of what 
 covers, suiTOunds, or attends it ; thus also, 
 in a figurative sense, to free the mind from. 
 
 Dividend, diwy-dend (Latin, divido, 
 to divide). The proportion of profits 
 which the members of a society or public 
 company receive at stated periods. The 
 papnent made to creditors out of a bank- 
 rupt's estate. The annual interest paj^able 
 upon the national debt. - In arithmetic, 
 any number to be divided is called a 
 dividend, and the successive dividends in a 
 process of long division are called dividuals; 
 the dividing number is caUed the divisor. 
 
 Divine Kight of Kings. The 
 
 absolute and unqualified claim of sovereigns 
 on the obedience of the people. 
 
 Divining Rod, de-vi-ning rod. A 
 forked branch, usually of hazel, by which it 
 has been superstitiously believed that 
 minerals and water may be discovered in 
 the earth ; the rod, if slowly carried along 
 in suspension, dipping and pointing down- 
 wards, it is affirmed, when brought over 
 the spot where the concealed mineral 
 treasure or spring of water is to be found. 
 
 Divination, diwin-ayshun (Latin, 
 divino, to foretell, from Dem, God). The 
 supposed knowledge of future events, which 
 cannot be obtained by natural means. It 
 was a received opinion among the heathens, 
 that the gods were wont to converse 
 familiarly with some men, whom they 
 endowed with extraordinary powers, and 
 admitted to the knowledge of their counsels 
 and designs. 
 
 Divinity, de-vinny-te (Latin, Deus, 
 God). Godhead; having the powers or 
 attributes of God ; the Deity ; the Supreme 
 Being ; a false deity or idol ; also a celestial 
 being, inferior to the supreme God, but 
 superior to man ; likewise, the science of 
 divine things ; the science which unfolds 
 the character of God, his laws and moral 
 government, the duties of man, and the 
 way of salvation. 
 
 Divisible, de-vizzy-bl (Latin, divide, to 
 divide). That may be divided ; capable of 
 being actually or mentally divided into 
 parts. 
 
 Division, de-vi^zhun (Latin, divide, to 
 divide). The act of dividing ; that which 
 divides. The divisions of an army are the 
 parts into which it is distributed, each 
 
 J 
 
DIV 
 
 DOG 
 
 Ijeing commanded oy a general officer. 
 The divisions of a battalion are the several 
 parts into which it is told ofif, for the pur- 
 pose of manoeuvring. Each regiment is 
 di^dded into five grand divisions, ten di- 
 visions, or companies, twenty sub- divisions, 
 and foi*ty sections. 
 
 Divorce, de-vorse (Latin, di ; verto, to 
 
 turn). The legal separation of man and 
 
 wife ; the dissolution of the marriage 
 
 contract. 
 
 } Divulge, de-vulj (Latin, vulgus, the 
 
 j common people). To publish; to make 
 
 1 publicly and commonly known ; to dis- 
 
 I close or discover ; to make manifest ; to 
 
 \ declare. 
 
 Dizzy, diz-ze (Saxon, dysig). Giddy ; 
 a sensation of swimming in the head and 
 turning round ; whii'ling ; thoughtless. 
 ^^ Do, doe. In music, the first syllable in 
 solfefifjio, or the Italian mode of reading 
 aiusic. 
 
 Doab. A Persian word meaning two 
 waters, and applied in Indian nomenclature 
 'o any tract of country included between 
 ywo rivers. 
 
 Dobash. The name given in India to 
 )ne who speaks two languages, now synony- 
 nous with interpreter. 
 
 Docile, dos-sil (Latin, doceo, to teach). 
 Teachable ; easily taught ; willing to be 
 nstructed, and quick to learn. 
 
 Dock, dok (Welsh, tociaw). To cut 
 'ff ; to lop off ; to curtail or shorten. In 
 ;:iw, an expedient for cutting off an entail 
 * a lands or tenements, to enable the o^vner 
 sellj give, or bequeath the same ; to 
 3ssen the charges in a bill ; to reduce the 
 mount of anything. 
 
 Dock, dok (Greek, dole, a deep place). 
 . place sunk for the reception of ships ; a 
 ' lace for building or repairing ships ; the 
 )rmer is called a u-et dock, the latter a 
 ry dock. 
 
 Docket, dok-et (Welsh, tociaw). A 
 naU piece of paper or parchment con- 
 lining the heads of a writing ; a sub- 
 sription at the foot of letters patent by 
 le clerk of the docket ; a bill tied to goods 
 ontaining some directions. 
 : Doctor. Literally, a teacher. One who 
 as taken the highest degTce in the faculties 
 f divinity, law, or physic. Doctor of 
 Hvinity; abbreviated, D.D. Doctor of 
 jaws ; abbreviated, LL.D. Doctor of 
 Medicine ; M.D. The title is either con- 
 erred publicly with certain ceremonies, or 
 jy diploma. 
 
 Doctors' Commons. The popular 
 
 name for the com-tsand offices occupied by 
 the college of doctors of law, where the 
 professors formerly lived in common, as at 
 colleges ; hence the name. Doctors' Com- 
 mons. 
 
 Doctrine, dok-trin (Latin, doceo, to 
 teach). The principles or positions of any ;: 
 sect or master ; the thesis or maxims de- * 
 livered in a discourse ; anything taught ; 
 the act of teaching. 
 
 Doctrinaires, doktree - nairz. A 
 party of French politicians, supporters of a 
 constitutional monarchy ; persons fond of 
 new systems and theories. 
 
 Document, dokku-ment (Latin, doceo, 
 to teach). Written instruction; official 
 paper or publication ; a writing produced 
 in evidence or as proof. 
 
 Dodecagon, do-dek-ka-gon (Greek, 
 dodeha, twelve ; gonia, an angle). A geo- 
 metrical figure of twelve sides and angles. 
 
 Dodo, doe-doe. The name given to an 
 extinct bird said to have existed in the 
 Maiu-itius previous to the seventeenth 
 century. Considerable diflterence of 
 opinion has existed among natui'alists as 
 to the real charactex* of the dodo ; the 
 generally received one being that the dodo 
 resembled an ostrich in the legs and body, 
 and had a head not unlike that of the. 
 vultm-e. 
 
 Doe (Saxon, da). A she-deer; the 
 female of the buck. 
 
 Doff, dof {do off). To put off ; to lay 
 aside ; as, to doff a hat or cloak. 
 
 Dog. To follow about as a dog does ; 
 to pui'sue or hunt like a hound, so as to 
 follow and find out where one is going to. 
 
 Dog. A sort of iron hook or bar, 
 with a sharp fang at one end, so formed as 
 to be easily driven into a piece of timber, 
 to drag it, by means of a rope, out of the 
 water or ship-board. 
 
 Dog Days. The name given to certain 
 days of the year, diu-ing which the dog- 
 star rises and sets with the sun, namely, 
 from the 3rd of July to the 11th of August. 
 
 Doge, doje (Italian, doge, duke). The 
 title formerly given to the chief magistrate 
 in the republics of Venice and Genoa. In 
 Venice it was held for life, in Genoa for 
 two years only. 
 
 Dogged, dog-ged (German, dogge). 
 Sullen ; morose ; ill-humoUred ; applied to 
 those who have the ill-tempers or dispo- 
 sitions of dogs, or curs. 
 
102 
 
 DOG 
 
 DOM 
 
 Dogger, dog-gTir. A small ship or 
 fisliing vessel, built after the Dutch fashion, 
 with one mast, a narrow stem, and a well 
 in the middle for keeping fish alive ; 
 principally used for fishing on the Dogger 
 Bank, in the German Ocean, whence the 
 name is derived. 
 
 Doggerel, dog-gur-el. An epithet 
 given to ii'regular, mean poetry, or to mere 
 rhjones strung together without harmony 
 or sense. The term is supposed to be de- 
 rived primitively from dog ; hence, rhyme 
 without harmony ; harsh ; discordant ; 
 resembling the noise made by a clog. 
 
 Dogma, dog-mah (Greek, dogma). An 
 opinion or doctrine said or assumed to be 
 clearly seen or discerned; and therefore 
 positively affirmed, and authoritatively 
 asserted ; a settled opinion ; a doctrinal no- 
 tion, particularly in matters of faith and 
 lihilosophy. 
 
 Dogmatic, dog-mattik (Greek, dogma). 
 Authoritative ; arrogant ; magisterial ; 
 positive. 
 
 Dog-vane. A small vane composed of 
 thread, cork, and feathers, fastened to a 
 half pike, and placed on the weather gun- 
 wale, to assist in steering a ship on the wind. 
 
 Dog-watch. Among seamen, a watch 
 of two hours ; there being two such be- 
 tween 4 and 8 o'clock, p.m. 
 
 D'Oily, doy-le. A species of coarse 
 woollen stuff, said to be so called from the 
 first maker; also the name for a small 
 napkin used at dessert. 
 
 Doit, doyt (French, doigt. Latin, 
 digitus, a finger). A very small piece of 
 money, or so much brass as may be 
 covered by the tip of the finger; and 
 hence, the merest trifle. 
 
 Dolce, dol-cha ) 
 
 Doleem.ente,dolcha-men-te j (Italian). 
 In music, a direction, signif jdng that the 
 music is to be played or simg softly and 
 sweetly. 
 
 Dole (Saxon, dcelan). To deal out ; to 
 divide ; to distribute ; to paii; with in 
 small portions ; that which is dealt or dis- 
 tributed ; the portion assigned to any one. 
 
 Doleful, dole-ful (Latin, doleo, to 
 grieve). Sorrowful ; dismal ; expressing 
 grief ; causing grief ; having the external 
 appearance of sadness. 
 
 Dollar, dol-lar. A silver coin of Spain 
 and the United States, value 100 cents, or 
 4s. 2d. British. The name is said to be 
 derived from Bole, the town where the 
 
 coin was first made. The German and 
 Italian dollars are of rather less value than 
 the above. 
 
 Dolphin, dol-fin (Greek, delphin, a 
 fish). A name gi-\'en to two kinds of fish, 
 one of the whale species, measm-ing about 
 ten feet ; the other about five feet, charac- 
 terised by its surprising changes of colour 
 when in a dying state. 
 
 Doloroso, doUo-ro-zo (Italian, dolo- 
 roso). In music, pathetic. 
 
 Dolt (Saxon, dol). A dulled, heavy, 
 stupid fellow. 
 
 Dom, dum. Used as a termination; 
 denotes jurisdiction, or property and juris- 
 diction, as king(^o?Ji, dukecZowi. 
 
 Dom. An abbreviation of the Latin 
 word dominus (a master who owns), and is 
 applied by the Portuguese, as a title of 
 honour and respect, in the same way that 
 Don is in Spanish. 
 
 Domain, do-mane (Latin, domimis, a 
 master). A person's patrimony or inheri- 
 tance ; land possessed by one as proprietor, 
 heir, or governor; the land about the 
 mansion of a lord, and in his immediate 
 occupancy. 
 
 Dom.e. In architecture, an arched 
 roof or cupola. The word is derived from 
 the Italian duomo (a cathedral) because 
 those buildings had such roofs generally. 
 
 Domestic, do-mestik (Latin, dovnis, a 
 house). A servant employed in household 
 duties. 
 
 Domesticate, do-mesty-kate (Latin, 
 dom^is, a house). To make domestic ; to 
 tame, reclaim, or civilise ; to retire from 
 public ; to settle down at home. 
 
 Domicile, dom-my-sil (Latin, dornus, a 
 house). A house ; residence ; mansion ; 
 place of abode. 
 
 Domiciliary, dom-my-sil-ya-re. Per- 
 taining to a private residence. A domi- 
 ciliary visit is a legal intrusion on the 
 privacy of a house for the pm-pose of 
 searching it. 
 
 Dominical Letters, do-minny-kal 
 (Latin, Dominus, the Lord). The letters 
 noting the Lord's day, or Sunday; thus, 
 in the calendar there is one of the first I 
 seven letters of the alphabet attached to 
 every day in the year ; namely, A to the 
 1st of January, B to the 2nd, C to the 3rd, 
 and so on for a week; A marking the 
 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th days, and so with 
 the other letters. The consequence is, 
 that aU the days which have the same 
 
DOM 
 
 DOU 
 
 103 
 
 letter fall on the same day of the week. 
 The dommical letter for any year is that 
 letter on which all the Sundays fall. 
 
 Dominicans, do-minny-kans. An 
 order of monks, founded by Dominic de 
 Guzman, a Spanish gentleman, bom in 
 1170. In France they were called Jaco- 
 bins, and in England Black Friars, or 
 Preaching Friars. 
 
 Dominant, dom - my - nant (Latin, 
 dominus, lord, or master), Euling; 
 governing ; prevailing ; having power and 
 authority over. In music, of the three 
 notes essential to the tone, the dominant 
 is that which is a fifth from the tonic. A 
 dominant or sensible chord is that which 
 is practised on the dominant of the tone, 
 and which introduces a perfect cadence. 
 
 Domino, dommy-no. A dress formerly 
 worn by ecclesiastics in winter, serving to 
 protect the face and head from the weather ; 
 in the present day, a masquerade dress, 
 consisting of a long silk mantle with cap 
 and wide sleeves. 
 
 DomoReparando, do-mo repar-ando 
 (Latin). A writ which lies for a person 
 against his neighbour, whose house he 
 fears will fall, to the damage of his own. 
 
 Don [do on). To put on ; to invest ; as, 
 to don a hat or cloak. 
 
 Don. A Spanish title of distinction or 
 gentility ; a name given at the English 
 universities to the masters and fellows. 
 Don is also used in derision, to imply a fop 
 or conceited person. 
 
 Donation, do-nayshun (Latin, dmio, 
 to give. ) The act of giving or bestowing ; 
 a gift or grant. In law, tJbe act or con- 
 tract by which a thing, or the use of it, is 
 transferred to a person or coi-poration as a 
 free gift. 
 
 Donative. In law, a benefice given to 
 a clerk by the patron, without presen- 
 tation to the bishop. 
 
 Donjon, dun-jun (French, donjon). 
 The grand central tower of a Norman or 
 mediaeval castle. It was the strongest 
 portion of the building, and contained the 
 principal rooms. 
 
 Donor, do-nur (Latin, dono, to give). 
 The name applied to a benefactor, or one 
 who gives away anything, chiefly as ap- 
 plicable to the public good. In the 
 middle ages, this term was applied to the 
 giver and foimder of a work of art for 
 religious purposes ; as, the giver of a 
 church picture, statue, or painted window. 
 
 Doom, doom (Saxon, dom). The sen- 
 tence or condemnation of a judge ; the 
 state for which one is destined. The old 
 name for the last judgment, which im- 
 pressive subject was usually painted over 
 the chancel arch in parochial churches. 
 
 Doomsday Book, doomz-day book. 
 A register made by order of William the 
 Conqueror, of the lands of England, value 
 of tenures, &c., with a view to their being 
 adjudged, or doomed for taxation. 
 
 Dormant, dawr-mant (Latin, dormio, 
 to sleep) . Sleeping ; at rest ; not in action ; 
 unused ; concealed ; not divulged. Dor- 
 mant, in heraldry, is applied to an animal 
 when in a sleeping posture ; in commerce, 
 to a partner in a concern who takes no 
 active share in the business. 
 
 Dormitory, dawr-my-tur-ry (Latin, 
 dormio, to sleep). A place, building, or 
 room to sleep in ; a gallery in convents, 
 divided into several cells, where the reli- 
 gieuse sleep ; also a place of final rest ; a 
 burying-place. 
 
 Doric, dor-ik. From Doris, in Greece ; 
 pertaining to Doris or the Dorians. The 
 Doric order of architecture is that peculiar 
 shape of a column and its entablature 
 originally formed in imitation of a 
 wooden fabric, supported with fluted posts 
 or the trunks of trees. The order is 
 characterised by strength and simplicity, 
 and is appropriately employed in the gates 
 of cities, the exterior of churches, &c. 
 
 Dorsal, dawr-sal (Latin, dm^sum, the 
 back). Belonging to the back, as the 
 dorsal fin of a fish. 
 
 Dose, dose (Greek, dosis, a giving). In 
 pharmacy, the quantity determined by 
 weight and measure, of any medicine 
 which is to be taken at one time ; the 
 portion of medicine given at one time. 
 
 Dotage, do-taje (Dutch, doten). The 
 feebleness of age ; weakness or imbecility 
 in mind or understanding ; siUy fondness. 
 
 Dotal, do-tal (Latin, dos, a portion^. ■;! 
 Pertaining to the dower or marriage por- 
 tion ; constituting, or comprised in dower. 
 
 Dotard, do-tard (Dutch, doten). One 
 whose mind is impaired by age ; one in his 
 second childhood ; one foolishly fond. 
 
 Dote (Dutch, doten. ) To love with ex- 
 cessive fondness; to have the mind 
 impaired by age or passion ; to be silly. 
 
 Douay Bible, doo-ay (Douay, a town 
 in France). The English translation of the 
 
104 
 
 DOU 
 
 Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, 
 saaictioned by the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 Double-Bank. A term applied to an 
 oar being pulled by two men. A boat is 
 double-banked, when there are two men 
 on every thwart, each pulling a short oar. 
 The term is derived from the bank or 
 bench upon which the rowers sit in a 
 galley. 
 
 Double-Bass. The large musical 
 instrument of the viol kind ; it has three 
 strings, and is tuned in fourths. 
 
 Double Dealer. A two-faced per- 
 son ; one who acts two different parts in 
 the same transaction, or at the same time ; 
 a person who says one thing and designs 
 or thinks another. 
 
 Doublet, dub-blet (French, doublet). 
 The inner or xmder-garment of a man, so 
 called from its affording double the wannth 
 of another. 
 
 Doubling. In miHtary tactics, put- 
 ting two files or ranks of soldiers into one. 
 In naval tactics, doubling upon is a phrase 
 used for inclosing part of an enemy's 
 fleet, so as to cannonade it from two sides. 
 Doubling a cape is to sail round or pass be- 
 yond it. Doubling, m hunting or coursing, 
 is a turning back or winding, to escape 
 pursuit, or effect a capture. 
 
 Doubloon, dub-loon (Spanish, doblon). 
 A Spanish gold coin, worth about sixteen 
 dollars, or £3 4s. British. There are also 
 half and quarter doubloons of proportional 
 value. This coin being the form generally 
 given to gold in the mining countries of 
 South America, is extensively circulated 
 as bullion. 
 
 Douceur, doo-sur (French, douceur, 
 sweetness). A term generally applied to 
 that which su-eeteus, renders pleasant or 
 jigreeable ; in a more direct sense, a gift, a 
 present, a bribe ; a siveetener. 
 
 Douclie, doosh (French, douche^ shower- 
 bath). A jet or current of water thrown 
 upon some diseased part of the body, 
 thereby causing a shock, and producing 
 
 Ij certain effects upon the system. 
 
 i Doughty, dow-te (Saxon, dolitig). 
 
 Brave; valiant; noble; renowned. 
 
 Dovetail, duv-tail. In carpentry, the 
 art of joining boards or timber, by letting 
 one piece into another in the form of a 
 wedge reversed or a dove's-tail ; considered 
 to be one of the strongest modes of joining. 
 
 Dowager, dow-a-jur (French, donair- 
 iere). A widow with a. jointure; a lady 
 
 DBA 
 
 who sm-vives her husband ; a title particu- 
 larly given to the widows of royal and 
 noble persons ; the widow of a king is 
 called (jiteen doivager; the widow of a duke 
 duchess dowager, &c. The word is primi- 
 tively derived from dowry ; a dowager in 
 this sense being one who enjoys a dovrry 
 after the death of her husband. 
 
 Dowdy, dow-de (Gaelic, dudds, rags). 
 One whose clothes hang on like rags ; a 
 person who presents a mean, old-fashioned, 
 or slovenly appearance; in a slovenly 
 manner. 
 
 Dower, dow-ur (Greek, dos, a gift). 
 The property which a wife brings to her 
 husband ; the portion of a widow ; the 
 gift of a husband to a wife ; endowment ; 
 gift. 
 
 Downs. Low hills of blown sand which 
 skii'tthe shores of England, Spain, Holland, 
 and other countries. 
 
 Doxology, dok-sollo-je (Greek, doxa, 
 praise; lego, to speak). In Christian 
 worship, a hymn in praise of the Almighty ; 
 a particular form of giving giory to God ; 
 as in the Church Service, the frequently 
 recuning " Gloiy be to the Father," &c. 
 
 Doze, doze (Danish, doser). To slum- 
 ber ; to sleep lightly ; to be in a state of 
 drowsiness. 
 
 Draelim, dram (Latin, drachma). A 
 weight, in medicine, the eighth of an 
 ounce ; in avou'dupois weight, the sixteenth 
 of an ounce. 
 
 Draft, drahft (corrupted from draught). 
 The quantity di-awu ; the quantity drank 
 at once ; an order drawn for the payment 
 of money; a sketch; a detachment; a 
 figm-e described on paper ; the outline of a 
 deed, agreement, or other writing ; depth 
 of water necessary to float a sliip. 
 
 Draggle, drag-gul. To wet and soil 
 by dragging on 'fehe ground, or mud, or 
 damp grass, as the dress of a female when 
 carelessly carried. 
 
 Dragoman, di-ag-oman (Italian, drag- 
 omanno). An interpreter in Eastern 
 countries ; especially attached to European 
 embassies and consulates in the East. 
 
 Dragonnades, drag-im-naydz. A 
 term applied to certain severe persecu- 
 tions in France, under Louis the Four- 
 teenth, against the Protestants. 
 
 Dragoon, drah-goon (French, dragon, 
 from the Latin draconarivj!, the bearer of 
 a standard on which was the figure of a 
 di-agon). A cavalry soldier trained to 
 
DliA 
 
 DRO 
 
 105 
 
 fight on foot, if necessary. In a figurative 
 sense, to act as a dragoon, with military 
 rigour, extreme severity; to harass; to 
 force to submit. Dragoonade is the 
 abandoning of 'a place to the rage of 
 soldiers. 
 
 Drama, drah-mah (Greek, drama, 
 action). A composition representing a 
 picture of human life, and accommodated 
 to action ; in a general sense, acted plays 
 and theatrical representations. 
 
 Dramatis Personse, dram-a-tis per- 
 so-ne (Latin). The various characters 
 represented in a drama. 
 
 Drapery, drape-ery (French, drap, 
 cloth). In painting and sculpture, the 
 repx-esentation of tlie clothing of the 
 human figure; also tapestiy, hangings, 
 curtains, &c. 
 
 Drastic, dras-tik (Greek, drasi-kos, 
 effective). A tei-m applied to medicines 
 which are rapid and powerful in their 
 operation. 
 
 Draught, draft (Saxon, dmgan). The 
 act of di-awing ; the quality of being drawn ; 
 a current of hot or cold aii*. See Draft. 
 
 Draught-horse, draft - hawrs. A 
 horse used in drawing a plough, cart, or 
 other carriage, as distinguished from a 
 saddle-horse. 
 
 Draughtsman, drafts-man. A man 
 who draws writings or designs ; an artist in 
 a limited sense ; one who is principally 
 engaged in copying the di-awings of others, 
 and not an original designer. 
 
 Dra'wback, draw-bak. ]\Ioney or an 
 amount paid back or remitted. In com- 
 merce, a term used in reference to those 
 duties of custom or excise which are re- 
 paid by the Government on the exporta- 
 tion of the commodities upon which such 
 duties were levied. This repayment is 
 made to enable the exporter to sell his 
 goods in the foreign market unburdened 
 I with duties. 
 
 j Drawbridge. A bridge so constructed 
 as to be drawn up or let down to admit or 
 I hinder communication; sometimes they 
 I are drawn aside horizontally. 
 
 Drawer and Drawee. In commerce, 
 the drawer is he who draws a biU of ex- 
 change or an order for the payment of 
 money, and the draivee the person on 
 whom it is drawn. 
 
 Drawing-Room. A • room appro- 
 priated for the reception of company at 
 court; au apartment into which, in ordi- 
 
 nary cases, parties withdraw after dinner. 
 Also, the company assembled at coui-t to 
 pay their respects to the sovereign. 
 
 Drawl (Dutch, draaUn, to linger). To 
 utter words in a slow, lengthened tone ; to 
 speak with slow utterance; a lengthened 
 tone in speaking. 
 
 Drawn-Battle. A fight from whicli 
 the combatants withdraw without either 
 side claiming the victory. 
 
 Dredging, dred-jing. The act of fish- 
 ing with a dredge, which is a strong net 
 fastened to three spills of iron, and drawn 
 at 0. boat's stern, gathering whatever it 
 meets with at the bottom of the water ; this 
 method is principally employed for taking 
 oysters. 
 
 Drift (Saxon, drifan). That which is 
 di-iven by wind or water; a heap driven 
 together; anything diiven, aimed at, or 
 intended ; the aim, intention, or purpose. 
 The drift of a current is its angle and velo- 
 city ; a snow-drift is an immense body of 
 snow driven in a heap by the force of the 
 wind. 
 
 Drill (Saxon, tldrlian). To pierce with 
 a drill; to bore; to penetrate; to pass 
 thi'ovigh; to sow in rows; also to turn 
 about, drive round, as in the act of boring ; 
 hence, diilling as applied to bodily exercise. 
 
 Driveller, driv-vl-iu-. An idiot ; a 
 fool ; so called because, with this class of 
 persons, the saliva is driven, out of tlio 
 mouth, as with infants. 
 
 Drizzle, diiz-zul (Saxon, dreosan, to 
 fall). To fall in small di-ops; to fall as 
 water from the clouds, in very fine particles. 
 
 Droit, di-oyt (French, droit, _ right). 
 Eight; title; fee; privilege. Droits of the 
 Admiralti/ ai-e the perquisites resulting 
 chiefly from the seizure of the property of 
 an enemy at the commencement of a wai", 
 anJ attached to the ofiice of Lord High- 
 Admiral. 
 
 Droll, drole (German, troll, to roll or 
 tumble). Exciting mu-th by eccentric 
 gestures and odd sayings ; a farce, or ex- 
 hibition full of tricks calculated to raise 
 laughter ; a jester ; a buffoon. 
 
 Drone (Saxon, drcen). The male of 
 the honey-bee. The drones make no honey, 
 but after being suffered to live for a few 
 weeks, they are Idlled or driven from the 
 hive : hence a person is called a drone Vv-ho 
 is sluggish in Ms habits, and prefers living 
 upon the labours of others to working for 
 himself. To drone is to emit a low hum- 
 
105 
 
 DRO 
 
 DUA 
 
 niing sound, resembling the noise made by 
 the drone. 
 
 Dropsy, drop-se (Greek, Jmdor, water ; 
 oj)s, the aspect). A morbid collection of 
 water in any part of the body. 
 
 Drosky. A Russian four-wheeled 
 carnage, without a covering, fitted with a 
 long nari'ow bench, upon which the riders 
 ^re seated with their feet almost touching 
 the ground. 
 
 Dross (Saxon, dros, dress). The scum 
 of metals, thrown off in the process of 
 meltiag ; that which falls, sinks, precipi- 
 tates, or is cast down ; the gross sediment 
 from purer substances ; any foul or worth- 
 less refuse. 
 
 Drougllt, drowt (Saxon, drygan, to 
 dry). Dryness ; want of rain ; a parching 
 state ; diyness of the throat and mouth ; 
 excessive thirst. This word is sometimes 
 spelt and pronounced drouth. 
 
 Dro"WSy, drow-ze (Saxon, dreosan, to 
 droop). Sleepy ; heavy ; dull ; inclined to 
 heaviness ; disposed to sleep ; lethargic. 
 
 Drudge, drudj (Saxon, dreogan, to 
 labour). To work hard; to labour in mean 
 offices; to undergo continual labour and 
 employment, with weariness and fatigue ; 
 one employed in mean labour ; a slave. 
 
 Druid, drew-id (Greek, drus, an oak). 
 An ancient British or Gallic priest. The 
 Draids were, in Britain, chosen out of the 
 best families, and were held, both by the 
 honours of their birth and their office, in 
 the gi-eatest veneration ; they are said to 
 have been learned in science and literature, 
 and had entrusted to them the administra- 
 tion of all sacred things. The relig-ious 
 rites of the Druids were performed in 
 groves of oak, which tree, as well as the 
 misletoe growing upon it, were held 
 sacred. 
 
 Drug (Saxon, drygan, to dry). The 
 o-eneral name for substances used in 
 medicine, meaning literally dried (herbs, 
 roots, plants, &c. ). The word is used in a 
 fig-urative sense, to denote anything that 
 is^worthless (dried up) or of no value ; the 
 term is also used sometimes for poison. 
 
 Drugget. A material of coarse and 
 flimsy texture, sometimes manufactm-ed 
 wholly of wool, and sometimes partly of 
 wool and partly of cotton ; it is employed 
 as a covering for carpet, or as a substitute 
 for \t. The name is said to be derived 
 from Drogheda, in Ireland, noted formerly 
 for manufactm-es of this kind. 
 
 Drum-Major, drum-ma.y-jur. The 
 chief drummer of a regiment. Every 
 regiment has a drum-major, who has the 
 command over the other drummers. 
 
 Druse, droos (Greek, drtise). Amonga 
 miners, a cavity in a rock, having its inJf 
 terior surface studded with crystals, or" 
 filled with water. 
 
 Druses, droo-zes. The name of a re- 
 markable people of Syria, who inhabit the 
 mountains of Lebanon, and are governed 
 by princes, termed emirs. They worship 
 the images of saints, yet observe the fast 
 of Eammedan, and offer up their devotions 
 both in the Mohammedan mosques and the 
 Christian churches. They are a strong 
 and robust people, accustomed from theit 
 earliest infancy to endure hardships and 
 fatigues. Their language is pure Arabic. 
 
 Dryads, dri-ads (Greek, driis, an oak). 
 In mjrthology, a kind of deities, or nymphs, 
 imagined by the ancient heathens as in- 
 habiting gi'oves and woods, and regarded 
 as the goddesses of woods and trees in 
 general. 
 
 Dryers. Among artists, a term used 
 for substances— chiefly metallic oxides — 
 added to certain fixed oUs, to impart to 
 them the property of drying quickly when 
 used in painting. 
 
 Dry Goods. A term applied to cloths, 
 silks, stuffs, &c., in distinction from gro- 
 ceries and perishable commodities. 
 
 Dry Nurse, dri nurs. A nurse who 
 does not give suckle ; a woman who brings 
 up and feeds a child upon artificial food. 
 
 Dry Hot, dri rot. A fimgus which is 
 found growing in timber, decomposing its 
 fibres, and occasioning rapid decay. It is 
 so named in contradistinction to the 
 ordinary rot or decay to which wood is 
 liable. 
 
 Drysalter, dri-saul-tur. A dealer in 
 salted or dried meats, or in the minerals 
 used in pickling, salting, and preserving 
 various kinds of food. The term is further 
 extended to those who deal in saline sub- 
 stances, and in drugs and dyestuffs. 
 
 Dualism, dewal-izm (Latin, duo, two). 
 That system of philosophy which refers all 
 existence to two ultimate principles. 
 
 Duality, du-al-ly-ty (Latin, duo, two). 
 That which expresses tzco ; division ; sepa- 
 ration : the state or quahty of being two. 
 
 Duarcliy, duar-ke (Latin, duo, two ; 
 Greek, arche, rule). A form of govern- 
 i ment carried on by two persons. 
 
J)UJ3 
 
 Dub (Saxon, duhhan, to strike). To 
 strike ; hence, to dub a person a knight, 
 by striking a blow with a sword. 
 
 Dubious, dewby-ns (Lat., dvMiis). Not 
 settled in opinion ; not fully proved, or 
 having equal probability on either side ; 
 uncertain ; doubtful ; not clear. 
 
 Ducal, du-kal. Belonging or relating 
 to a duke. 
 
 Ducat, duk-at. A. coin of several 
 countries in Europe, and of various values, 
 struck in the dominions of a duke. It is 
 especially common in Germany. The 
 general value of the gold ducat is about 
 9s. 4d. The Neapolitan ducat is a silver 
 coin worth 3s. 3|d. 
 
 Ducatoon, duk-a-toon. A silver coin, 
 struck chiefly in Italy, of the value of 104 
 cents, or about 4s. 8d. sterling. The gold 
 ducatoon of Holland is worth twenty florins, 
 or about £1 19s. 2d. sterling. 
 
 Duces Tecum (Latin, duces., bring ; 
 t^cvLm, with thee). In law, a writ com- 
 manding a person to appear on a certain 
 day in the Covn-t of Chancery, and bring 
 with him such writings, evidences, or other 
 things, which the Court would view. 
 
 Duchy, dutch-e. The territory or 
 dominions of a duke. Duchy court is a 
 court of the duchy chamber of Lancaster, 
 held at Westminster. 
 
 Duct, dukt (Latin, ductus, a canal). A 
 canal, or tube, through which fluids are 
 conve3''ed, in the internal structure of 
 animals or plants. 
 
 Ductile, duk-til (Latin, duco, to lead). 
 Easily led, or drawn ; tractable ; comply- 
 ing ; yielding to the wishes of others. 
 
 Dudgeon, dud-jun (German, degen). 
 Stubbornness ; suUenness ; quarrelsome- 
 ness ; offence ; iU-will. The literal mean- 
 ing of dudgeon is root of box, hence cross- 
 grained ; rough; strong-willed. 
 
 Due, dew (Latin, debeo, to owe). Owed, 
 or owing ; anything that ought to be paid 
 or done ; exactly ; directly, as to sail due 
 east or due west ; suitability ; fitness, 
 as the distinction diie to a person ; apt ; 
 seasonable, as a thing arriving in due 
 course. 
 
 Duel, dew-el (Latin, duellum). A com- 
 bat between two ; a premeditated contest 
 between two persons for the purpose of 
 deciding some private difference or quarrel. 
 
 Duenna, dew-ennah (Spanish, chiemia, 
 from Latin, domina, a governess). A term 
 applied, in Spain, to a lady holding a middle 
 
 DUN 
 
 lor 
 
 station between governess and companion^ 
 and appointed to take charge of thar 
 younger female members of a nobleman's 
 or gentleman's family ; also the name given 
 to the chief lady in waiting upon the Queen 
 of Spain ; likewise a general term for a 
 sort of ancient widow kept in all great 
 houses in Spain for grandeur. 
 
 Duet, dew-et (Italian, duetto'). A piece 
 of music composed in two parts, for either 
 voices or instruments. 
 
 Duke. One of the highest order of 
 nobility; a title of honour and nobility 
 next below the princes. In some countries 
 it is the title of the sovereign prince. 
 
 Dulcet, dul-set (Latin, dulcis, sweet). 
 Sweet ; melodious ; harmonious ; pleasing 
 to the ear, 
 
 Dulcification, dul-siffy-kayshun (Lat., 
 didcis, sweet). The act of sweetening ; 
 freeing from acidity, saltness, or acri- 
 mony. 
 
 Dulcimer, dul-se-mur, A musical 
 instrument, so called from the siveetness of 
 its sound. 
 
 Dullard, dul-lard (Saxon, dol). A 
 person of dull apprehension ; a block- 
 head. 
 
 Duloeracy, dul - okrah - se (Greek, 
 doidos, a slave ; krateia, government). A 
 government in which slaves and base 
 people hold the reins of power. 
 
 Dumb Waiter. A frame, fitted with 
 shelves, for conveying food from the 
 kitchen to the dining-room ; so called 
 because it answers all the purposes 'of a 
 waiter at table, except that of speech. 
 
 Dum.m.y, dum-me. A fig-ure which is 
 dumb and inanimate ; anything fabricated 
 to represent real objects. 
 
 Dumous, du-mus (Latin, dumus, a 
 bush). Abounding with bushes and briars. 
 
 Dumps (German, dum^n). Sadness ; 
 melancholy; dulness or inactivity of the 
 mind. 
 
 Dumpy. A term applied to anything 
 short and thick. 
 
 Dun (Saxon, dynan). To make a din 
 or noise in the ears of a debtor ; to clamour 
 for the payment of a debt ; to persevere or 
 persist in demanding ; to make repeated 
 demands. 
 
 Dun (Saxon, dunn). Of a dark colour ; 
 of a colour partaking of brown and black ; 
 of a dull bro%\'n colour ; swarthy ; dark ; 
 gloomy. 
 
 ■a 
 
108 
 
 DUN 
 
 DYS 
 
 Dunderhead, dun-dur-ned. A stupid 
 iiead ; a dull fellow ; derived, probably, 
 from tiie Dutch donderen, to thunder, or 
 stupefy. 
 
 Dungeon, dun-jun (French, donjon). 
 A close prison ; a deep, dark place of cou- 
 tinenient. In former times, prisoners were 
 confined in the donjon, as being the 
 strongest and most inaccessible part of a 
 eastle ; hence the word dungeon came to be 
 applied to other strong, close places of 
 confinement or imprisonment. 
 
 Dunnage, dunnij. A name given to 
 loose wood or other materials, laid in the 
 bottom of a vessel in order to elevate the 
 stowage, either with a view of raising the 
 heavy goods, Avhich might make her too 
 stiff, or in order to keep the cargo suf- 
 ficiently raised from the bottom that it 
 may sustain no damage by water, should 
 the vessel prove leaky. 
 
 Duo, dew-o (Latin, duo, two). A song 
 in two parts. 
 
 Duodecimals, duo-dessy-mals (Latin, 
 duodecim, twelve). In arithmetic, a method 
 of ascertaining the number of square feet 
 and square inches in a rectangular, the 
 sides of which are given in feet and inches; 
 a cross-multiplication, in which the de- 
 nominations, increase by twelves. 
 
 Duodecimo, duo-dessy-mo. A book, 
 shaped like an octavo, and next smaller in 
 size. Originally, it had ticelve leaves to a 
 sheet ; hence the name. 
 
 Dupe (Norman, duper, to cheat). A 
 credulous person ; one easily tricked or 
 cheated ; one who is deluded through his 
 own credulity ; to deceive ; to trick ; to 
 mislead. 
 
 Duplex, dew-plex (Latin, duo, two ; 
 2^00, to fold). Double, or two-fold ; 
 applied to leaves, petals, kc, of plants. 
 
 Duplicate, dew-plee-kat (Latin, duo, 
 two ; plico, to fold). Double ; two-fold ; 
 an exact copy ; another corresponding to 
 the first, or a second tlung of the same 
 kind. 
 
 Duplicity, dew-plissy-te (Latin, dico, 
 two ; pHco, to fold). Doubleness of heart 
 or speech ; the act of dissembling one's 
 real opinions v/ith a design to mislead ; 
 double-dealing ; dissimulation ; deceit. 
 
 Durance, dew-rans (Latin, d'uro, to 
 continue). Continuance ; imprisonment ; 
 restraint of the person ; custody. 
 
 Duram.en, dew-raymen (Latin, dura- 
 mai, stability). The fully-formed central 
 
 layers of the wood of exogenous trees, 
 generally termed the heart-wood. It is 
 merely the sap-wood solidified by the 
 infusion of certain secretions into the 
 interior of the cells and tubes of which 
 such wood is composed. 
 
 Dura Mater, dew-rah may-tiu- (Lat.). 
 In anatomy, the external skin which en- 
 compasses and enwraps the brain. 
 
 Duration, dew-rayshun (Lattn, dMro, 
 to continue). Continuance; length of 
 time ; power of continuance. 
 
 Durbar. A Persian word used in 
 India for a court where a sovereign -or 
 viceroy gives audience. 
 
 Duress, dew-ress (Norman, duresse). 
 Hardship ; imprisonment ; harsh confine- 
 ment. In law, constraint, either actual or 
 by tkreats, occasioning a reasonable fear, 
 such as will invalidate an 'act, though 
 otherwise legal by a party suffering it. 
 
 Dusk (Dutch, dulster). Tending to 
 darkness ; to become dark or dim ; that 
 time in the evening when daylight departs 
 and night has not yet succeeded. 
 
 Dutch. Gold. A name given to bronze 
 leaf, with which toys, and other articles, 
 are ornamented. 
 
 Dutch School. In painting, a style 
 founded on a faithful representation of 
 Nature, and portraying minutely every 
 detail, without regarding selection or re- 
 finement. 
 
 D"warf Plants. A term in botany for 
 plants that grow low, as distinguished from 
 those of the same kind which rise to a con- 
 siderable height. 
 
 Dwindle, dwin-dul (Saxon, d.winan, to 
 waste). To be, or cause to be, thin; to 
 become less ; to shrink ; to waste gradually 
 away. 
 
 Dsmam, din-am (Greek, dynamis, 
 power). A term proposed by Dr. Whewell 
 as expressive of a pound or other unit, in 
 estimating the effect of mechanical labour. 
 
 Dynamics, din-amiks (Greek, dy- 
 namis, power). • That branch of mechanics 
 which treats of the force of moving bodies. 
 
 Dsnaasty, di-nas-te, or din-as-te (Greek, 
 dynastes, a prince or ruler). A race or 
 family of sovereigns in succession, who 
 govern a particular country, as the Tudor 
 dynasty, the Stuart dynasty, &c. 
 
 Dyspepsia, dis-pep-seah (Greek, dys, 
 badly ; jpepto, to digest). Indigestion ; 
 
DYS 
 
 ECU 
 
 109 
 
 difficulty or weakness of digfestioii, arising 
 in general from inflammation or a morbid 
 condition of the stomach. 
 
 Dyspnoea, disp-neah (Greek, dys ; 
 fneo, to breathe). Difficulty in breathing ; 
 shortness of breath. 
 
 IBad. and Ed. In names, a Saxon word 
 denoting happy, fortunate ; as Edioard, 
 happy preserver ; Edgar ^ happy power ; 
 EdtL'in, happy conqueror ; EaduLiih, happy 
 assistance. 
 
 Earnest, er-nest (Saxon, eornest). 
 Ai'dent in the pursuit of an object ; sincere ; 
 serious; warmly engaged. Earnest, in 
 commercial law, is money advanced to the 
 buyer of goods, to bind the seller to the 
 performance of a general bargain ; hence, 
 any gift or concession made at the outset 
 of an •undei'taking or enterprise is so 
 called. 
 
 Ear-shot, eer-shot. That space or 
 distance within which anything may be 
 heard. 
 
 Easel, e-zul. An appai'atus constructed 
 of wood, upon which the panel or canvas is 
 placed while a picture is being painted. 
 
 Easing, e-zing. In nautical language, 
 signifies the slackening of a rope, or some 
 other part of the ship : thus, "to ease the 
 bowhne or sheet," is to let it go slacker ; 
 " to ease the helm," is to let the ship go 
 more at large, more before the wind, or 
 more larboard. 
 
 Easterling, ees-turliug. A native of 
 some country eastward of another, 
 
 Eau-de-Cologne, o - deh - ko - lone 
 (French, water of Cologne). A liquid per- 
 fume originally prepared at Cologne. 
 
 Eau-de-Vie, o-deh-ve (French, water 
 of life). A name commonly given to 
 French brandy. 
 
 Eaves, eevz (Saxon, efese, the skirt or 
 edge of anything). The edge or lower 
 border of the roof of a building, which 
 overhangs the walls and casts off the water 
 that falls on the roof. 
 
 Eaves-Dropper, eevz-drop-pur. One 
 who takes his station under the drip-pings 
 or droppings of the eaves, to listen and 
 hear what is said within doors ; hence ap- 
 pHed to all persons who listen secretly 
 under any circumstances. 
 
 Ebb (Saxon, ehhe). The reflux of the 
 tide ; the return of tide-water toward the 
 sea, opposed to flood or flowing; to go 
 
 away ; to recede ; to retire. Figuratively, 
 decline, decay, waste, as the ebb of life ; 
 the ebh of foi'tune. 
 
 Ebriety, e-bri-ety (Latin, elriiis, 
 drunken). Drunkenness, intoxication oc- 
 casioned by strong liquors. 
 
 Ebullition, ebbul-lish-un (Latin, lulla, 
 a bubble). Literally, the act of boiling or 
 bubbling ; figuratively^ applied to the 
 temper, when heated, and when the blood 
 is supposed to be in a hailing state. 
 
 Eccaleobion, ek-kally-obeyun (Greek, 
 elcJcaleo, to call forth ; hios, life). A con- 
 trivance or apparatus for hatching eggs by 
 ai-tificial heat. 
 
 Eece Homo, ek-se ho-mo (Latin, ecce 
 Jiomo, behold the Man). In painting, a 
 name applied to any pictm-e which repre- 
 sents our Saviour given up to the people 
 by Pilate. 
 
 Eccentric, ek-sentrik (Latin, ex, out 
 of ; centri'jn, a centre). Wandering or 
 deviating from the centre ; hence, not con- 
 forming to or guided by rule ; irregular ; 
 not answering the end intended ; departing 
 from the ordinary modes of proceeding ; 
 singular ; odd. 
 
 Ecchymosis, ekkim-osis (Greek,. 
 ekcheo, to pour out). The extravasation of 
 blood into the cellular membrane, between 
 the flesh and the skin, resulting from 
 blows, as a hlach eye. 
 
 Ecclesiastic, ek-leezy-astik (Greek, 
 elclcaleo, to call forth). Pertainmg or re- 
 lating to the Church, or assembly called 
 forth by the proclamation of the g'ospel ; a 
 person consecrated to the service of tho 
 Church and the ministry of religion. 
 
 Echelon, esh-e-lon (French, eclielon, 
 round of a ladder). In military tactics, a 
 formation in which the divisions of a regi- 
 ment are placed in a situation resembling 
 the steps of a ladder; hence the name. 
 The echelon position and movements are 
 not only necessary and applicable to the 
 immediate attack and retreat of great 
 bodies, but also to the oblique or direct 
 changes of situation which a battalion or 
 more considerable corps, already formed in 
 line, may be compelled to make to the 
 front or rear, on a fixed particular division 
 of the line. 
 
 Echo, ek-ko (Greek, echos, a sound). 
 A sound reflected or reverberated to the 
 ear from some solid body ; hence, used 
 figuratively to imply an identical senti- 
 ment or opinion to one previously enuu- 
 ci.Ated. 
 
ilO 
 
 ECL 
 
 EDI 
 
 Selaircissement, ek-klarsis-mong 
 (^French). A full explanation ; a clearing 
 up of anything hitherto obscure or mis- 
 understood. 
 
 Eclat, ay-klaw (French). A manifes- 
 tation of applaiise ; renown, foUoAving 
 some action or event ; approbation ; 
 lustre. 
 
 Eclectic, ek-lektik (Greek, eJdego, to 
 choose). Selecting ; preferring ; or having 
 the power of choosing. This term Avas 
 applied to certain philosophers of antiquity 
 who, without attaching themselves to any 
 particular sect, selected whatever appeared 
 to them the best and most rational from 
 each. 
 
 Eclipse, e-klipE (Greek, eUeipo, to fail). 
 In astronomy, the darkening one of the 
 luminaries by the interposition of some 
 opaque body between it and the eye, or. 
 between it and the sun. Figuratively, the 
 obscm'ation of a lesser light by superior 
 splendour. 
 
 Ecliptic, e-kliptik (Greek, ehleipxis, an 
 ecHpse). In astronomy, the orbit described 
 apparently by the sun round the earth, and 
 in reality by the earth round the sun. It 
 is named from the circumstance that all 
 edip.-^es can happen only when the moon is 
 in the same plane or veiy near it. 
 
 Eclogue, ek-log (Greek, eldego, to 
 select). A pastoral poem, the scenes of 
 which are confined to rural life, and the 
 persons represented shepherds. The pri- 
 mitive meaning of the word is a choice or 
 select piece, 
 
 Econoiny, e-kon-no-me (Greek, ot^os, a 
 house; nomas, a law). The regulation or 
 management of household or domestic 
 affairs : an expenditure of money, and 
 regulation of income to advantage and 
 without incurring waste. In a wider sense, 
 a system of rules, regulations, rites and 
 ceremonies, as the Jewish economy. In 
 physiology, the', aws which govern the 
 organisation of plants and animals ; the 
 order and connection of the phenomena 
 exhibited by organised bodies. 
 
 Ecstasy, ckstah-se (Greek, acistemi, to 
 be entranced). Any sudden passion of the 
 mind by which the thoughts are for the 
 time absorbed ; excessive joy ; rapture ; 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 Ectasis, ek-taysis (Greek, elctadios, ex- 
 te^-'-^.'^d). In rhetoric, the lengthening of a 
 sj^llable from short to long. 
 
 Edacity, e-dassy-te (Latin, edo, to eat). 
 Veracity; greediness; gluttony. 
 
 Edda, ed-dah. A book containing a 
 system of Runic or Scandinavian mytho- 
 logy, with some account of the theology 
 and philosophy of the northern nations of 
 Europe. 
 
 Eddy, ed-de (Saxon, ed, backward ; ea, 
 water). A current of water returning to 
 the place whence it flowed ; water rimning 
 back, or in a contrary direction to the main 
 stream ; a ciui-ent of water or of air in a 
 circular direction ; a whirlpool. Also, to 
 move circuitousiy, as in a whii'lpool. 
 
 Eddy-tide. Among seamen, means 
 where the water i-uns back contrary to the i 
 tide, or that which hinders the free passage 
 of the stream, and so causes it to return. 
 
 Eden, e-den (Hebrew, pleasure, delight). 
 Paradise ; the country and garden in which 
 God placed Adam and Eve, 
 
 Edible, eddy-bl (Latin, edo, to eat). 
 Fit to be eaten ; intended for food ; eat- 
 able ; esculent. 
 
 Edict, e-dikt (Latin, e, out; dico, to 
 speak). A publication or proclamation by- 
 authority ; an order by which a despotic 
 Government makes known its will to the 
 people ; a command ; a law. 
 
 Edification, ed-iffy-kayshun (Latin, ^ 
 cp.dU, a house ; facia, to make or build). ' 
 The act of bmldiag. Figuratively applied 
 to a buUding up in a moral or mental sense. 
 
 Edifice, eddy-fis (Latin, cedis, a house ; 
 facio, to build). A building ; more appro- 
 priately applied to a large structure, or any 
 building distinguished for grandeur, 
 dignity, and importance. 
 
 Edtfy, eddy-fi (Latin, cedis, a house ; 
 facio, to bmld). To impart knowledge to ; 
 to instinict or teach. 
 
 Edile, e-dile (from Latin, cedes, a house). 
 A Roman magistrate who superintended 
 public buildings, highways, &c., resembling 
 the suiweyor of the present day. 
 
 Edition, e-dishun (Latin, edo, to 
 publish). The publication of a book or 
 other composition ; one impression, or the 
 whole number of copies published at one 
 time. 
 
 Editor, eddit-ur (Latin, e, out, do, to 
 give). A person who corrects and has the 
 care of anyliterarj^ production ; one usually 
 supervising the 'labours of others, and 
 adding such emendations as he may think 
 suitable to the work ; the superintendent 
 of the Hterary department of any news- , 
 paper or periodical publication, composed 
 of the contributions of various writers. , 
 
EDU 
 
 Educe, e-duse (Latin, e, out ; duco^ to 
 lead). To bring out ; to lead or draw 
 forth the powers of the mind ; to elicit ; to 
 extract. 
 
 Efface, ef-fase (Latin, ex, from ; facio, 
 to do). To destroy or damage the surface 
 of an object, whether painted or carved ; 
 to erase ; to blot out ; to destroy any im- 
 pression on the mind or the memory. 
 
 Effect, ef-fekt (Latin, e; facio, to 
 do). To accomplish ; to bring to pass ; 
 to achieve; that wjiich is produced by 
 an operative cause ; a (jonsequence intended 
 or unintended. In the fine arts, that 
 quality in a production which gives efficacy 
 to others, so as to bring them out and 
 attract the notice of the spectator. 
 
 Effectual, ef-fekt-yual (French, effec- 
 tuel). Producing the end, object, or design 
 intended ; veracious ; expressive of facts. 
 
 Effeminacy, effem-innah-se (Latin, 
 fernina, a wonfin). An indulgence in 
 womanly habits, amusements, occupations, 
 &c., on the part of a man ; having the ap- 
 pearance of a woman ; softness, weakness, 
 or immanliness. 
 
 Effendi, ef-fen-de (Turkish, effendi, a 
 master). A title applied in Tiirkey to 
 various officers of raiik, as to emirs, the 
 mufti priests of mosques, and to men of 
 law and learning. 
 
 Effervesce, effer-ves (Latin, ex, from ; 
 ferveo, to be hot). To be in commotion; 
 to grow or become hot and agitated ; to 
 bubble and hiss, as fermenting or gaseous 
 fluids when some parts escape. 
 
 Effete, ef-feet (Latin, e:c ; foetics, a 
 young one). Barren ; worn out ; impro- 
 ductive ; incapable of reproduction. 
 
 EJ0B.cacy, effy-kah-se (Latin, efficio, to 
 effect). Power to produce effects ; pro- 
 duction of the effect intended. 
 
 Efficient, ef-fishent (Latin, efficio, to 
 effect). Causing effects ; capable of pro- 
 ducing ; that which causes anything to be 
 what it is ; he that makes. 
 
 Ef&gy, effeh-je (Latin, effingo, to form 
 or fashion). An image or likeness ; resem- 
 blance ; representation ; any substance 
 fashioned into the likeness of a person ; a 
 portrait or figure in sculpture ; on coin, the 
 head of the mler, &c. To hum or hang in 
 effigy, is to do thus to an image, picture, or 
 other representation of the person intended 
 to be executed, disgraced, or degraded. 
 
 EfQ.orescence, efflo-ressens (Latin, ex, 
 from ; flos, a flower). Production of 
 
 EIG 
 
 111 
 
 flowers ; the budding and bursting forth of 
 flowers. In natm-al history, an excrescence 
 in the form of flowers. In medicine, a 
 breaking out of some humours on the skin. 
 
 EfB.UVia, ef-loov-yah (Latin, effiiLo, to 
 flow out). An exhalation emitted by a 
 body, through the agency of minute and 
 often invisible particles; as the odom* of 
 plants, the exhalation from putrefying 
 animal and vegetable substances, &c. This 
 word in the singular is Uffiv.rium. 
 
 Efa.UX, ef-fluks (Latin, ex, out ; jiuo, to 
 flow). The act of flowing out, or issuing 
 in a stream ; effusion ; emanation. 
 
 Effrontery, ef-fruntur-e (Latin, a:, 
 out ; frons, the face). Hardiness of front ; 
 excessive assurance ; boldness; impudence; 
 immodesty. 
 
 Effulgence, ef-fuljens (Latin, e, out ; 
 fidgeo, to shine). Lustre; brightness; 
 excessive brilliancy; a blazing forth; an 
 emission of brightness. 
 
 Eftsoons, eft-soonz (Saxon, eft, after ; 
 sona, soon). Instantly ; immediately 
 after; again. This word is chiefly to be 
 met with in ancient authors. 
 
 E. G. {exempla gratia). A Latin term 
 signifying "for instance," " for example ;" 
 it is also written ex. gr. 
 
 Egis, e-jis (Latin, cegis, a shield). 
 Figm*atively, applied to a protection, or 
 anything capable of warding off danger. 
 Properly, the shield of Jupiter, so named 
 from its having been covered with the 
 skin of the goat Almathea. 
 
 Egotism, ego-tizm (Latin, ego, I). 
 Literally, the too frequent use of the word 
 ego, I ; or the continual reference to one's 
 self; an undue importance ' with which a 
 person regards his own doings, sayings, 
 opinions, &c. 
 
 Egregious, egree-jeous (Latin, e ; grege, 
 out of the flock). Remarkable ; eminent ; 
 extraordinary ; enormous ; distinguished 
 for peculiar qualities ; extraordinai'ily good 
 or bad ; generally used in a bad sense, as 
 egregioihs folly ; eg7-egimis vanity. 
 
 Egress, e-gress (Latin, e, out; gressum, 
 step). The act or power of going out; the 
 power of departing from any confined or 
 inclosed place ; the passage out of any place. 
 
 Eider Dow^n, e-dur down. Down, or 
 soft feathers of the eider duck ; a large 
 species of biri common in the Orkneys, 
 Hebrides, and Shetland. 
 
 Eigh-teenmo, ayteen-mo (eighteen, 
 and ^e last syllable of the Latin dicimo). 
 
112 
 
 EIS 
 
 ELE 
 
 Boiioting the size of a book, in which the 
 sheet is folded into eighteen leaves ; also 
 written 18mo. 
 
 Eisteddfod, e-sted-fod (Welsh, eistedd, 
 to sit). A name given in former times to 
 the meetings of the Welsh bards. 
 
 Ejaculate, e-jakku-late (Latin, e, out ; 
 jacio, to throw). To cast or throw out ; 
 to shoot or dart forth ; generally applied 
 to the utterance or expression of short, 
 sudden, and occasional sentences ; as a 
 brief prayer, or an ardent exclamation. 
 
 Eject, e-jekt (Latin, e, out of ; jacio, to 
 cast). To cast forth; to di'ive out; to 
 expel ; to dispossess. 
 
 Ejectment, e-jekt-ment. Expulsion ; 
 dispossession. In law, a possessory 
 action, by wHch. a lessee for years, when 
 ousted from his farm, may recover his 
 term and damages. It is real in respect of 
 the lands, but personal in respect of the 
 damages. It is also a common method of 
 trying the titles to lands and tenements. 
 
 Eke, eek (Saxon, eacon, an addition). 
 To increase ; to join on ; to add to ; to 
 lengthen ; to prolong ; to make use of 
 sparingly. 
 
 Elaborate, e-labbo-rate (Latin, e, out ; 
 labor, work). To produce with exceeding 
 care, difl&culty, and labour; to do any- 
 thing fully and finely ; to heighten and 
 improve by successive endeavours and 
 oj)8rations. 
 
 Elain, e-la]/in. That portion of fat 
 or oil which remains in a liquid state when 
 pressed out of solid fats ; the oily principle 
 of solid fats. 
 
 Elapse, e-laps (Latin, e, out of ; labor, 
 to slide). To glide by or away ; to slip or 
 pass by, as time. 
 
 Elastic, e-lastik (Greek, elao, to impel 
 or drive). Springing back when stretched 
 or pressed ; having the power of returning 
 to the form from which it is distorted or 
 withheld. 
 
 Elate, e-late (Latin, e, out; latum, to 
 carry). Flushed with success ; carried 
 "^.wav ; elevated in mind ; puffed up ; 
 exalted. 
 
 Eld (Saxon, yldan, to endure). Old 
 age ; old people ; the olden time. 
 
 Elder, el-dur (Saxon, ealder). Sur- 
 passing another in years ; one more 
 advanced in age than another. Among 
 the Jews, elders were persons eminent for 
 age, experience, or wisdom, as the seventy 
 men associated with Moses ia the govern- 
 
 ment of the people. In the first Christian 
 churches, elders were persons who enjoyed 
 offices or ecclesiastical functions. In the 
 Presbyterian churches, elders are officers 
 who, with the ministers and deacons, com- 
 pose the sessions of the kirk, and have 
 authority to take cognizance of matters of 
 religion and discipline. 
 
 El Dorado, el-do rah-do (Spanish, el, 
 the ; dorado, golden region). A name 
 given by the Spaniards to the capital of an 
 undiscovered region in the interior of South 
 America, supposed to be immensely rich 
 in gold, gems, &c. ; hence, any imaginary 
 treasure is spoken of by the above name. 
 
 Election, e-lekshun (Latin, e, out of ; 
 lego, to choose). The act or power of 
 choosing ; the choice of officers or repre- 
 sentatives ; a final choice. 
 
 Electioneering, e - lekshun - eering. 
 The tactics employed, and the influence 
 used, in promoting or securing the election 
 of a candidate. 
 
 Elective Affinity, e-lektiv af-finity. 
 A tendency in bodies to unite with certain 
 kinds of matter rather than with others. 
 
 Elector, e-lektur. One who has the 
 right of voting at elections. In Germany, 
 a prince who formerly had a vote in the 
 choice of the Emperor of Germany, as 
 George the First of England, Elector of 
 Hanover. 
 
 Electricity, e-lek-trissy-te (Greek, elel- T 
 iron, amber). An extremely subtle fluid, 
 which, causes repulsion and attraction, and 
 which is diffused through most bodies. It 
 may be excited by friction ; and it was in 
 the friction of amber that this property 
 was originally discovered ; hence its name. 
 
 Electro, e-lektro. In nomenclature, 
 a word affixed to others, denoting theii' 
 connection with electricity. Electro chem- 
 istry, a department of science which treats 
 of the agency of electricity and galvanism 
 in effecting chemical changes. Electro 
 dynamics, the phenomena of electricity in 
 motion. Electro magnetism, a branch of 
 electrical science showing the joint effects 
 of electricity, or galvanism and magnetism ; 
 magnetism produced by electricity. Elec- 
 tro metallurgy, the application of electricity 
 and galvanism to the operations of gilding, 
 plating, &c. Electro type, the art of 
 executing fac-simile medals by electricity. 
 Electro plating, a process by which a 
 pattern, cast in alloy or white metal, after 
 being properly chased and prepared, is 
 transferred to a tank or trough, and sub- 
 
ELE 
 
 ELL 
 
 113 
 
 jected to galvanic agency. After a time a 
 fine film of metallic silver is deposited on 
 the smrfaces of tlie articles suspended in 
 the trough, and thus become plated. 
 
 Electuary, elek-tu-aiy (Greek, el;, 
 from; leicko, to lick). A medicinal pre- 
 paration of various ingredients, made of 
 the consistence of honey, and adapted to 
 be taken by licking. 
 
 Eleemosynary, elee-mozy-nary 
 (Greek, deos, mercy). Given in charity ; 
 pertaining to charity; intended for 
 distribution of alms, or for the use and 
 management of donations, whether for the 
 subsistence of the poor, or for the support 
 and promotion of learning. Eleeniosijnary 
 corporations ai'e such corporations as ai-e 
 constituted for the perpetual distribution 
 of free alms, or the bounty of their founder, 
 to such persons as he has directed. 
 
 . Elegiac, el-e-jiak (Latin, elegicC). Per- 
 taining to elegies ; mournful ; son-owful ; 
 expressing sorrow or lamentation. 
 
 Elegit, el-ejit (Latic, elegit). In law, a 
 writ of execution by ^-hich a defendant's 
 goods are appraised and delivered to the 
 plaintiff, upon a recognizance that he is 
 able in his goods to satisfy his creditors. 
 
 Elegy, el-ly-je (Greek, elegos, lamenta- 
 tion). A funeral poem ; a plaintive song ; 
 a composition expressive of sorrow and 
 lamentation. 
 
 Element, el-ly-ment (Latin, elementum, 
 from the ancient eleo, to grow). Literally, 
 that whence all things arise. The first or 
 constituent principle of anything; also a 
 rudiment and first principle of art. The 
 elements, as specially understood, are earth, 
 air, fire, water. 
 
 Elementary, elly-men-tury (Latin, 
 elementum). Relating to elements; pri- 
 mary ; simple ; that -which cannot be 
 separated or decomposed into constituent 
 parts ; having dissimilar properties. 
 
 Elephant Paper. Drawing paper, 
 measuring twenty-eight inches in leng-fch, 
 and twenty-three in width ; uo called for- 
 merly from its large proportions. 
 
 Elephantine, elly-fantin. Relating 
 to the elephant; a term apphed to heavy, 
 awkward, and ungainly movements and 
 gestures. 
 
 Elephantiasis, elly-fan-ti-asis. A 
 disease which affects the legs and feet, so 
 as to occasion swelling, with roughness 
 and scales upon the skin, which becomes 
 thick, unctuous, and insensible ; sometimes I 
 
 also the limb attains an immense size, 
 which has occasioned it to be compared to 
 the extremities of the elephant ; hence the 
 name. 
 
 Elf (Saxon, celfe, fairy). An imaginary- 
 wandering spirit, frequenting solitary 
 places ;_ a fairy ; also, resembling an elf ; 
 fantastic; capricious; mischievous. 
 
 Elfin (Saxon, celfe, fairy). Pertaining 
 to elves ; having qualities and dispositions 
 like those ascribed to elves ; a little urchin. 
 
 Elgin Marbles, el-gin mar-biilz. A 
 collection of fragments of ancient statues, 
 reliefs, &c., which were brought from the 
 Parthenon of Athens to England by Lord 
 Elgin, and pm-chased by the British 
 Government. 
 
 Elicit, e-lissit (Latin, elicio, to draw 
 out). To find out ; to bring to light ; to 
 discover by dint of labour and art ; to 
 strike out. 
 
 Eligible, el-idjah-bul (Latin, e, out from ; 
 lego, to select). Fit to be chosen ; worthy 
 of choice; qualified to fill certain ofiices, 
 and perform certain duties; well adapted 
 for use or possession. 
 
 Eliminate, e-limmin-ate (Latin, e, out 
 from ; limen, a boundary). Literal!}-, to 
 thrus-t out doors ; to expel : figuratively, 
 to di-aw out; to free from surrounding 
 obstacles. 
 
 Elision, e-lizhun (Latin, e. off ; lado, 
 to cut). A striking, breaking, or cutting 
 off. In grammar, -the cutting off a vowel 
 or syllable in a word, as in " th' attempt," 
 when e is cut off, because coming before a 
 vowel. This is frequently practised in 
 English poetry, and always observed in 
 Latin verse. 
 
 Elite, ay-leet (French, elite, elect, or 
 choice). A select body of persons; the 
 flower of an army; the best part or 
 portion. 
 
 Elixir, e-liksui- (Arabic, eliksvr, 
 quintessence). A pure and refined 
 spirit ; a compound essence ; a liquid 
 medicine. Elixir of love, a substance 
 prepared at Aboyna, in the East Indies, 
 from the minute farina-like seeds of the 
 plant Grammatephyhilum speciosum. 
 
 Elizabethan, e-lizzah-beethan. Per- 
 taining to Queen Elizabeth of England, c.r 
 her times, as Elizabethan style of archi- 
 tecture, &c. 
 
 Ell, (Saxon, elne, an arm). Originally, 
 a measure of the length of an arm. The 
 eU, English, v/as fixed by the length of tho 
 
114 
 
 ELL 
 
 arm of King Henry the First, in the year 
 1101. Hence elhow, the low or bend of the 
 dl) or arm. 
 
 Ellipsis, el-lipsis (G-reek, elldpsis, de- 
 ficiency). In geometry, a figure generated 
 from the section of a cone by a plane 
 cutting both sides of the cone, but not 
 parallel with the base ; popularly called 
 an oval. In grammar, a figure of syntax 
 by which one or more words are omitted. 
 
 Elocation, el-lo-kayshun (Latin, eloco, 
 to place out) . A removal from an ordinary 
 place of residence ; a placing out or away. 
 
 Elocution, el-lo-kewshun (Latin, elo- 
 quor, to speak out). Pronunciation ; utter- 
 ance ; delivery of words ; more especially the 
 art of applying apt words and sentences to 
 the matter. 
 
 Eloge, ay-loje (French, eloge, eulogy). 
 A panegyric on the dead ; a funereal 
 oration in praise of a deceased person. 
 
 Elongate, e-long-gate (Latin, e, out 
 fiom ; longiis, long). To protract ; to 
 lengthen ; to draw out ; to increase to a 
 greater length or distance ; to put or place 
 farther off. 
 
 Elope, e-lope (Dutch, loopen, to leap, 
 or run). To run off or away from; to 
 escape privately ; to run away secretly or 
 without permission. 
 
 Else, els. Other ; one or something 
 beside ; otherwise ; in the other case. 
 This word was formerly written alles, 
 aleys, alyse, elles, ellus, ellis, ells, els, and is 
 no other than ales or alys, the imperative 
 of the Saxon.Wes-cw^i or alys-an, to dismiss. 
 
 Elucidate, e-lewsy-date (Latin, e, out 
 from ; lux, light). To make clear or mani- 
 fest ; to throw light upon ; to clear ; to 
 expound ; to express. 
 
 Elude, e-lude (Latin, e ; hido, to play). 
 To escape by stratagem ; to avoid by arti- 
 fice ; to remain unseen or undiscovered ; 
 to baffle pursuit and search. 
 
 Elutriation, e-lewtry-ayshun (Latin, 
 t,', out from ; hio, to wash). The operation 
 (k pulverising a solid substance, mixing it 
 with water, and pouring off the liquid, 
 while the foul or extraneous substances are 
 floating, or after the coarser particles have 
 subsided, and while the finer parts are sus- 
 pended in the liquor. 
 
 Elysian, e-hzhean (Latin, Elysium, the 
 Pagan heaven). Pertaining to Elysium, or 
 the seat of dehght ; yielding the highest 
 pleasures; deliciously soothing ; blissful in 
 tlie highest degree. 
 
 EMB 
 
 Elysium. In heathen mythology, tho 
 supposed abiding place of the blessed after 
 death. It was represented as a region of 
 beautiful fields and groves, made har- 
 monious with the warbling of birds, the 
 rippling of fountains, &c. ; the earth teeming 
 with perpetual fruits, and the verdure of 
 spring was perpetual ; while all cares, 
 pains, and infirmities, were exchanged for 
 the purest bliss. 
 
 Emaciate, e-mayshe-ate (Latin, e; 
 maceo, to be lean). To grow lean ; to waste 
 away ; to lose flesh gradually ; to be de- 
 prived of muscular strength. 
 
 Emanate, emman-ate (Latin, e, out 
 from ; mano, to flow). To proceed or flow 
 from ; to issue from a soiirce ; to come out 
 from. 
 
 Emancipate, e-mansy-pate (Latin, e; 
 m ancipium, a slave). To free from slavery ; 
 to release from bondage ; to set free from 
 servitude by the voluntary act of the 
 proprietor. 
 
 Emasculate, e-maskew-late (Latin, e ; 
 mas, a male). To deprive of manliness, 
 strength, or vigour : to render effeminate ; 
 to weaken or debilitate. 
 
 Embalm, em-bahm (Greek, e)i, in ; 
 halsamon, balsam, or balm). To dress, 
 anoint, or preserve with halm, and other 
 fragrant ointments. The actual process of 
 embalming is the opening a dead body, 
 taking out the intestines, and filling the 
 vacancy with odoriferous and desiccative 
 spices and drugs, to prevent putrefaction. 
 Among the ancients this was very generally 
 practised, from a belief that after death 
 the soul stiU continued with the body. 
 
 Embargo, em-bargo (Spanish, embargo, 
 to detain by the opposition of a bar). An 
 order issued by the government of a 
 country to prevent the sailing of ships out 
 of or into port. To lay an embargo on any- 
 thing is, in a general sense, to restrain, 
 detain, or obstruct, imtil certain conditions 
 are fulfilled. 
 
 Embark, em-bark (Spanish, embarcar). 
 To go on board a ship, boat, or vessel ; to 
 put on shipboard. In a figurative sense, 
 to engage in any undertaking ; to go upon 
 any risk, venture, or enterprise. 
 
 Embarrass, em-barras (French, em- 
 barras, to hinder). Literally, to interpose 
 or bar against ; to obstruct ; to put obstacles 
 in the way ; to render intricate or 
 confusing. 
 
 Em.barrassment, em-barras-ment. 
 Perplexity or confusion arising from som® 
 
EMB 
 
 EMB 
 
 115 
 
 difficult affair ; want of seK-possession ; in 
 a pecuniar}' sense, inability to discharge 
 debts, from a want of funds. 
 
 Embassy, embas-se (Spanish, enibux- 
 oda). A public message or commission to 
 a foreign nation ; the mission of an am- 
 bassador ; the persons by whom a public 
 message is sent, or their residence. 
 
 Embedded, em-beded {en; Saxon, led). 
 Sunk in another substance; hidden by 
 surrounding matter ; deposited; inlaid. 
 
 Embellish, em-bellish (Latin, in, in ; 
 iellus, beautiful). To beautify ; to adorn ; 
 to decorate ; to make beautiful or elegant 
 by ornaments. 
 
 Em.ber Weeks. Fom- seasons in the 
 year, more particularly set apart for prayer 
 and fasting ; namely, the first week in 
 Lent, the next after Whitsuntide, the 
 fourteenth of September, and the thir- 
 teenth of December. Emher days, 
 particular days of fasting and humiliation 
 in the Ember weeks. Although the 
 etymology of this word is generally attri- 
 buted to the supposed employment of 
 embers or ashes at this season, it does not 
 ftppear to be so feasible a derivation as that 
 of emh, about, and rene, a course, because 
 these feasts are observed at certain set 
 seasons in the course or circuit of the year. 
 
 Em.bers, em-burz (Saxon, cemyrian, to 
 strike out sparks). Hot cinders or ashes ; 
 ashes in appearance extinct, but betraying 
 hidden fire, by the faint and decaying light 
 of sparks glittering among them. 
 
 Em.bezzle, em-bezzul (French, embler, 
 to steal). To purloin with breach of trust ; 
 to appropriate fraudulently, to one's own 
 use, monies or goods intrusted to one's 
 care and management. 
 
 Em.blazoii, em-blazun- [en; Saxon, 
 hlase). To adorn with figures of heraldry ; 
 to deck in glaring colours ; to display or set 
 forth conspicuously or ostentatiously; to 
 publish or proclaim to the world. 
 
 Em.blem, em-blem (Greek, emblemo, to 
 insert). A picture imaging forth a truth 
 or lesson by some figure or scene ; a picture 
 representing one thing to the eye and 
 another to the understanding: a painted 
 enigma, or figure, representing some 
 obvious history ; a device, charged with 
 some moral instruction ; also, something 
 inlaid as a device or motto. 
 
 Emblem.ata, emblem-ata (Greek). The 
 figures with which the ancients decorated 
 golden, silver, and even copper vessels, and 
 
 which could be taken off at pleasure. 
 Taese were generally executed in precious 
 metals, but sometimes carved in amber. 
 
 Emblematic, emblee-mattik. Per- 
 taining to or comprising an emblem ; rep- 
 resenting by some allusion or customary con- 
 nection ; representing by similar qualities. 
 
 Em.body, em-body {en ; Saxon, hodig). 
 To form into a body ; to incorporate ; to 
 form or collect into a body; to give a 
 definite form to what has hitherto had but 
 a partial existence. 
 
 Embonpoint, awng-bong-pwahang 
 (Fr.). Plumpness of body or person; in- 
 clined to stoutness. 
 
 Emboss, em-boss (French, hosse). In 
 architecture and sculpture, to form bosses 
 or protuberances; to fashion in relief or 
 raised work. 
 
 Em.bowel, em-bowel. To take out the 
 bowels or entrails of any creature ; to sink 
 or inclose in another substance. 
 
 Embrasure, em-brayzhure (Frencn, 
 embrasure). In fortification, an opening in 
 a parapet thi-ough which cannon are 
 pointed to fire into the moat or field. In 
 architecture, the enlargement of the 
 aperture of a door or window, or the inside 
 of a wall, to give greater play to the open- 
 ing of the door or casement, or for 
 admitting mere light. 
 
 Embrocation, embro-kayshun (Greek, 
 breclio, to moisten). The act of moistening 
 and rubbing a diseased part with a cloth 
 or sponge dipped in some liquid substance ; 
 the liquid or lotion with which an affected 
 part is anointed or washed. 
 
 Embroidery, em-broyd-ery (French, 
 en brode^'). Ornamented needle-work ; 
 work with various threads, and formed into 
 designs or figures. 
 
 Embroil, em-broil (French, en, brouiller). 
 To confound ; to mingle ; to intermix 
 confusedly ; to disturb ; to trouble ; to 
 perplex. 
 
 Em.bryo,em-bree-o (Grrok, en,m; bryo, 
 to spring forth). In physiuLogy, the iirst 
 rudiments of an animal in the womb, be- 
 fore the several members are distinctly 
 formed. In botany, the fleshy body, 
 occupying the interior of a seed, and con- 
 stituting the rudiments of a future plant. 
 Figuratively, the rudiments of anything 
 yet imperfectly formed ; the beginning or 
 first state of anything not fit for pro- 
 duction ; anything in an early, rude, un- 
 formed, unfinished state. 
 
116 
 
 EME 
 
 EMP 
 
 Emendation, emen-dayshun (Latin, 
 emendo, to amend). Correction ; iniprove- 
 ment; freeing from deficiency; altering 
 for the better. 
 
 Emerge, e-murj (Latin, emergo, to rise 
 out of). Literally, that which rises out of a 
 thing, and comes into view by becoming 
 higher ; hence a person who rises in life 
 from a lowly condition, is said to emerge 
 from obscurity. In a general sense, to rise 
 out ; to issue, to proceed from. 
 
 Emergency, e-murjens-se. Pressing 
 necessity; a sudden occasion; an unex- 
 pected event ; exigence ; any event or 
 occasional combination of circumstances, 
 which calls for immediate action or remedy^ 
 
 Emetic, e-mettik (Greek, emeo, to 
 vomit). That which causes vomiting ; in- 
 ducing to vomit ; a medicine which excites 
 vomiting. 
 
 Emente, ay-muht (French, emeiUe, from 
 Latin, e, out of ; onotus, moved), A 
 seditious commotion ; a riot on a limited 
 scale ; a mob. 
 
 Emication, emik-ayshun (Latin, e, out 
 of ; mico, to shine). A flying off in small 
 particles, as from heated iron, or fermented 
 liquors. 
 
 Emigration, emmy-grayshun (Latin, 
 e, out of ; migro, to remove). The remov- 
 ing from one's native country; the 
 changing of residence from one state or 
 country to another. 
 
 Eminence, emmy-nens (Latin, emineo, 
 to stand above). An exalted state ; lofti- 
 ness; height; distinction; fame; conspic- 
 uous above others. A title of honour borne 
 in Europe by different dignitaries at va- 
 rious times, but appropriated to cardinals 
 by a Papal decree issued in the year 1620. 
 
 Em.ir, e-mer (Arabic, emir, chief, or 
 lord). A Turkish title, expressive of com- 
 mand or ofl&ce. Emir-al-mumenin, chief 
 or commander of the faithful ; Emir-al- 
 omera, prince of princes, or chief of 
 cliiefs. 
 
 Emissary, emis-sary (Latin, e, out; 
 mitto, to send). A person sent on a 
 mission ; a secret agent ; one sent on a 
 private message or business. 
 
 Emit, e-mit (Latin, e, out ; mitto, to 
 send). To send forth; to issue out; to 
 eject ; to give vent to. 
 
 Emollient, e-mol-yent (Lat., e ; mollis, 
 soft). That which softens or soothes; 
 anything which makes gentle or tranquil, 
 pliant or supple. 
 
 Em.oIuinent, e-mollu-ment (Latin, e, 
 from ; mola, a mill). Literally, the gain 
 derived from grinding; the profit arising 
 from office or employment; profit; gain; 
 advantage. 
 
 Emotion, e-mo-shun (Latin, e, out of; 
 motum, motion). A moving of the feelings ; 
 agitation. In a philosophical sense, an 
 internal motion, or agitation of the mind, 
 which passes away without desire ; when 
 desire follows, the motion or agitation 
 becomes passion. 
 
 Empannel, em-pannel. To summon a 
 jury; literally, to inscribe or write the 
 names of the jury upon the pannel, skin, 
 or parchment ; from the French panne, a 
 skin, felt, or hide. 
 
 Emperor, emper-rur, A title of 
 honour among the ancient Eomans, con- 
 ferred on a general whose arms had been 
 victorious ; now made to signify a sove- 
 reign prince, or supreme ruler of an 
 empire. The title adds nothing to the 
 rights of sovereignty; it only gives pre- 
 eminence over other sovereigns. 
 
 Emphasis, em-fah-sis (Greek, en, on ; 
 pJuziTW, to shine). In rhetoric, a particular 
 stress of utterance, or force of voice, given 
 to the words, or parts of a discourse, whose 
 signification the speaker intends to impress 
 specially on his hearers ;] or a distinctive 
 utterance of words with such stress as to 
 convey their meaning in the clearest manner. 
 
 Empire, em-pire (French, empire). The 1 
 dominion of an emperor ; supreme power ; 
 absolute authority. An empire is usually 
 a territory of greater extent than a king- 
 dom. Figuratively, governing influence ; 
 sway ; as the empire of reason or of truth. 
 
 Empiric, em-pirrik (Greek, en, on ; 
 peirao, to attempt). Literally, one who 
 makes experiments ; hence, applied to a 
 pei'son commonly called a quack, or a 
 person who enters on the practice of 
 medicine without a regular professional 
 education, and relies on the success of his 
 own experience. The term is applied 
 generally to any pretender or charlatan. 
 
 Employe, om-ploy-ay (French, em- 
 ploye). A person employed ; an assistant, 
 a clerk ; a shopman. 
 
 Emporium, em-pory-um (Latin, gni* 
 poriuin). A place of merchandise ; a mart ; 
 a town or city of trade ; a place to which 
 merchandise is conveyed. » 
 
 Emprise, em-prize (French, en p^-ts). 
 An enterprise; a hazardous attempt; a 
 bold imdertaking. 
 
±:MP 
 
 Empjrreal, empir-eal (Greek, en, in ; 
 pyr, fire). Formed of pure fire or light; 
 refined beyond aerial matter. 
 
 Empyrean, empi-re-an (Greek, en, in ; 
 pyr, fire). The highest heaven, where the 
 pure element of fire has been supposed to 
 subsist. 
 
 Eiiipyreuniatic,empy-ru-mattik(Gk. , 
 en, in ; pyr, fire). Having the taste or 
 smell of slightly-burned animal or vege- 
 table substances ; that peculiar and dis- 
 agreeable smell produced by the burning 
 of animal and vegetable oily matters in 
 close vessels, or under such circumstances 
 as prevent the accession of air to a con- 
 siderable part of the mass, and occasions 
 an imperfect combustion. 
 
 Emulsion, e-mulshun (Latin, ertmlgeo, 
 to milk). Any kind of cream or mOky 
 humour. In medicine, a soft, liquid 
 remedy resembling milk, made by mixing 
 oil and water, by means of a saccharine or 
 mucilaginous substance. 
 
 Em.iilation, emmu - layshun (Latin, 
 asmulus, emulous). Kivalry; a striving to 
 excel another ; contending with or against; 
 endeavouring to surpass. 
 
 En. A prefix to many English words, 
 chiefly borrowed from the French, signify- 
 ing usually in or on, and before &, p, or m, 
 is changed into em, as in employ, empoiver, 
 enibody. 
 
 Enact, en-akt. To make a law; to 
 establish by law ; to perform a last act of 
 legislation to a bill, giving it validity as a 
 law. 
 
 Enamel, en-ammel (Saxon, onyltan, to 
 melt). The hard, silicious substance which 
 covers the teeth. In the arts, a coloured 
 glass^ formed by combination of different 
 metallic oxides, to which some fixed fusible 
 salt is added. Enamels possess all the 
 properties of glass except its transparency. 
 They are used to counterfeit gems, and in 
 enamel painting. 
 
 Enamour, en-ammur (Latin, in, in ; 
 arnor, love). To inflame with love ; to 
 kindle the passion of love ; to till with 
 delight. 
 
 Encamp, en-kamp (Latin, in, in; 
 campus, a field). To form an army into a 
 camp ; to pitch tents, or form huts, as an 
 army ; to lodge or dwell in camps. 
 
 Encaustic, en-kawstik (Greek, en, in , 
 Jcaio, to bm-n). Literally, that which can 
 or may bum ; a term applied to a species 
 of painting in wax liquefied by heat; 
 
 END 
 
 117 
 
 whereby the colours acquire considerable 
 hardness, brilliancy, and durability; the 
 term has also been applied to painting on 
 porcelain, enamel- work/ and to painting on 
 glass; and, in short, to all species of 
 painting where the colours are fixed by 
 means of heat, and even to works in metals 
 where gold and silver are inlaid, melted, 
 or laid on by the application of heat. 
 
 Enclianter, en-tshantur (Latin, in, in; 
 canto, to sing; a mag^c song). One who 
 enchants ; a sorcerer or magician ; one 
 who pretends to perform surprising things 
 by the agency of demons. Feminine, En-- 
 chantress. 
 
 Enchase, en-tshase (French, en, in; 
 caisse, case). To incase ; to inclose ; to 
 insert ; to adorn or embellish ; to set off in 
 an ornamental style or manner by em- 
 bossing, engraving, &c. 
 
 Encomiast, en-ko-me-ast (Greek, 
 enkomioii, praise). One who bestows praise 
 on another ; a panegyrist ; one who utters 
 or writes commendations. 
 
 Encomium, en-ko-meum (Greek, 
 enkomion, praise). Praise ; panegyric ; a 
 favourable representation of the virtues 
 and excellencies of another. 
 
 Encompass, en-kumpas (Latin, in, in ; 
 con, with ; passum, passed). To encircle ; 
 to surround ; to inclose ; to move or go round. 
 
 Encore, ong-kore (Fr,, encore, again). 
 An exclamation used by auditors and 
 spectators of plays, concerts, and other 
 entertainments, intimating a desire for the 
 repetition of any particular performance. 
 
 Encroach, en-krotshe (French, en, in ; 
 croc, a hook). Literally, to grasp or seize 
 upon; to enter on the rights' and posses- 
 sions of another ; to intrude in a person's 
 apartments ; to trespass on another's time ; 
 to steal on beyond the due bounds or limits. 
 
 Encumber, en-kiunbur (Dutch, 7com- 
 meren, to clog). To oppress with a load or 
 burden; to impede motion by inconveni- 
 encing the limbs. Figuratively, to em- 
 barrass and distract the mind by a variety 
 of difiiculties. 
 
 Endemic, en-demik (Greek, en, in ; 
 demos, a people). Peculiar to a place or 
 people ; native ; domestic. In pathology, 
 applied to diseases which affect particular 
 situations, and result from causes. 
 
 Endogenous, endoj-enus (Gk., endon, 
 within ; gennao, to produce). A term 
 applied to plants, the growth of whose 
 stems takes place by addition from within. 
 
118 
 
 END 
 
 Endorse, en -dors (Latin, in, in; 
 dorsum, the back). To back. In com- 
 merce, to write one's name on tbe back of 
 a bill of exchange or promissory-note ; to 
 render negotiable ; any signature on the 
 back of a document. Figuratively, to 
 hack or support the opinion or statemetit 
 of another. 
 
 Endow, en-dow (Latin, in, in ; dos, a 
 gift). To give a portion to any person ; to 
 assign or alienate any estate or sum of 
 money to the support or maintemance of 
 any charity, as an almshouse, asylum, &c. ; 
 to give or bestow any quahties of mind or 
 body. 
 
 Endue, en-dew (Greek, enduo, to put 
 into). To supply or furnish with internal 
 gifts, virtues, or excellencies. 
 
 Energy, enner-je (Greek, energeo, to 
 act). Internal or inherent power ; the 
 power of operating, whether brought into 
 action or not ; active resolution ; lively ; 
 strength. 
 
 Enervate, enner-vate (Latin, e, out of ; 
 nervus, a nerve). To take away or deprive 
 of nerve ; to weaken ; to render feeble. 
 
 Enfeoff, en-fef (Latin, in, in ; fides, 
 trust). To invest with possession ; to 
 surrender ; to give up. 
 
 Enfilade, en-fe-lade (French, enMer, to 
 draw out the ends). In military tactics, 
 to proceed in a straight line ; to pierce or 
 penetrate straight forward ; and further, 
 to sweep the whole length of a straight 
 line with artillery. 
 
 Enfrancliise, en-fran-tshiz (French, en 
 franc). To endow with the liberties and 
 privileges of free citizens ; to free ; to set 
 at liberty ; to naturalise. 
 
 Engender, en-jendur (Latin, in, in ; 
 genus, a kind). To beget ; to produce ; to 
 cause to exist. 
 
 Engross, en - grose (Latin, in, in ; 
 crassus, thick). To increase in bulk; to 
 appropriate anything large or largely ; to 
 copy in a large hand ; to assume in undue 
 quantities and degrees. 
 
 Engulf, en-guK (French, engolfer). To 
 east into a gulf ; to swallow up ; to absorb. 
 
 Enhance, en-hans (French, enhausser). 
 To raise Jhe price or value of a thing ; to 
 heighten the esteem or degree of any 
 quality. 
 
 Enigma, e-nigmah (Greek, ainigma, to 
 hint anything darkly). A proposition 
 delivered in obscure, remote, and am- 
 biguouo terms, in order to exercise the wit. 
 
 ENT 
 
 En Masse, ong mass (French, en masse). 
 In the mass, or whole body. 
 
 Enmity, enmy-te (Latin, in, not ; 
 amicus, a friend). Unfriendly disposition ; 
 ill-will ; malevolence ; a state of irreconcil- 
 able opposition. 
 
 Ennui, awn-we (Fr., ennui). Weari- 
 ness ; lassitude ; tired out with pleasure 
 and excitement ; heaviness of time. 
 
 Enunciation, e-nunshe-ayshun (Latin, 
 nuncio, to teU). The act of uttering or 
 pronouncing ; a simple expression or 
 declaration of a thing, either affirmatively 
 or negatively, without any application ; a 
 declaration, proclamation, or public attest- 
 ation. 
 
 En Passant, ong pass-ong (French, 
 en, in ; passant, passing). By the way ; 
 incidentally. 
 
 Enrol, en-role (French, enroller). 
 Literally, to write or inscribe upon a 
 roll of parchment or paper ; to write or 
 inscribe in a register or record ; to insert 
 a name, or enter in a list or catalogue. 
 
 Ensconce, en-skons {en; German, 
 schanze). To cover as with a sconce or fort ; 
 to cover or protect the head ; to cover ; to 
 protect ; to secure. 
 
 Ensemble, ong-sawm-bul (French, 
 ensemble). A term used in the fine arts to 
 denote the general effect of a whole work, 
 without reference to the parts; one with 
 another; together. 
 
 Ensign, en-sine (Latin, zn ; signum, a 
 sign). The flag or standard of a regiment ; 
 a mark or badge of distinction and 
 authority ; any sign or mark by which one 
 thing may be known from another; also 
 applied to the officer in a foot regiment 
 who carries the ensign or standard. 
 
 Entablature, en-tablah-ture (Latin, 
 in ; tabula, a table). In architecture, the 
 whole of the parts of an order above a 
 column ; and comprehending the architrave, 
 frieze, and cornice. 
 
 Entail, en-tail (French, entailler, to 
 cut off). In law, to settle the succession 
 of an estate, so that it cannot be bequeathed 
 at pleasure by the person who succeeds to 
 it. 
 
 Enterprise, enter-prize (Latin, inter, 
 between. French, pris, taken). An 
 undertaking of hazard ; an arduous at- 
 tempt ; generally apphed to that which is 
 undertaken or attempted to be performed. 
 
 Entertain, enter-tain (Latin, inter, 
 between ; teneo, to hold). To communicate 
 
ENT 
 
 ftiental improvement, or employ a person's 
 time in agreeable discourse ; to receive 
 gnd to eat hospitably ; also to reserve or 
 conceive in the mind. 
 
 Enthusiasm, en-thewsy-azzum (Gr., 
 entheos, an inspired man; from en, in; 
 Theos, God). Ardent zeal ; a transport of 
 the mind, in which the imagination over- 
 comes the judgment; a ravishment of 
 the spiiit, whereby things are regarded as 
 sublime and surprising ; as the enthusiasm 
 of the poet. In a religious sense, a vain 
 confidence of divine favour or communica- 
 tion. 
 
 Entice, en-tise (Saxon, tihtan,^ to 
 allure). To incite or instigate, by exciting 
 hope or desire ; to seduce ; to lead astray ; 
 to hold out temptation ; to throw out a 
 bait. 
 
 Entire, en-tire (Latin, integer, whole). 
 Whole ; undivided ; unbroken ; complete ; 
 having all its parts ; undivided in affection, 
 attachment, or fidelity. 
 
 Entity, en-te-te (Latin, entiias, from ; 
 esse, to be). Being ; existence ; a real 
 being or species of being. Applied to 
 things which have a real existence, in con- 
 tradistinction from those things whose ex- 
 istence is imaginary. 
 
 Entomology, ento-molo-jy (Greek, 
 entoma, insects ; logos, a discourse). That 
 branch of science which treats of insects ; 
 the natural history of insects. 
 
 Entrails, en-trals (Greek, enter a, the 
 bowels). The internal parts of animal 
 bodies ; so called because they interweave 
 or erJwine one with the other. 
 
 Entree, ong-tray (French). Admission, 
 or means of admission ; privilege to come 
 and go at any time ; freedom of entrance. 
 
 Entremet, ong-trem-ay (French, entre, 
 between; viet, put). A small dish set 
 between the principal dishes at table ; or 
 a choice dish served between the courses. 
 
 Entre nous, ong-tnih noo (French). 
 A term used to imply between ourselves ; 
 in confidence, &c. 
 
 Entrepot, ong-trep-o (French, entrepot). 
 In commerce, the name given in France, 
 and some other countries, to a warehouse 
 or other place, where goods brought from 
 abroad may be deposited. 
 
 Entresol, ong-tres-sol (French, entre- 
 sol). In architecture, a French word for a 
 fioor betvveen other floors, usually con- 
 sisting of a low ai)artment or apartments, 
 placed above the first floor. I 
 
 EPI 
 
 119 
 
 Envelop, en-vellup (French, envelqpper, 
 to enwrap). To cover, or inclose in a 
 covering; to surround entirely; to hido 
 from sight. 
 
 Envelope, awng-ve-lope. A wrapper ; 
 an inclosing cover ; especially applied to 
 the receptacle for notes and letters. 
 
 Envenom, en-vennum (Latin, in/ vent- 
 mim, poison). To poison; to infuse or 
 impregnate with poison; figuratively, to 
 invest with the noxious, mahgnant, hate- 
 ful qualities of poison. 
 
 Environ, en-vire-un (French, en, 
 round ; mrer, to turn). To surround; to 
 encompass ; to hem in on aU sides. 
 
 Environs, envir-unz. Places adjacent ; 
 the outskirts of a town ; the suburbs of a 
 city. 
 
 Envoy, en-voy (French, envoye, a 
 messenger). A person deputed to negotiate 
 a treaty with some foreign prince or state ; 
 a public minister sent from one power to 
 another. L'Envoy is a sort of fanciful 
 postscript to a tale, poem, &c. ; serving to 
 direct the reader's particular attention to 
 some moral, or other important point. 
 
 Eolian, e-o-le-au. Pertaining to Eolus, 
 or the winds. An Eolian harp is a musical 
 instrument, the sounds of which are drawn 
 from it by a current of air acting on the 
 strings. 
 
 Ep (Greek, epi). In composition,, an 
 affix usually signifying on or iipon. 
 
 Epaulet, ep-paw-let (French^ epaulette, 
 from epaul, the shotdder). A shoulder 
 knot ; an ornamental badge worn on the 
 shoulder by military and naval officers. 
 
 Epergne, ay-payrn. An ornamental 
 stand for a large glass dish, placed in the 
 centre of the table. 
 
 Ephemeral, e-femmy-ral (Greek, epi, 
 for ; hemera, a day). Beginning and end- 
 ing in a day ; short-lived; perishing quickly; 
 applied to anything which has attached to 
 it only a passing interest, and no perma- 
 nent benefit or value. 
 
 Epic, ep-ik (Greek, epos, a poem). 
 Narrative ; containing narration ; rehears- 
 ing; heroic. An epic poem is one that 
 narrates a story, real or fictitious, or both, 
 representing in an elevated style son^ 
 signal action or series of actions and events 
 usually the achievements of some distin. 
 guished hero, and intended to form the 
 morals and affect the mind with a love of 
 vi]-tue. 
 
120 
 
 EPI 
 
 EPO 
 
 Epicene, eppy-sen (Greek, epil-omos, 
 common). Common to both sexes ; of 
 both kinds. Especially applied to nouns 
 of common gender, as parent, cousin, &c. 
 
 Epicure, epik-yur (from Epumrus, a 
 Greek philosopher). A disciple or follower 
 of Epicurus ; a follower of the doctrines 
 unjustly imputed to Epicmnis, and thus a 
 sensualist ; a voluptuary ; one addicted to 
 luxury. 
 
 Epicurean, ep-eku-rean. A philoso- 
 phy taught by Epicurus, who maintained 
 that pleasiu'e is the chief end of human 
 pursuit, but this pleasure he placed in an 
 exemption from pain, and a perfect tran- 
 quillity of body and mind ; the means 
 pointed out to attain this end were pru- 
 dence, temperance, and fortitude. The 
 Epicurean philosophy, therefore, is mis- 
 represented when it alludes only to sen- 
 sual enjo5Tiients, and those of the table 
 especially. 
 
 Epidemic, eppy-demmik (Greek, ejn, 
 •ut)on ; demos, the people). Affecting great 
 numbers ; generally prevailing ; a disease 
 arising from a general cause, and affecting 
 many people at the same time in the same 
 district. 
 
 Epidermis, eppy-dermis (Greek, epi, 
 on ; derma, the skin). The true skin ; 
 the cuticle or scarf-skin of an animal or 
 plant. 
 
 Epigastric, eppy-gastrik (Greek, epi- 
 
 fastrion, the xipper part of the bellj'^). 
 'ertaining to the upper and anterior paii; 
 df the abdomen. 
 
 Epigram, eppy-gram (Greek, epigram- 
 ma, an inscription). A shoi-t, pointed 
 poem ; a couplet or stanza wittUy hitting 
 off a pai'ticular person or fault. 
 
 Epigrammatic, eppy-gram-attik. Be- 
 longing to epigrams ; concise ; pointed ; 
 telling. 
 
 Epigraph, eppy-graf (Greek, epi, 
 upon ; graplio, a writing). An inscription 
 on a statue, building, &:c. 
 
 Epilepsy, eppy-lepsy (Greek, epilepsis, 
 from epilamhano., to seize upon). A 
 convulsion either of the whole body or of 
 some of its parts, attended with a loss of 
 consciousness ; and returning from time to 
 time in fits or paroxysms. It is commonly 
 called the ''falling sickness," because 
 persons, when attacked with it, usually fall 
 down. 
 
 Epilogue, eppy-log (Greek, epilego, to 
 say after). A poem or speech recited at 
 the end of a play. 
 
 Epiphany, e-piffa-no (Greek, epipha- 
 neia, an appearance). A Christian festival, 
 celebrated on the sixth day of January, 
 and the twelfth after Christmas, in com- 
 memoration of our Saviour's being 
 manifested by the star, which conducted 
 the wise men of the East to Bethlehem. 
 
 Episcopalians, episko - paley - yans. 
 An appellation given to those who adhere 
 to the episcopal form of church government. 
 
 Episcopacy, epis-kopah-se (Greek, 
 episcopeo, to inspect). Government of the 
 Church by bishops. 
 
 Episode, eppy-sode (Greek, epi, upon ; 
 eisodos, an entry), A separate incident, 
 story, or action which a writer inserts in 
 the main narrative, to impart a variety ; 
 something foreig-n to the subject, or con- 
 nected with it only by a slight thread; 
 minor events in a person's history or life. 
 
 Epistle, e-pissul (Greek, epistello., to 
 send on). A letter, or wi-itten communi- 
 cation ; a waiting sent ; a missive parti- 
 cularly from or to an apostle. 
 
 Epistolary, e-pisto-lary. Pertaining 
 to epistles or letters ; suitable to letters 
 and correspondence ; familiar ; contained in 
 letters ; carried on by letters. 
 
 Epitaph, eppy-taf (Greek, epi, upon ; 
 taphos, a sepulchre). Aii inscription on a 
 monument or tomb, in honour or memory 
 of the dead. 
 
 Epithalamium, eppy-thah-layme-um 
 (Greek, epi, upon ; tlialamos, a bridal 
 chamber). A nuptial song ; a poem com- 
 posed in celebration of a marriage. Among 
 the ancients such a song was sung on the 
 occasion of the bride being led to her 
 chamber. 
 
 Epithet, eppy-thet (Greek, epi, upon ; 
 titliemi, to put). A name added ; a word 
 imposed, ascribing or describing some 
 quality, and employed for the sake of 
 emphasis or discrimination. 
 
 Epitome, e-pitto-me (Greek, epi,\i.von ; 
 temno, to cut). An abbreviation or abridg- 
 ment ; abstract ; summary ; compendium. 
 
 Epizootic, eppy-zootic (Greek, epii, 
 upon ; zoon, an animal). An epithet for a 
 disease which prevails among cattle, in 
 the same manner as an epidemic does 
 among human beings. 
 
 E pluribus unum, e plury-bus u- 
 num (Latin). One composed of many; the 
 motto of the United States of America. 
 
 Epoch, e-pok (Greek, epi, upon ; ccha, 
 to rest). In chi-onology, a certain period 
 
EPO 
 
 of time, from which calculation commences, 
 and at which it terminates and again com- 
 mences ; thus foi-ming certain bounds or 
 limits, confining the calculation of time. 
 
 Epode, ep-ode (Greek, epi, upon ; ode^ 
 a song). In lyric poetry, the third or last 
 part of the ode ; that which follows the 
 strophe and antistrophe, the ancient ode 
 being divided in strophe, antistrophe, and 
 epode. The term is now used as the name 
 of any little verse or verses, following more 
 considerable ones. 
 
 Epopee, ep-o-pe (Greek, epos, a poem ; 
 poieo, to make). Literally, the making or 
 imitating by words ; an epic poem, or the 
 fable of it. 
 
 Epsom Salts. A popular name for 
 sulphate of magnesia, formerly obtained 
 by boiling down the mineral water found 
 in the vicinity of Epsom, Surrey ; but now 
 prepared from bittern and magnesia lime- 
 stone. 
 
 Equanimity, ekwah-nimmit-e (Latin, 
 ivqm'.s, equal ; animus^ the mind). Even- 
 ness of temper ; a state of mind which is 
 neither elated nor depressed ; a capability 
 of sustaining prosperity without excessive 
 joy, and adversity without much grief. 
 
 Equable, e-kwah-bul (Latin, ceqiialis, 
 equal). Equal and uniform at aU times ; 
 having the same or similar appearances ; 
 causing the same or similar sensations ; 
 smooth ; calm ; steady ; unrufiled ; undis- 
 turbed. 
 
 Equator, e-kwaytur (Iiatin, acfueo, to 
 divide equally). A great circle of the 
 sphere, equally distant from the two poles 
 of the world, and dividing it into two 
 hemispheres, the northern and southern. 
 It is called the equator, because when the 
 sun is in this circle the days and nights are 
 of equal duration in all parts of the world. 
 Erom this circle the latitude of places, 
 whether north or south, is reckoned, in 
 degrees of the meridian ; the longitude of 
 places is reckoned in degrees around this 
 circle, 
 
 Equery, ek-kwerry (Fr-ench, ecuyer, the 
 stable of a prince or nobleman). An officer 
 of the royal household, under the master 
 of the horse. The equerries are five in 
 number, and ride in the leading coach on 
 gTand occasions, and have a table provided 
 for them. 
 
 Equestrian, e-kwes-tiy-un (Latin, 
 equv.s, a horse). Pertaining to a horse or 
 horsemanship ; riding on a horse ; skilled 
 iu riding ; being on horseback ; repre- 
 ssntiTig a perse n on horseback. 
 
 EQU 
 
 121 
 
 Equidistant, eekwe-distant (Latin^ 
 cequus, equal ; distans, distant). Being at 
 an equal distance from some point or place : 
 standing apart or separate in the same 
 degree in space or time. 
 
 Equilateral, eekwe-latter-ul (Latin, 
 cequus, equal ; latus, a side). Haiing all 
 the sides equal or of the same length. 
 
 Equilibrium, eekwe-libbry-um (Latin, 
 cequus, equal ; libro,^ to poise). In mecha- { 
 
 nics, a term applied to an equality of ! 
 
 forces acting in opposite directions, where- j 
 
 by the body acted upon remains at rest, i 
 
 In fine arts, equilibrium means the just [ 
 
 poise or balance of an object, so as to ap- ii 
 
 pear to stand firmly ; figm'atively, it is '\ 
 used to express equanimity of mind, even- ' 
 
 ness of temper. 
 
 Equinoctial, eekwe-nokshai (Latin, 
 ceqvAis, equal ; nox, night). The great 
 cu'cle of the sphere under which the equa- 
 tor of the earth moves in its diurnal 
 coiu'se, and to which, when the sun in his 
 progress to the ecliptic comes, he makes 
 equal days and nights all over the globe, as 
 then he rises due east, and sets due west. 
 Equinoctial gcdes, storms which generally 
 take place about the time the sun crosses 
 the equinoctial. 
 
 Equinox, eekwe-nos (Latin, osqiiiis, 
 equal ; nox, night). The precise time at 
 which the sun enters one of the equinoctial 
 points, for then, moving exactly in the 
 equinoctial circle, he makes our days and 
 nights equal. The equinoxes take place 
 twice a year ; namely, the 21st of March 
 and the 23rd of September ; the first of 
 which is the vernal equinox, and the second 
 the autumnal equinox. 
 
 Equipage, ek-kwe-paje (French, equi- 
 page). The furniture of a horseman ; 
 attendance ; as horses, carnages, and 
 retinue ; the outfit of a militaiy man, 
 particularly arms and their appendages. 
 Tea equipage, a set of china and other 
 articles used for tea, complete. 
 
 Equip, e-kwip (French, equiper, to arm 
 or attire). To dress ; to fit out ; to furnish 
 with arms, or a complete suit of arms, for 
 military seiwice ; to furnish with men, 
 artUleiy, and munitions of war, as a ship ; 
 to fit for sea. 
 
 Equipoise, eekwe-poyz (Latin, cequus, 
 equal ; pondus, weight) , E'quality of weight 
 or force ; equilibrium ; balance. 
 
 Equitable, ek-witah-bul (French, equi- 
 table). Equal in regard to the rights of 
 persons ; giving or disposed to give each 
 his due ; impartial ; just. 
 
122 
 
 EQU 
 
 EEU 
 
 Equity, ekwit-te (Latin, cequitus,^ from 
 ■cequus, equal). Impartial distribution of 
 justice; a just regard to right or claim. 
 Technically, the rules of decision observed 
 by the Court of Chancery. In a general 
 sense, distinguished from mere law. 
 Equity of redemption is the advantage 
 allowed to a mortgagor, of a reasonable 
 time to redeem lands and tenements mort- 
 gaged, when the estate is of greater value 
 than the sum for which it is mortgaged. 
 
 Equivalent, e-kwiwah-lent (Latin, 
 cequus, equal; valeiis, strong). Equal in 
 value, power, or strength ; equal in moral 
 ■''orce, cogency, or etfect on the mind ; 
 equal in excellence or moral worth. That 
 which is equal in value, weight, dignity, or 
 force, with something else. 
 
 Equivalents. In chemistry, a term 
 used to denote the primary proportions 
 in which the various chemical bodies re- 
 ciprocally combine, referred to a common 
 standard, as oxygen or hydrogen, reckoned 
 unity or 1-000. 
 
 Equivocal, e-kwiwah-kal (Lat., cequus, 
 equal ; voco, to name). Literally, words of 
 equal moaning ; being of doubtful signifi- 
 cation ; capable of being understood in 
 'different senses ; a form of expression fre- 
 quently employed to deceive or mislead ; 
 in a general sense, doubtful ; capable of 
 different constructions, as equivocal conduct, 
 an eqidvocai reputation. 
 
 Equivocate, e-kwiwo-kate (Latin, 
 cequus, equal ; voco, to name). To use 
 words of doubtful signification; to give 
 indirect and ambiguous answers ; to ex- 
 press an opinion in terms which admit of 
 different constructions. 
 
 Equivoke, ekkwe-voke (French, eciui- 
 ■voque). An ambig-uous term ; a word 
 susceptible of different significations ; pre- 
 varication. 
 
 Era, e-rah (Latin, cera, a mark upon 
 money). A point or period of time ; an 
 indefinite series of years beginning from 
 some ■unknown epoch ; a point of time fixed 
 by some nation or denomination of men, as 
 the Christian era. 
 
 Eradiate, e-rady-ate (Latin, e, from ; 
 radio, to beam). To shoot foi-th hke rays 
 from the sun ; to emit light or splendour ; 
 to beam. 
 
 Eradicate, e-raddy-kate (Latin, e, 
 from ; radix, a root). To root up, or root 
 ■out ; to destroy utterly. Figuratively, to 
 exterminate evil and wickedness, before it 
 has become a habit, or suffered to tale root. 
 
 Erase, e-rase (Latin, e, out ; rado, to 
 scrape). To scrape or scratch out, as 
 letters or characters written, engraved, or 
 painted ; to obliterate ; to efface ; to 
 draw the pen through, so as to render 
 illegible. 
 
 Ere, ayr (Saxon, cer, first). Before ; 
 sooner than ; as ere-long, ere-now, e?-e- while. 
 
 Ergo, er-go (Latin, ergo). Therefore ; 
 consequently. 
 Erin. One of the names of Ireland. 
 
 Ermine, er-min. The name of a fm- 
 belonging to the ermine or mouse of 
 Armenia. In heraldry, a white field or fur 
 dotted with black spots. This word is 
 used symbolically to denote state or dig- 
 nity ; robes of state being usually trimmed 
 or bound with ermine fur. 
 
 Eroded, e-ro-ded (Latin, erodo, to gnaw). 
 A term, in zoology, applied to an edge 
 when irregularly jagged. 
 
 Erotic, e-rotik (Greek, eros, love). 
 Pertaining to love ; treating of love. Erotic 
 poetry, a term for amatory poetry. The 
 name of erotic writers has been applied 
 particularly to a class of romance writers 
 who belong to the later periods of Greek 
 literature, and whose works abound in 
 sophistical subtleties and meretricious 
 ornaments. 
 
 Errant, er-rant (Latin, erro, to wander). 
 Wandering; rambling; roving about. 
 Knight errants were knights of the Middle 
 Ages who wandered about seeking adven- 
 tures, and vieing with each other in heroism 
 and generosity. 
 
 Erratic, er-ratik (Latin, erro, to 
 wander). Wandering ; not stationary ; 
 having no certain course ; roving about 
 without a fixed destination ; irregTilar ; 
 changeable. 
 
 Erratum, er-raytum (Latin, erratum). 
 An error or mistake in writing or printing ; 
 plural, errata. 
 
 Erse, urs. The language of the descen- 
 dants of the Gaels or Celts in the highlands 
 of Scotland. 
 
 Erst, urst (Saxon, cerest). First ; at 
 first ; formerly ; once upon a time ; long 
 ago ; some time previously ; tiU now. 
 
 Eructation, eruk-tayshun (Latin, e, 
 out ; o'ucto, to belch). The act of throwing 
 up wind from the stomach ; belching : 
 bursting forth. 
 
 Er'adition, er-u-dishun (Latin, e; 
 rudis, ignorant). Deep learning ; thorough 
 knowledge ; instruction gained by study or 
 
 J 
 
EEU 
 
 from books, particularly learning in 
 literature as distinct from the sciences. 
 
 Eruginous, e-ru-jenus (Latio, ccmgi- 
 nosus). Partaking of the nature or 
 substance of copper, or the rust of copper. 
 
 Eruption, e-rupshun (Latin, e, out; 
 rumpo, to break). A breaking out ; a 
 bursting forth ; a violent emission of any- 
 thing, particularly of flames and lava from 
 .-x volcano. In pathology, a breaking ovit 
 of the skin; figuratively, a commotion 
 oaused by the breaking forth of the people. 
 
 Erysipelas, erry-sippy-las (Greek, eryo, 
 to draw; pelas, adjoining). A disease 
 characterised by a particular kind of inflam- 
 mation, vulgarly termed rose, from its red- 
 ness ; and St. Anthony's fire, because that 
 saint was supposed to heal it miraculously. 
 
 Escalade, eskah-lade (French, escalade, 
 a scaling, from echelle, a ladder). In 
 military tactics, the taking or surprising of 
 a place by scaling the walls. 
 
 Escapade, eskah-pahd (French, esca- 
 pade). Literally, the fling or irregular 
 motion of a horse ; hence applied to 
 unconscious impropriety of speech or 
 behaviour. 
 
 Escapement, e-skape-ment. A me- 
 chanical contrivance for transmitting the 
 maintaining power of a clock or watch to 
 the regulator, whether balance or pendu- 
 lum, in order to restore the loss of motion 
 in every vibration, arising from the friction 
 of the acting parts and the resistance of 
 the air. 
 
 Escarp, es-karp (French, escarjjer, to 
 slope). In fortification, the exterior slope, 
 facing fortified works ; the interior slope is 
 the counter-sca,rp. 
 
 Escliar, es-kar (Greek, escliara). A 
 crust or scab caused by the apphcation of 
 caustic to a part of the animal body. 
 
 TUsclieat, es-cheat (Norman, escheir, to 
 happen). Any possession which falls to a 
 lord of fee within his manor, either by 
 forfeiture, death of tenant, failure of heirs, 
 or other contingency. 
 
 Eselie"W, es-tshoo (German, scheuen, to 
 shun). To flee from ; to avoid ; to shun. 
 
 Escort, es-kawrt (French, escorte, a 
 guard). A safeguard or protection on the 
 way ; a g-uide ; convoy ; safe conduct. In 
 military affairs, a body of armed men to 
 protect an ofi&cer, or to guard baggage, 
 provisions, or munition conveyed by land 
 from place to place, to protect them from 
 an enemy, or in general for security. 
 
 ESQ 
 
 123 
 
 Escritoire, eskre-twor (French, ecri- 
 toire). A box witli implements for writing ; 
 or a desk or chest of drawers, with an 
 apartment for the instruments of writing. 
 
 Eseulapian, eskew-laype-un (from 
 JSsculapius, the heathen god of medicine). 
 Medical ; pertaining to the healing art. 
 
 Esculent, eskew-lent (Latin, esca, good 
 for food). Anything eatable, or that can 
 or may be eaten with safety. 
 
 Eseurial, es-kewry-al. The palace or 
 residence of the Sovereign of Spain. 
 
 Escutcheon, es-kutchin (Greek, scu- 
 tum, a shield). In heraldry, the shield on 
 which a coat of arms is represented. It is 
 an imitation of the ancient shields used in 
 war. 
 
 Esophagus, e-sofah-gus (Greek, aio, 
 to perceive ; phago, to eat). The gullet ; 
 the canal or passage leading from the 
 pharynx to the stomach, and through which 
 the food is conveyed from the mouth to 
 the latter. 
 
 Esoteric, es-o-terik (Greek, eso, within, 
 secret). Private ; an epithet applied to 
 the private instructions and doctrines of 
 Pythagoras ; opposed to exoteric. 
 
 Espalier, es-palyer (French, esjpalier, 
 the first seat of rowers in a galley). In 
 gardening, a row of. fruit-trees or orna- 
 mental shrubs, set close together, their 
 boughs interlaced one within the other, 
 and trained up regularly to stakes, rails, or 
 pales. 
 
 Espionage, es-peo-nahje (French, 
 espionage). A systematic employment of 
 spies ; a practice of secretly watching 
 others. 
 
 Esplanade, esplah-nade (French, 
 esplanade). In fortification, a clear space 
 of ground, separating the citadel of a for- 
 tress from the town. The word is used in 
 a general sense for a sloping walk or 
 promenade. 
 
 Espousal, e-spowzal (Latin, e; spon- 
 sum, a promise). Used in or relating to 
 the act of espousing or betrothing ; adop- 
 tion ; protection. 
 
 Esprit de Corps, es-pree de ka^n-r 
 (French). The spirit of the body or asso- 
 ciation; cliqueism; clanship. 
 
 Espy, es-pi (French, epier). To see at 
 a distance ; to seek or search after ; to dis- 
 cover unexpectedly. 
 
 Esquire, es-kwire (French, ecuyer, 
 from Latin, scutiger, a shield-bearer). 
 Anciently, an attendant on a knight ; the 
 
124 
 
 ESS 
 
 ETH 
 
 title next in degree to a knight. The title 
 now pertains to the younger sons of noble- 
 men^ to officers of the royal courts and of 
 the household, to counsellors at law, 
 justices of the peace while in commission, 
 sheriffs, and other gentlemen. Latterly, 
 however, the title of esquire has become 
 a vague compliment, and may be regarded 
 as a mere designation of courtesy, and 
 expression of respect. 
 
 Essay, es-say (French, essay er). To 
 attempt; to make a trial or experiment; 
 to endeavour to perform anything. In 
 literature, a composition intended to prove 
 or illustrate a particular subject, 
 
 Sssayist, es-sajist. One who writes 
 essays. 
 
 Essence, es-sens (Latin, essens, being). 
 The nature, substance, or being of any- 
 thing ; the real, internal, but generally un- 
 known constitution of things, whereon 
 their discoverable qualities depend. In 
 popular language, perfume, odour. 
 
 Essential, es-senshal (Latin, essens, 
 being). Necessary to existence; highly 
 important ; the chief point. 
 
 Essential Oils. Oils obtained by dis- 
 tillation from odoriferous vegetable sub- 
 stances. Several of the volatile or essen- 
 tial oils are called essences. 
 
 Estafette, estah-fet (Spanish, esta/eito). 
 A term made use of originally for a military 
 courier, but now used in all the modern 
 countries of Europe to denote an express 
 consigned to the care of postillions, who are 
 changed with every relay of horses till the 
 express reaches the point of destination. 
 
 Estate, es-tate (Latin, statum, con- 
 dition). A term applied to all or any of 
 the circumstances under which anything 
 stands or exists, or by which it may be 
 affected; more especially applied to the 
 rank or condition of a person ; possessions 
 and property; also, to the general estab- 
 lishment of Government, In law, the 
 interest a person has in lands, tenements, 
 •or other effects. 
 
 Estates of tlie Sealm. In poHtics, 
 the several parts of the English Government, 
 consisting of King or Queen, Lords, and 
 Commons ; of late years the public press has, 
 by common consent, been added to these, 
 and is distinguished as " the fourth estate," 
 
 Esthetics, es-thettiks (Greek, aisthe- 
 tikos, endovred with sensibility), A philo- 
 sophical science which cultivates a taste 
 for everything beautiful and sublime in 
 nature and art. 
 
 Estoppel, e-stop-pel (French, eiotcper, 
 to impede). In law, an impediment or 
 bar to an action arising from a person's 
 own act or deed, against which he is for- 
 bidden to plead. 
 
 Estovers, esto-verz (Norman, estoffer, 
 to store). In law, reasonable allowance 
 out of lands or goods for the sustenance of 
 a felon in prison, a woman divorced, &c. 
 The term is more commonly taken for the 
 allowance of wood to tenants, called from 
 the Saxon, house-bote, plough-bote, fir^- 
 bote, cart- bote, &c. 
 
 Estrade, es-trahd (French). An even 
 or level place ; a balcony. 
 
 Estrange, es-tranje (French, etranger). 
 To alienate ; to keep at a distance ; to 
 withdraw ; to shun or avoid ; to withhold 
 from ; to turn from kiudness to indiffe- 
 rence or malevolence. 
 
 Estreat, e-streat (Latin, ex, from ; 
 tractum, drawn out). In law, a copy, note, 
 or an extract of some original record, espe- 
 cially that of fines, set down in the rolls of 
 court, to be levied by the bailiff or other 
 officer on every offender. Estreated recog- 
 nizances are such as become forfeited or 
 absolute ; and being estreated or extracted 
 from the other records and sent up to the 
 Exchequer, the party and his sureties 
 become the sovereign's absolute debtor. 
 
 Estuary, es-tuaiy (Latin, cestuo, to 
 boil, or be agitated). An arm of the sea; 
 a frith ; a narrow passage, or the mouth of 
 a river or lake where the tide meets the 
 current, or flows and ebbs. 
 
 Etat Major, ay-tah mah-zhor (French). 
 Officers attached to the person of a com- 
 mander ; staff, 
 
 Et Cetera, et-setty-ra (Latin). The 
 rest ; and so forth ; contracted etc and <fcc. 
 Employed in speaking and writing when 
 the leading subjects have been denoted, 
 and it is not considered necessary to detail 
 what comes after. 
 
 Etching, etch-ing (German, etzen). 
 The art of engraving on metal by means of 
 first dravknng lines or strokes, and then 
 appljdng aquafortis ; the impression taken 
 from an etched plate. 
 
 Etesian, e-te-zhan (Latin, etesius). 
 Periodical ; stated. A term applied to 
 yearly or anniversary winds, answering to 
 the monsoons of the East Indies. 
 
 Ethereal, eethe-real (Greek, aither). 
 Formed of ether ; containing or filled with 
 ether; heavenly; celestial; consisting of 
 ether or spirit. 
 
ETH 
 
 EVA 
 
 123 
 
 Ethics, eth-iks (Greek, ethos, manner). 
 Kelating to manners or morals ; treating 
 of morality; pertaining to the theory of 
 morals; the science of moral philosophy. 
 
 Ethnical, eth-ue-kal (Greek, etJinos, a 
 nation, or people). Heathen ; pagan ; 
 applied to nations not of the Jewish or 
 the Christian faith. 
 
 Ethnology, eth-uollo-je (Greek, eihnos, 
 a nation ; logos, a discourse). The science 
 that treats of the various races of men. 
 
 Etiolation, eetio-layshun (Greek, aitho, 
 to shine). The operation of being whitened, 
 or of becoming white ; the process of 
 whitening plants, by excluding the light 
 of the sun. 
 
 Etiology, eety-ollo-je (Greek, aitia, a 
 cause ; logos, a discourse). That branch 
 of pathology which treats of the causes of 
 disease. 
 
 Etiquette, etty-ket (French). Polite- 
 ness ; forms of ceremony or decorum ; the 
 forms which are observed towards particu- 
 lar persons at particular places. The 
 word etiquette means literally, a iiclcet or 
 small card, on which the foi-ms and cere- 
 monies necessary to be observed at court, 
 &c., on pai-ticular occasions were inscribed ; 
 thence ''according to etiquette," means 
 according to the ticket or prescribed form. 
 
 Etruscan, e-trus-kan. A native of 
 Etruria ; belonging to Etruria, the ancient 
 name of a district in Italy. 
 
 Etui, et-we (French, etui). A case for 
 pocket instruments. 
 
 Etsrmology, etty-mollo-jy (Greek, ety- 
 inos, true ; logos, a discourse). That 
 branch of philosophy which treats of the 
 origin and derivation of words. The term, 
 as used in grammar, implies not only deri- 
 vation, but also inflection of nouns and 
 verbs. 
 
 Eu. A Greek prefix attached to many- 
 words, particularly scientific terms, signi- 
 fying well, good, fine. 
 
 Eucharist, u-ka-risf (Greek, eu, good ; 
 chai-is, thanks). The sacrament of the 
 Lord's Supper ; the act of giving thanks. 
 
 Euchology, u-kollo-jy (Greek, euche, 
 prayer; logos, a discourse). The name of 
 the ritual of the Greek Church, in which 
 the order and administration of their cere- 
 monies, sacraments, ordinations, &c., are 
 inscribed. 
 
 Euclitie, eu-klitik (Greek, egUitihos, 
 inclined). In grammar, a term applied to 
 particles or words so closely connected 
 
 with others as to seem parts of them, as qm 
 in virumgue. 
 
 Eucrasy, u-krah-se (Greek, eu; Iratys, 
 strong). An agreeable temperament or 
 good condition of body. 
 
 Eulogy, u-lo-je (Greek, eu, favourable ; 
 logos, discourse). Praise ; panegyric : a 
 speech or writing in commendation of a 
 person, on account of his valuable qualities 
 or services. 
 
 Euphemism, u-fe-mizm (Greek, eu, 
 well; phemi, to speak). A rhetorical 
 figure, in which a soft or agreeable word or 
 expression is substituted for one which is 
 offensive to delicate ears. 
 
 Euphony, u-fo-ne (Greek, e^i, agree-, 
 able; j)hon§, sound). Harminous sound; 
 an easy, smooth enunciation of sounds ; a 
 pronunciation of words and letters which 
 is pleasing to the ear. 
 
 European, u-ro-peean. Pertaining to 
 Europe ; a native of Europe. 
 
 Euthanasia, u-than-ayzhea (Greek, eu, 
 good; tkanatos, death). An easy, qiiiet 
 death ; among divines, death in a state of 
 grace. In politics, it means such peculiar 
 theories as have the best tendency to up- 
 hold the state, or disentangle it from difii- 
 culties. 
 
 Evacuate, e-vakku-ate (Latin, e, from 
 vaco, to be empty). To make empty ; to 
 throw out or draw out till empty ; to leave 
 empty ; to quit ; to withdi*aw from a place. 
 
 Evade, e-vade (Latin, e, from; vado, 
 to go). To go out or away ; to avoid by 
 dexterity ; to escape by strategem or arti- 
 fice ; to elude ; to escape. 
 
 Evanescent, evan-nessent (Latin, e, 
 from ; vanesco, to vanish). Vanishing ; 
 waning ; decaying or falling away ; dis- 
 appearing from the sensations or pej'cep- 
 tions ; fieeting. 
 
 Evangelical, evan-jelle-kal. Accord- 
 ing to the Gospel ; sound in the doctrines 
 of the Gospel ; orthodox. A term used to 
 designate the low cMtrch party by way of 
 distinction from Jiigh church. 
 
 Evangels, e-vanjells (Greek, eu, good; 
 angelos, messenger). Another term for the 
 four Gospels written by the Evangelists. 
 
 Evaporate, e-vappo-i-ate (Latin, e, 
 from ; vapoi', vapour). To pass off in 
 vapour ; to waste insensibly ; to disperse 
 in steam or smoke ; to vanish into air. 
 
 Evasion, e-vayzhun (Latin, e, from; 
 vado, to go). The act of eluding, avoiding, 
 or escaping ; particularly from the cogency 
 
126 
 
 EYE 
 
 EXC 
 
 of an argument^ from an accusation or 
 charge, or from an interrogatory ; excuse ; 
 subterfuge ; equivocation. 
 
 Eventide, eevun-tide {even, evening; 
 and Saxon, tid, time). The time of even- 
 ing. 
 
 Bventfiil, e-vent-ful (Latin, e, forth ; 
 i-e7iio, to come). Full of events or inci- 
 dents ; marked with changes ; momen- 
 tous. 
 
 Eventuate, e-ventu-ate (Latin, e, 
 from ; fenio, to come). To issue ; to 
 terminate ; to come to an end. 
 
 Evergreen. A term applied to plants 
 frhich have persistent or perennial leaves ; 
 that is, leaves which remain perfect upon 
 the plant beyond a single season, as holly, 
 common laurel, myrtle, &c. 
 
 Evict, e-vikt (Latin, e, out ; victum, con- 
 quered). To take away by a sentence of 
 law ; to recover lands or tenements by 
 law ; to dispossess. 
 
 Evoke, e-voke (Latin, e, forth ; 'voco, 
 to call). To summon forth ; to appeal ; to 
 remove ; to cause anything 'to be brought 
 from concealment. 
 
 Evolution, ewo-lewshun (Latin, e, 
 out ; volvo, to roll). Literally, the act of 
 imfolding or unrolling ; a series of things 
 unfolded or unrolled. In mUitary tactics, 
 certain movements by which the disposi- 
 tion of troops is changed, as the doubhng 
 of ranlcs or files, wheeling, counter-march- 
 ing, &c. 
 
 Ex. A prefix signifying out of, from, 
 out. Also used to denote the being out of 
 office once held, as an ex-mayor, an ex- 
 memher. 
 
 Exaction, egz-akshun (Latin, ex, from ; 
 acti'jii, driven). Extoition; unjust demand ; 
 anything enforced or obtained by pressure. 
 
 Exacerbate, egz-asser-bate (Latin, ex, 
 from ; acerhus, bitterness, sharpness). To 
 embitter ; to increase mahgnant qualities ; 
 to irritate ; to inflame angry passions. 
 
 Exaggerate, egz-ajjy-rate (Latin, ex; 
 a.ggei^, a heap). Literally, to heap up; 
 hence, in a figurative sense, to heighten by 
 representation; to enlarge beyond the 
 truth. In painting, to heighten in colour 
 or design. 
 
 Exasperate, egz-aspy-rate (Latin, ex ; 
 asper, rough or sharp). To ii-ritate ; to 
 aggravate ; to provoke ; to excite anger, or 
 to inflame it to an extreme degree. 
 
 Ex catliedra, eks kathee-dra. A Latin 
 phrase applied to every decision pro- 
 
 
 nounced by one in the exercise of his 
 authority — a professor in his chair, a judge 
 from the bench, &c. Ironically applied to 
 any opinion or dictum expressed with an 
 air of authority and self-sufficiency. j 
 
 Excavation, eks-kah-vayshun (Latin, 
 ex, out ; cavus, hollow). The digging out 
 a cavity or hollow ; a hollow or cavity 
 formed by remoiing the internal sub- 
 stance. 
 
 Excellency, eksel-lensy (Latin, ex- 
 cellentia) . A title of honour formerly given 
 to kings and emperors, but now applied to 
 governors, ambassadors, &c., who are 
 elevated by virtue of particular offices. It 
 is in no case hereditary or transferable, 
 but belongs to the office. 
 
 Excelsior, ek-»elsy-or (Latta, excelsiis, 
 high, lofty). This word is the comparative 
 of high, and signifies " stiU higher ;" figu- 
 ratively, to endeavour to excel in any 
 pursuit or performance, to rise higher in 
 fame, public estimation, &c. 
 
 Exception, ek-sepshun (Latin, excipio, 
 to take out). Exclusion ; objection through 
 dislike or disapproval ; exclusion from 
 what is comprehended in a general rule or 
 proposition. In law, a stop or stay to an 
 action. In common law, a denial of matter 
 in bar to an action. In chancery, an excep- 
 tion is that which is alleged against the suffi- 
 ciency of an answer. 
 
 Excerpts, ek-serpts (Latin, ex, out; 
 carpo, to pluck). Things picked or cuUed 
 out; passages selected from authors; 
 extracts. 
 
 Exchange. In commerce, a term ap- 
 plied to a building or other place in 
 considerable trading cities, where the 
 merchants, agents, bankers, brokers, and 
 other persons engaged in commerce, as- 
 semble at certain times to confer and 
 treat together of matters relating to ex- 
 changes,- remittances, payments, assur- 
 ances, freights, and other mercantile 
 negotiations both by land and sea. This 
 word is commonly contracted into ^Change. 
 
 Exchequer, eks-chekker (French,ec7«€c). 
 An ancient comi; of record, intended prin- 
 cipally to collect and superintend the 
 revenues and debts of the Crown, and so 
 called from scaccharium, denoting a 
 chequered cloth which covers the table. The 
 exchequer consists of two divisions : the 
 receipt of the exchequer which manages 
 the revenue, and the judicial department, 
 which is sub-divided into a court of equYty^ 
 and a court of common law. 
 
EXC 
 
 EXH 
 
 127 
 
 Exchequer Bills. Bills or tickets 
 issued by the Exchequer, payable out of 
 the produce of a particular tax, or generally 
 out of the supplies granted for the year. 
 
 Excise, ek-size (Latin, ex, out ; ccesura, 
 cut). The name given to the taxes or 
 duties levied on commodities consumed at 
 home, and on certain licenses. 
 
 Exclusive, eks-klewsiv (Latin, ex, out ; 
 claudo, to shut). Debarring from partici- 
 pation ; a coterie or social company which 
 excludes others, 
 
 Excommuiiicate, eks-communy-kate 
 (Latin, ex, out of ; communico, to commu- 
 nicate). To expel from communion ; to 
 exclude or debar a person from partaking 
 of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; to 
 put out of the pale of the Church. 
 
 Excoriation, eks-kory-ayshun (Latin, 
 excoi-io, to remove the skin). An abrasion 
 or stripping of the skin ; the act of -wear- 
 ing or rubbing off. 
 
 Excrescence, eks-kres-sens (Latin, ex, 
 out of ; cresco, to grow). That which grows 
 out uselessly and superfluously ; a pi'eter- 
 natural protuberance of growth on any 
 part of the body of an animal or plant. 
 
 Excruciating, eks-krooshe-ayting 
 (Latin, ex ; crux, a cross). Excessively 
 painful ; extremely distressing ; agony in 
 the greatest degree. 
 
 Exculpate, eks-kulpate (Latin, ex ; 
 culpo, to blame). To free from blame ; to 
 clear from any charge or accusation. 
 
 Excursive, eks-kursiv (Latin, ex, out 
 of ; curro, to run). Eambling ; wandering 
 or deviating; departing from bounds or 
 method. 
 
 Exeat, eks-e-at. An ecclesiastical tenn 
 for the permission granted by a bishop to a 
 priest to go out of his diocese. 
 
 Execrable, eksy-krah-bul (Latin, ex, 
 out of ; sacer, holy). Detestable ; hateful ; 
 accursed ; held in utter detestation or 
 abomination. 
 
 Execution, eksy-kewshun (Latin, ex, 
 out ; sequor, to follow). In law, a judicial 
 writ grounded on the judgment of the 
 court whence it issues, and supposed to 
 be granted by the court at the request of 
 the party at whose suit it is issued, to give 
 him satisfaction on the judgment which 
 has been obtained. 
 
 Executive, eks-ekku-tiv. In politics, 
 that branch of the Government which 
 carries out the functions of the State. 
 
 The word is used in distinction from 
 legislative and judicial. 
 
 Executor, eks-ekku-tor (Latin, ex, out ; 
 sequor, to follow). One who executes, or 
 carries into effect. In law, ' a person ap- 
 pointed by another in his last will and 
 testament, to perform or execute the com- 
 mands and dii'ections contained therein 
 after his decease ; if a person so appointed 
 be a female, she is termed an executrix. 
 
 Exemplar, egs-emplar (Latin). A 
 model, original, or pattern to be copied or 
 Imitated. 
 
 Exemplary, egs-emplah-re (Latin, 
 exevyph'.m, a model). Worthy of imita- 
 tion ; serving as a model ; such as may 
 serve as a warning to others. 
 
 Exemplify, egs-emply-fi (Latin, exem- 
 phtrii, an example; fio, to be made). To 
 illustrate by example ; to take an attested 
 copy ; to prove or show by copy. 
 
 Exempt, egs-empt (Latin, ex, out ; 
 erao, to take). To free from something to 
 which others are subjected ; to release, 
 acquit, or discharge. 
 
 Exequator, eksy-kway-tur (Latin, 
 exequator). An official recognition of a 
 person in the character of consul, or com- 
 mission agent, authorising him to execute 
 his powers in the place to which he is sent. 
 
 Exfoliation, ex-foly-ayshun (Latin, 
 ex, out of ; foli^'.m, a leaf). Insiu'gery, the 
 act of scaling a bone ; the state of a bone- 
 which breaks off in scales. 
 
 Exhale, egz-hale (Latin, ex, out ; halo. 
 to breathe). To breathe out ; to send or 
 draw out in vapour ; to evaporate. 
 
 Exhaustion, egs-hawst-shun (Latin, 
 ex, from ; hav.rio, to draw). The act of 
 di'awing out or emptying; the state of 
 being deprived of strength or spirits. 
 
 Exhibit, egs-hibbit (Latin, ex, out ; 
 habeo, to have). To expose to view ; to 
 bring or put forth. In a medical sense, to 
 administer. In law, a deed or writing 
 proved by a witness or admitted by the 
 parties to a suit in chancery, in the equity 
 side of the Court of Exchequer or 
 bankruptcy. 
 
 Exhilarate, egs-hilly-rate (Latin, ex ; 
 hilaris, merry). To gladden ; to enliven j 
 to make cheerful or merry. 
 
 Exhume, egs-hiune (Latin, ex; liumus, 
 ground). To take out of the earth that 
 which has been buried ; to disinter a 
 corpse. 
 
128 
 
 EXI 
 
 Exigence, eksy-gens (Latin, exigo, to 
 press severely). Urgency ; pressing? 
 necessity ; sudden occasion ; demand ; 
 want. 
 
 Exile, eg-zile (Latin, extil, a banished 
 person). The state of a person who is 
 banished from his native land ; the person 
 "banished. 
 
 Exit, eg-zit (Latin, exit, a going out). 
 In theatrical parlance, implies that an 
 actor has gone out of sight or left the 
 Btage. Figuratively, a departure from life ; 
 death, or passage out of any place. 
 
 Exodus, ekso-dus (Greek, elc, out; 
 odos, a journey). Departure from a place, 
 particularly the departure of the Israelites 
 from Egypt under the guidance of Moses. 
 
 Ex-officio, eks-of-fish-sheo (Latin). By 
 virtue of office, and . without special 
 authority. 
 
 Exogenous, eks-ojjy-nus (Greek, exo, 
 without; gennao, to briug forth). A terra 
 applied io plants which increase by addi- 
 tions to the outer wood, in contradistinction 
 to endogenous. 
 
 Exonerate, ex-onny-rate (Latin, ex; 
 onus, a burden). To unload ; to disburden ; 
 to free from blame; to deliver from a 
 charge ; to clear the character of impu- 
 tation. 
 
 Exorbitant, egs-awrby-tant (Latin, 
 ex, out ; orbita, a track). Literally, the 
 going or moving out of an oi-hit, or cu'cle ; 
 hence, exceeding bounds ; going beyond 
 limits ; excessive ; enonnous ; ex- 
 travagant. 
 
 Exorcise, eks-orsize (Greek, exorlizo, 
 to adjure). To adjure by some holy name ; 
 to charge upon oath ; and thus, by the use 
 of certain words, and the performance of 
 certain ceremonies, to subject evil spii-its to 
 command and exact obedience. 
 
 Exordium, egz-ordy-um (Latin, exor- 
 dium). Introduction, preamble, or preface. 
 In oratory, the introductory part of a dis- 
 course which prepares the hearers for the 
 main subject. 
 
 Exoteric, ekso-terik (Greek, exo, with- 
 out). External ; public ; opposed to 
 esoteric, or secret. The exoteric doctrines 
 of ancient philosophers were those which 
 were openly professed and taught. The 
 ©Id English equivalent for this word was 
 outlandish. 
 
 Exotic, eks-ottik (Greek, exotiJcos, 
 foreign). An appellation for the produce 
 £)i" foreign countries. Exotic plants are 
 
 EXP 
 
 such as belong to a soil and climate entirely 
 different from the place where they ara 
 raised, and therefore can be preserved for 
 the most part only by means of artificial 
 culture. 
 
 _ Ex parte, ex par-te (Latin). A term 
 signifying on one side ; a partial statement, 
 or that which is made by one side only. 
 A commission ex parte, in Chancery, is when 
 a commission is taken out and executed by 
 one side or party only, upon the other 
 party refusing or neglecting to join in the 
 same. 
 
 Expatiate, eks-pashy-ate (Latin, ex, 
 out ; spatior, to wander). Literally, to 
 spread through space ; hence, to enlarge, 
 or treat of in a copious manner. 
 
 Expatriate (Latin, ex, out of ; patria, 
 our country). To banish from one's home 
 or native country ; to renounce citizenship 
 and allegiance. 
 
 Expectant, eks-pektant (Latin, ex, 
 out ; specto, to look). Waiting in expec- 
 tation ; one who waits in expectation, or 
 looks for. In law, an expectant estate is one 
 which is suspended till the determination 
 of some particular estate. 
 
 Expectation, ekspek-tayshun (Latin, 
 ex, out ; specto, to look). A looking or 
 waiting for. In the doctrine of chances, 
 the value of any prospect or prize de- 
 pending upon the happening of some 
 uncertain event. In the doctrine of life 
 annuities, the particular number of years 
 which a life of a given age has an equal 
 chance of enjoying, or the term which a 
 person of a given age may justly expect to 
 live. 
 
 Expectorate, eks-pekto-rate (Latin, 
 ex, out of ; pectus, the breast). To dis- 
 charge from the breast by coughing ; to 
 eject by coughing or spitting. 
 
 Expediency, eks-peedy-ensy (Latin, 
 ex ; pes, a foot). Fitness ; propriety ; con- 
 venience ; suitableness ; adaptability to 
 some end or purpose. 
 
 Expedite, ekspe-dite (Latin, ex, out ; 
 pes, a foot). To hasten ; to facihtate ; to 
 give speed or dispatch to ; to open a speedy 
 and ready way. 
 
 Expedition, ekspe-disshun (Latin, ex, 
 out ; pes, afoot). Haste ; speed ; activity ; 
 a march or voyage; an enterprise by a 
 number of persons. 
 
 Expel, eks-pel (Latin, ex, out; pello, 
 to drive, or force). To drive out ; to force 
 away ; to hold or keep out or away ; to ex- 
 clude ; to eject ; to banish. 
 
EXP 
 
 Expend, eks-pend (Latin, ex, out; 
 ff)vdOi to pay). To pay away money; to 
 disbvirse ; to defray costs and charges ; to 
 employ ; to consume ; to dissipate ; to 
 waste. 
 
 Experiment, eks-perry-ment (Latin, 
 experior, to attempt). A trial ; an attempt; 
 a search or inquiry to learn or ascertain 
 by trial ; au act or operation designed to 
 discover some unknown truth, principle, 
 or effect, or to establish it when discovered. 
 
 Experimental Philosophy. A 
 
 term applied to those branches of science 
 the deductions of which are founded on 
 experiment or trial, as contrasted with 
 the moral, mathematical, and reflective 
 branches. 
 
 Exp^ert, eks-purt (Latin, experior, to 
 attempt). Skilful ; dexterous ; taught by 
 practice. A n expert is one who has singular 
 readiness and adroitness ; the term is 
 especially applied to a person skilled in 
 distinguishing hand-writings, detecting 
 erasures, tracing forgeries, &c. 
 
 Expiation, ekspe-ayshun (Latin, ex; 
 pio, to worship). The act of atoning for a 
 crime ; the means by which atonement is 
 made; the atoning for impious acts by 
 pious deeds. 
 
 Expiration, ekspe-rayshun (Latin, ex, 
 out ; spiro, to breathe). Literally, a 
 breathing out, the emission of the last 
 breath ; hence, the passing away as a 
 breath, applied to circumstances or time. 
 
 Expletive, eks-pletiv (Latin, expleo, 
 to fill up ; from 2^lsmis, fuU). Something 
 introduced to fill up ; an addition for 
 supply or ornament ; words unnecessarily 
 introduced either in speaking or writlig— 
 for instance : "I^ow Barabbas was a robber." 
 
 Explicit, eks-plissit (Latin, ex; plico, 
 to fold). Unfolded; clear; straightforward; 
 plain ; manifest ; orders or directions 
 given in such a manner as not ta be mis- 
 iinderstood. 
 
 Exploit, eks-ployt (Latin, ex; pletum, 
 filled). Anything accomplished or achieved 
 with some danger or difficulty; also, a 
 great act of wickedness. 
 
 Explore, eks-plore (Latin, ex, out ; 
 2)loro, to search). To search for ; making- 
 discovery ; to try or prove by searching ; 
 to piy or examine into. 
 
 Explosion, oks-plozhun (Latin, ex; 
 plaudo, to clap the hands). Literally, the 
 driving off by clapping the hands ; a burst- 
 ingr with noise ; a sudden expansion of 
 
 EXP 
 
 129 
 
 elastic fluid with loud discharge ; the dis- 
 charge of fire-arms or gunpowder with a 
 loud report. 
 
 Exponent, eks-ponent (Latin, ex, out ; 
 pono, to put). In algebra, the number or 
 figure which, placed above a root at the 
 right hand, denotes how often that root is 
 repeated, or how many multiplications are 
 necessary to produce the power. In a 
 general sense, a person or thing put forth 
 to represent certain views, opinions, &c. 
 
 Export, eks-port (Latin, ex, out ; porto, 
 to carry). To carry out or send goods in 
 traffic, from one country to another. Ex- 
 ports are articles of commerce sent out of 
 one country or place, to be carried into 
 another. 
 
 Exposd, eks-po-zay (French). A dis- 
 closure ; a laying open or making public ; 
 a formal statement of facts, reasons, &c. 
 A denouncing of something disreputable. 
 
 Exposition, ekspo-zisshun (Latin, «r, 
 out ; pono, to piit). Explanation ; situa- 
 tion for opening to view; an exhibition 
 of arts, &c. 
 
 Ex post facto, eks-post-fakto (Latin). 
 In law, a phrase used to denote something- 
 done after another thing that was com- 
 mitted before, and after the time it should 
 have been done. An ex post facto laxv is 
 one which operates upon a subject not 
 liable to it at the time the law wa» 
 made. 
 
 Expostulate, eks-postew-late (Latin, 
 ex; postulo, to demand or complain). To 
 reason earnestly ; to remonstrate ; to 
 demand or require as a right. 
 
 Expound, eks-pound (Latin, ex, out: 
 pono, to put). To explain ; to interpret ; 
 to lay open the meaning; to clear from 
 obscurity. 
 
 Expressed oil. An oil obtained by 
 pressure from the substance containing it, 
 as olive oil from the olive, almond oil from 
 the almond, &c. 
 
 Expulsion, eks-pulshun (Latin, ex, 
 out ; pello, to drive). The act of expelling^ 
 or driving out ; a driving away by -violence ; 
 ejecting. 
 
 Expunge, eks-punge (Latin, ex, out ; 
 pungo, to prick, o^ oross with a pen). To 
 strike out ; to erase as with a pen; to wipe 
 out, or efface. 
 
 Expurgation, ekspur-gayshun (Latin, 
 ex, out; purgo, to purge). The act of 
 cleansing; clearing out, ejecting; ex- 
 pelling. 
 
130 
 
 EXQ 
 
 Exquisite, eks-kwiz-zit (Latin, tx, 
 out ; (jucero, to search). Sought out ; 
 picked, culled, or chosen ; and thus perfect, 
 excellent, exact. An exquisite is a term 
 applied in raillery to a dandy or fop. 
 
 Extant, eks-tant (Latin, ex, out; sto, 
 to stand). Literally, standing out or 
 above any surface ; in being ; now sub- 
 sisting. 
 
 Extempore, eks-tempore (liatin, ex, 
 out; tempus, time). Without previous 
 study ; arising from or out of the time or 
 occasion ; quick ; sudden ; prompt. 
 
 Extension, eks-tenshun (Latin, ex, 
 out; tendo, to stretch). The act of 
 stretching out or spreading ; the state of 
 being extended ; enlargement. 
 
 Extensor, eks-ten-sur (Latin, ex, out , 
 Undo, to stretch). In anatomy, a muscle 
 which serves to extend any part, or to 
 strengthen the limb or organ to which its 
 movable extremity is attached. 
 
 Extent, eks-tent. Space ; bulk ; com- 
 pass; length. In law, a writ of execution, 
 commanding a sheriff to value the lands of 
 a debtor. Sometimes the term is taken as 
 -the act of the sheriff or other commis- 
 sioner in making the valuation on the 
 writ. 
 
 Extenuate, eks-tennu-ate (Latin, ex; 
 Unuis, slender). Literally, to make thin, 
 slender, or small ; hence to lessen, diminish, 
 weaken, or impair in representation. Ex- 
 tenuating circumstances are those that 
 diminish a crime. 
 
 Exterior, eks-teery-ur (Latin, exte)\ 
 outward). Outward; external; foreign; 
 applied to the outer surface of a body. 
 
 Exterminate, eks-tennin-ate (Latin, 
 €x ; termino, to end). To drive out or 
 expel from the bounds or limits ; to root 
 out or eradicate ; to utterly destroy ; to put 
 an end to. 
 
 Extinct, eks-tinkt (Latin, extinguo, to 
 extinguish). Put out; erased or oblite- 
 rated; no longer existing; annihilated; 
 destroyed. 
 
 Extinguish, eks-tingwish (Latin, ex- 
 tinguo, to exting^iish). To put out; to 
 quench ; to suffocate ; to destroy. 
 
 Extirpate, ekster-pate (Latin, ex, 
 out; stirps, a root). To root out; to 
 remove, or destroy all vestiges of. 
 * Extol, eks-tol (Latin, ex; iollo, to lift 
 up). To raise up; to exalt; to praise or 
 commend highly ; to magnify. 
 
 EXU 
 
 Extort, eks-tawrt (Latin, ex, out; 
 torqueo, to twist). To wrest or wring from 
 by force ; to draw from by compulsion ; to 
 gain by violence. 
 
 Extra, eks-trah. A Latin preposition 
 denoting beyond, without, more than, 
 further than ; as, extra worJc, extra pay, 
 extra-ordinary. 
 
 Extract, ek-strakt (Latin, ex, out; 
 tralw, to draw). To di*aw out ; to bring 
 from ; to write or copy out ; to take from ; 
 to select. 
 
 Extra-judicial, eks - trah - ju - dishal 
 {extra, without ; and judicial). Out of the 
 proper court, or the ordinary course of 
 legal procedure. 
 
 Extra-mundane, eks-trah mvm-dane 
 (Latin, extra, without ; mundamcs, belong- 
 ing to the world). Beyond the limits or 
 out of the laws of the material world. 
 
 Extra-parochial, ex-trah pa-roky-al 
 (Latin, ext7-a, without ; parochia, a parish). 
 Out of a parish; beyond its limits and 
 jurisdiction. 
 
 Extravaganza, eks-travah-gan-zah 
 (Italian). In music, a term applied to any 
 wild and incoherent composition. The 
 term is also used for a species of irregular 
 dramatic pieces, generally of the burlesque 
 kind. 
 
 Extravasation, eks-trawah-sayshun 
 (Latin, extra ; vas, a vessel). In pathology, 
 the art of forcing matter, especially blood 
 or serum, out of the proper vessels. 
 
 Extremity, eks-tremmy-te (Latin, ex- 
 tremus, extreme). The utmost point or 
 side ; furthest from a mean ; the point or 
 border which terminates anything; ex- 
 treme or utmost need ; the utmost rigour 
 or violence ; €he most aggravated state. 
 
 Extricate, eks-trekate (Latin, ex, out 
 of; tricce, impediments). To free from 
 any impediment, stop, let, or hindrance ; 
 to disentangle ; to disembarrass ; to un- 
 fetter. 
 
 Extrinsic, eks-trinsik (Latin, extra, 
 without ; secus, near to). From without ; 
 outward ; foreign to ; not contained in or 
 belonging to a body ; opposed to intrinsic. 
 
 Extrude, eks-trude (Latin, ex, out; 
 irudo, to thrust). To thrust out ; to urge, 
 force, or press out ; to expel ; to driv6 
 away. 
 
 Exuberance, egs-ewber-ans (Latin, 
 ex; uber, plentiful). Abundance ; excess ; 
 luxuriance ; overgrowth ; superfluity. 
 
EXU 
 
 , ' Exudation, eks-u-dayshun (Latin, ex, 
 out ; sicdo, to sweat). Dischargwj by 
 sweating; a discharge of moisture or 
 humours from animal bodies; moisture 
 from the earth. 
 
 Exult, egs-ult (Latin, ex, out ; salto, to 
 leap). Literally, to leap up, to bound; 
 hence, to rejoice greatly, to leap for joy. 
 
 Exuvise, eks-u-ve-e (Latin, exv^vioe). 
 Cast skins or shells; something cast off; 
 fossil remains. 
 
 Ex Voto, eks vo-to (Latin). A votive 
 gift, such as a picture dedicated to a 
 temple. 
 
 E"we,yu (Saxon, eoive). A female sheep. 
 
 Ewer, yn-ur (Saxon, hwer). A kind of 
 large pitcher to hold water, such as that 
 with which wash-stands are furnished. 
 
 Eyas, ias. A young eagle or hawk 
 just taken from the nest, and not able to 
 seek its own prey. 
 
 Eyesore, i-sore. Something offensive 
 to the eye or sight. 
 
 Eyesplice, i-splise. In nautical lan- 
 guage, a sort of eye or circle at the end of 
 a rope . 
 
 Eyetooth., i-tooth. A tooth imder 
 the eye ; a pointed tooth in the upj'er jaw, 
 next to the grinders, called also a canine 
 tooth. 
 
 Eyre, ayr (old French), A journey or 
 •circuit. The justices in eyre were itinerant 
 judges, who rode the cii-cuit to hold courts 
 in the different counties. 
 
 Eyrie, ay-re. The place where birds 
 of prey build their nests and hatch their 
 jouns;-. Written also eyry and aerie. 
 
 Pa, fah. In music, one of the syllables, 
 serving to mark the fourth note of the 
 modern scale, which rises thuswi, re, mi, fa. 
 
 Fabian Policy, faybe-an pol-issy. A 
 term synonymous with delay ; dilatoriness ; 
 avoiding battle, in imitation of Fabius 
 Maximus, a Roman general, who baffled an 
 invader by declining to risk a battle in 
 the open field, but harassing the enemy 
 by marches, counter-marches, and ambus- 
 cades. 
 
 Fable, fay-bul (Latin, fabnla, some- 
 thing talked about). A feigned tale or 
 Btory intended to instruct and amuse ; a 
 fictitious story intended to enforce some 
 moral precept or wholesome truth; in a 
 general sense, anything feigfned ; any 
 
 f'AC 
 
 131 
 
 purely fictitious narrative ; a more delicate 
 tenn for falsehood. 
 
 Fabric, fab-rik (Latin, faber, a work- 
 man). A building; a structure; the 
 manner by which the parts of a thing are 
 united by art and labour ; a textm'e : a 
 manufactured article, such as cloth, woollen 
 stuffs, &c. 
 
 Fabrication, fabrik-ayshun (Latin, 
 fabrico, to frame). The act of framing 
 and constructing; hence, in a figurative 
 sense, the act of devising falsely, forging, 
 or inventing with evil intention ; also, tbe 
 thing devised, invented, or forged. 
 
 Facade, fa-sade (Latin, fades, the 
 form). The face or front of a buiLding; 
 front view or elevation of an edifice. 
 
 Facet, fas-et (French, /ace^e). A small 
 face or smiace, as of a diamond. 
 
 Facetiae, fa-se-she-e (Latin). A collec- 
 tion of humorous writings and witty 
 sayings. 
 
 Facetious, fah-se-shus (Latin, facetus, 
 witty). Merry ; jocular ; witty ; sprightly 
 with wit and good-humour ; playful ; lively 
 in company and conversation. 
 
 Facial, fay-shal (Ijdit., fades, a visage). 
 Pertaining to the face, as the fadal artery, 
 otherwise called the labial or angular 
 arteiy. 
 
 Facile, fas-sil (Latin, fadlis, easy). 
 Easy to be done or performed; pliant; 
 yielding ; easily persuaded to good or bad ; 
 easy of access ; ductile to excess. 
 
 Facings, fay-sings. A tei-m applied 
 to the cuffs and collars of a tmiform, lively, 
 &c. ; these parts of the dress are usually 
 of different colour to the rest, for the 
 pm'pose of distinction and relief. 
 
 Fac-simile, fak simmy-le (Latin, fado, 
 to make; similis, like). An exact copy, as 
 handwriting or a likeness. 
 
 Faction, fak-shun (Latin, /acio, to do). 
 A party of persons combining to do one 
 thing in opposition to those who would do 
 another; a political combination for the 
 pm-pose of creating dissension and disturb- 
 ance, and to embarrass the constituted 
 authorities. 
 
 Factitious, fak-tishus (Latin, yacii^itw, 
 from fado, to make). Made by art, in 
 distinction from what is produced by 
 Nature ; artificial ; unnatural. 
 
 Factor, fak-tor. In commerce, an agent 
 or correspondent residing in some remote 
 J 2 
 
132 
 
 MO 
 
 FAN 
 
 part, commissioned by merchants to buy 
 or sell goods on their account, to negotiate 
 bills of exchange, or to transact other 
 business for them. 
 
 Factotum, fak-to-tum (Latin). One 
 who is employed to do all kinds of work ; a 
 Jack-of-aU-trades. 
 
 Faculty, fak-ulty (Latin, facuUas). 
 The power of doing anjrthing ; activity of 
 either mind or body. A term applied 
 collectively to physicians and other medical 
 practitioners. 
 
 Fag (Saxon, fegan, to order rightly). 
 Literally, to act or do ; to continue to act 
 or do ; to compel to drudge ; to work until 
 weary. A fag means a hard-worker, a 
 laborious drudge, and is especially applied, 
 in our public schools, to the younger boys, 
 who are compelled to be the drudges of the 
 elder boys. 
 
 Fain, fane (Saxon, fagen). Gladly ; 
 willingly; joyfully; with pleasure and 
 alacrity. 
 
 Fairy, fa -re (Saxon, farth). An 
 imaginary being or spirit, supposed to 
 appear in a variety of forms, and interest 
 theffiselves in the business and pleasiu-e 
 of human life. Fairies are represented to 
 have been so called either from their 
 fairness, or fx'om their fabled power to 
 say, to tell, or foretell, and, further, to 
 influence the fate, or foredoom. 
 
 Fakir, fa-keer. An Arabic word, signi- 
 fying ;poor, and applied to a devotee or 
 Indian monk. There are fakirs who live 
 in communities, and others who live singly, 
 or wander about prophesying and telling 
 fortunes. 
 
 Falchion, fawl-shun (Latin, falx, a 
 hook). A short sword, arched, or crescent- 
 shaped ; a scimitar; a sword generally. 
 
 Faldstool, fawld-stool. A kind of 
 stool, placed at the south side of the altar, 
 at which the sovereigns of England kneel 
 at their coronation ; the chairof a bishop, 
 inclosed by the railing of the altar; an 
 arm-chair or folding c^ir. 
 
 Palernian, fa-lemy-an. Pertaining to 
 Falemus, in Italy; especially used to 
 describe the wine made in that country. 
 
 Fallacious, fal-layshus (Latin, fdllo, 
 to deceive). Delusive ; deceptive ; applied 
 to sophisms in argument, to causes of error 
 or mistake. 
 
 Fallo"W, fal-lo (Saxon, fealewe, yellow). 
 Anciently, yellow; yellowish; so-called on 
 .SKHJOunt of the colour which I»nd n^Wly 
 
 tilled or turned presents. Now used to 
 imply a portion of land on which no seed '\A- 
 sown, in order that the soil may be left ex- 
 posed to the influence of the atmosphere. 
 
 Fallow Deer. A species of deer, 
 smaller than the stag, common in parks. 
 
 False Keel. The timber below the 
 main keel of a vessel. 
 
 Falsetto, fawl-setto (Italian). In 
 music, a term signifying a false voice or 
 artificial manner of singling, produced by 
 tightening the ligaments of the tongue, 
 and thus extending the vocal compass about 
 an octave higher. 
 
 Fanatic, fa-nattik (Latin, faoiaticus, a 
 priest, or attendant in a fane). Wildly 
 enthusiastic, especially in religious matters , 
 possessed with a kind of frenzy ; a visionary. 
 
 Fandango, fan-dango (Spanish). A 
 dance in 3-^ and sometimes in 5-8 time. 
 It is a favourite dance in Spain, and 
 supposed to be of Moorish origin. 
 
 Fane (Latin, fanum, a temple). The 
 habitation or abode of deified personages ; 
 a place consecrated to religion ; poetically 
 a church or temple. 
 
 Fanfare, fan-far (French), The name 
 given in France to a short warlike i^iece of 
 music, composed for trumpets, kettle- 
 drums, &c. 
 
 Fanfaronade, fan-faro-nade. A blus- 
 tering ; a swaggering ; an ostentatious 
 display or trumpeting forth of a person's 
 abilities and virtues. 
 
 Fanion, fan-yun (French). In the 
 military art, the name given to a small 
 flag, carried along with the baggage. 
 
 Fanlight, fan-lite. A window in the 
 form of an open fan or semicircle ; usually 
 placed over a door. 
 
 Fanon, fan-non (French, fanon), A 
 scarf -like ornament worn on the left arm 
 of a priest during the celebration of mass ; 
 also csilled fannd, a,nd fannom. 
 
 Fantasia, fan-tay-zpah (Italian). In 
 music, an instrumental composition, sup- 
 posed to be struck off in the heat of the 
 imagination, and in which the composer is 
 allowed to give free scope to his ideas, 
 unshackled by the rules of science. 
 
 Fantastic, fan-tastik (French, fantas- 
 tique). Whimsical ; imaginary ; capricious ; 
 arising from or exhibiting an excess of 
 fancy. 
 
 Fantoccini, fantok-che-ne (Italian, 
 fantoccio, a puppet). Dramatic representa- 
 
FAB 
 
 FAV 
 
 133 
 
 tions, in which puppets are substituted for 
 living performers. 
 
 Farce, fars (Latin, /arcio, to stuff). A 
 species of drama, the sole aim and tendency 
 of which is to excite laughter. This term 
 was originally applied to a dish stuffed 
 with mingled ingredients. 
 
 Farceur, far-sur (French). Literally, 
 an actor of farces ; applied to persons who 
 are characterised by levity and trifling, 
 and who treat everything as a joke. 
 
 Fardel, fai'-del (Italian, fardello, a 
 bundle, or little pack). A package ; a 
 bundle ; a pack-saddle. 
 
 Farina, fah-reenah (Latin, far, corn). 
 Meal or flour of any species of corn or 
 starchy root, as potato, arrow-root, &c. ; 
 also the pollen, or fine dust, in the anthers 
 of plants. 
 
 Farinaceous, farrin-ayshous (Latin, 
 farina, meal). Having the character of 
 meal or flour ; yielding farina ; a term 
 applied to food, in distinction from ani- 
 mal, vegetable, &c. 
 
 Farrago, far-raygo (Latin, farrago, a 
 mixture). Literally, a mixture of {far) 
 com and other ingredients given to cattle ; 
 hence applied to any mixture, medley, or 
 confused mass. 
 
 Farrow, far-ro (Saxon, fse,rn, a little 
 hog). A litter of pigs; to bear or bring- 
 forth pigs. 
 
 Farthingale (French, vertugade). A 
 hoop -petticoat surrounding the loins ; 
 circles of hoops, formed of whalebone, used 
 to extend the petticoat ; answering to the 
 crinoline of the present day. 
 
 Fasces, fas-sez (Latin). In Eonian 
 antiquity, bundles of rods, with an axe in 
 the centre of each bundle, carried before 
 the consuls as a badge of their oflSce; 
 applied generally to an emblem of autho- 
 rity. 
 
 Fascia, fay-sheah (Latin). In archi- 
 tecture, a broad list, fillet, or band, used 
 in architraves and pedestals ; the projec- 
 tion over a modem shop-window is an 
 ex:ample of this. 
 
 Fascin ation , f assy - nay shun ( Latin, 
 fascinum, witchcraft). The act or power 
 of. bewitching ; charming ; enchanting ; 
 holding in thraldom by charms or the 
 powers of pleasing. 
 
 Fascines, fas-seens (French). In forti- 
 fication, long, cylindrical faggots made of 
 brushwood or small branches of trees, used 
 in constmcting batteries, filling up moats, 
 
 binding ramparts where the earth is un- 
 stable, making parapets, &c. 
 
 Fasti, fas-ti (Latin). The ancient 
 Eoman calendar, wherein were noted the 
 several days of the year, with their feasts, 
 games, and other ceremonies. 
 
 Fastidious, fas-tiddy-us (Latin, fo.s- - 
 tidio, to disdain). Disdainful ; squeamish; ^ 
 despising ordinary or common gratifica- 
 tions ; affecting superior taste or discern- 
 ment. 
 
 Fastness, fast-ness (Saxon, fa^stiiesse). 
 A stronghold ; a place of security ; a 
 fortress ; the state of being fast and firm. 
 
 Fatalism, faytal-izzum (Latin, fatalis, 
 pertaining to destiny). The doctrine of 
 inevitable necessity ; the belief in an 
 unchangeable fate, to which everything is 
 subject, and which cannot be avoided or 
 controlled. 
 
 Fata Morgana, f ay-tah mawr-gay-nah 
 (Italian, fata, the fairy ; and onorgana). 
 The name given to a remarkable condi- 
 tion of the atmosphere, presenting 
 images of objects in the water or air, some- 
 times doubled and also inverted, even 
 when below the horizon. It most fre- 
 quently occurs in the Straits of Messina, 
 between Sicily and the coast of Calabria. 
 
 Fates. In mythology, the Destinies, 
 goddesses supposed to preside over the 
 birth, life, and, death of mortals. They 
 were three in number : Clothe, Lachesis, 
 Atropf J 
 
 Fatuity, fa-tewy-te (Latin, fatiuis, 
 silly). Weakness of intellect ; imbecility 
 of mind; want of reason or commoi'. 
 
 Faubourg, fo-boorg (French). A 
 suburb. 
 
 Faucet, faw-sit (French, faiisset). A 
 pipe to be inserted in a cask for drawing 
 liquor, and stopped with a peg or spigot, 
 
 Fauteuil, fo-teul (French), An arm- 
 chair. 
 
 Faux Jour, fo zhoor (French). False 
 light. A term used in the fine arts to 
 signify that a picture is placed so that the 
 hght falls upon it from a different side 
 from that which the painter has repre- 
 sented it in the painting. 
 
 Faux-pas, fo-pah (French). A false 
 step; a tei-m applied to * a blunder in 
 behaviour, or an error in moral conduct. 
 
 Favour, fay-vur. A bow of ribbon, 
 sometimes with pendent ribbons attached, 
 given by ladies to favourite champions in 
 
134 
 
 FAY 
 
 FEM 
 
 the tournaments of olden times ; and now 
 exclusively worn at elections, public cere- 
 monies, weddings, christenings, &c. 
 
 [H'ay (French, fee). A fairy ; an eK. 
 
 Fealty, fe-al-te (Latin, fides, faith). 
 Dut}'' to a superior lord ; fidelity ; faith- 
 fulness ; loyalty ; homage. 
 
 !Feasible,feezy-bul (Latin,. /aao, to do). 
 That may be done ; practicable ; that may 
 be used or tilled, as land. 
 
 JPeat, feet (French, fait, done). Lite- 
 rally, done as it ought to be ; an exploit ; 
 an extraordinary display of skill, strength, 
 or daring. 
 
 Febrifuge, febry-fuje (Latin, febris, 
 fever ; fago, to drive away). A medicine 
 to allay fever ; anything having the power 
 of cvu-ing or diiving away fever. 
 
 February, febru-ary (Latin, februo, to 
 cleanse by fii-e or hot water). The second 
 month of the year, so called because, at 
 this season, the annual purification among 
 the ancient Eomans took place. 
 
 Fecit, fe-sit (Latin, fecit, he did it). A 
 word inscribed by artists on their works, to 
 indicate the designer. 
 
 Feeula, fek-u-la (Latin, fceces, dregs). 
 Any substance derived, by spontaneous 
 subsidence, from a liquor. The term is 
 now commonly applied to the pulverulent 
 matter extracted from vegetables by grind- 
 ing them in water and allo-\ving the fluid to 
 settle ; the feeula subsides. Starch is an 
 example. 
 
 Feeundity, fe-kundit-te (Latin, fce- 
 cundo, to make fruitful). Fruitfulness ; 
 productiveness ; applied especially to the 
 quahty, in female animals, of producing 
 young in great numbers ; figm-atively, 
 fulness of imagination ; richness of inven- 
 tion. 
 
 Federal, feddy-ral (Latin, fmdus, a 
 league). Eelating to a league or inter- 
 national contract. A federal government 
 is one formed by the union of several 
 sovereign states, each surrendering a 
 jjortion of its power to the central 
 authority, as the United States of America. 
 
 Fee. Primarily, a loan of land, and 
 synonymous with fief or feud. Fees are 
 absolute or limited; an absolute fee, or 
 fee-simple, is land which a man holds to 
 himself and his heirs for ever, who are 
 called tenants in fee-simple; hence, in 
 modem times, the term denotes an estate 
 of inheritance. A limited fee is a state 
 limited or clogged with certain conditions : 
 
 as a qualified, or last fee, which ceases with 
 the existence of certain conditions ; and a 
 conditional fee, which is limited to par 
 ticular heirs. Fee farm is a kind of tenure 
 without homage, fealty, or other service 
 except that mentioned in the feoffment, 
 which is commonly the full rent or a fourth 
 part of it. 
 
 Feed-pipe. In mechanics, a part of 
 the apparatus of a steam-engine, for con- 
 •^ying a reg-ular supply of water to the 
 boiler. 
 
 Feign, fain (French, feindre). To 
 pourtray or image; to form an idea or 
 conception of something not real ; to relate 
 falsely ; to make a false show ; to pretend. 
 
 Feint, faint (French, feinte). A false 
 appearance ; a false show : pretence. In 
 fencing, a pretended thi'ust at one part of 
 the body, to throw an opponent off his 
 guard, while the intention is to strike 
 another part. 
 
 Felicity, f e-lissy-te (Lat., felix, happy). 
 A state of happiness ; prosperity unmixed 
 with misfortune ; enjoyment of good. 
 
 Feline, fee-lin (Latin, felis, a cat). 
 Pertaining to cats, or to their species ; re- 
 sembling a cat. 
 
 Fell (Saxon, felle, cruel). Fierce ; 
 cruel ; savage ; inhuman ; also, the hairy 
 hides of beasts. 
 
 Felo-de-se, fello-de-se (Latin, a felon 
 of himself). In law, one who commits 
 felony by suicide, or, being of the years of 
 discretion and in his right senses, wilfully 
 destroys his own hfe. 
 
 Felony, fel-ony. In law, any crime 
 which incurs the forfeitm'e of lands and 
 goods, except treason, which is a special 
 crime. As all crimes punishable by death 
 are felonious, the precise import of the 
 word is, in a measm'e, lost. 
 
 Felucca, fe-lukka (Italian, feluca). A 
 light, open vessel, propelled by oars, 
 common in the Mediterranean. It has 
 this peculiarity, that its helm may be used 
 either at the head or the stern. 
 
 Feme, Femme, fam (French, femme). 
 A woman. A feme-covert is a married 
 woman, who is under covert of her 
 husband, and therefore cannot sue or be 
 sued for debt. A feme-sole, an unmarried 
 woman. A feme-sole merchant, a woman 
 who carries on trade alone, without her 
 husband. 
 
 Femoral, femo-ral (Latin, femvA\ a 
 thigh). Belonging to the thigh. 
 
FEN 
 
 Fen (Saxon, ferm, decayed, withered). 
 Low-lying, marshy land ; a bog ; morass ; 
 stagnated or corrupted water. 
 
 Fence, fense. That which keeps safe, 
 guards, and protects ; also, to parry direct 
 questions by giving indirect answers. 
 
 Fenestral, fe-nestral (Latin, fenestra, a 
 window). Pertaining to a window. 
 
 Feoffment, fef-ment (Latin, feoffare, 
 to give one a fief). The grant of a fee or 
 estate ; a grant in fee-simple. 
 
 Ferocity, fe-rossy-te (Latin, ferox, 
 fierce). Fierceness ; savageness ; wild 
 rage ; cruelty. 
 
 Ferruginous, fer-rujia-®' (Latin, 
 ferrum, iron). Partaking of Lon; con- 
 taining particles of iron ; of tlie colour of 
 the rust or oxide of iron. 
 
 Fertile, fer-til ( Latin, /erii'Zw, fruitful). 
 Productive ; capable of producing abun- 
 dantly; plenteous; prolific; inventive. 
 
 Fervour, fer-vtu' (Latin, ferveo, to be 
 hot). Heat or warmth ; ardoxir ; animated 
 by zeal and earnestness. 
 
 Festal, fes-tal (Latin, festus, festive). 
 Pertaining to festivity ; joyous ; gay ; 
 mirthful. 
 
 Festoon, fes-toon (French, feston). 
 Literally, a garland worn at festivals ; 
 hence, an ornament in the form of a wreath. 
 In architecture and sculpture, an ornament 
 in the form of a g-arland of flowers, fruits, 
 and leaves intermixed and entwined. 
 
 Fetch. (Saxon, feccan, to bring to). A 
 stratagem; artifice; trick. Sometimes ap- 
 plied to supernatural or imaginary appear- 
 ances. 
 
 Fete, fate (French, file, from Latin, 
 festum, a feast). A festival; a holiday; 
 the celebration of an anniversary. 
 
 Feticism, fetty-sizm. The worship of 
 idols among the negroes of Africa. Fetich 
 is their name for an idol, or more generally 
 fetich is the name which they give to any 
 "object of worship. Every family has a 
 fetidi to watch, reward, and punish the 
 "members of the household as they deserve. 
 
 Feud, f ude (Latin,, fides, trust). A right 
 to land on condition of military service; 
 anything granted by one and -held by an- 
 other upon oath or pledge of fealty. 
 
 Feud, fude (Saxon, fcehtli). Hatred; 
 enmity ; a deadly quarrel. 
 
 Feudal, fu-dal. Pertaining to feuds, 
 fiefs, or fees ; consisting of feuds or fiefs ; 
 embracing tenures by military service. 
 
 FIE 
 
 135 
 
 Feudal system, in politics, that system of 
 government by wMch persons holding in 
 feed, fief, or feud, were bound to serve tho 
 owner of the fee-simple at home or abroad 
 in aU wars and military expeditions when 
 reqvured, to which the tenants in fief were 
 bound by an oath of fealty. 
 
 Feu-de-j oie, f eu-duzh- waw. A French 
 word for a bonfire, a firing of guns, or 
 some pyrotechnic display upon an occasion 
 of rejoicing. 
 
 Feuilleton, feu-il-tong (French). The 
 bottom part of French newspapers, usually 
 devoted to light literature, theatrical cri- 
 ticism, literary reviews, &c. 
 
 Fiat, fi-at (Latin, fiat, let it be done). 
 In law, a short order or warrant signed by 
 a judge, for making out and allowing cer- 
 tain processes. In a general sense, an 
 order, decree, or command. 
 
 Fibre, fi-bur (French, fihre). A slender 
 thread ; a filament of animal, mineral, or 
 vegetable substances ; the capillary root of 
 a plant. 
 
 Fibrine, fi-brin (Latin, filro., a fibre). 
 A principle found in vegetables as a con- 
 stituent of gluten ; and in the living blood 
 of animals, constituting muscular fibre. 
 
 Fictile, fik-til (Latin, fingo, to feign or 
 form). Moulded into form ; manufactured 
 by the potter. 
 
 Fief, feef. The French name for an 
 estate in lands held from a superior. 
 
 Field Day. In military affairs, a term 
 used when a regiment is taken out to the 
 field for the purpose of going through exer- 
 cises and evolutions ; it is applied conven- 
 tionally to any day upon which important 
 business is about to be transacted. 
 
 Field Officer. A military officer, 
 above the rank of a captain, as a major or 
 colonel. 
 
 Field of Vision. A technical ex- 
 pression for the space or range seen through 
 a telescope. It is measured by dividing 
 the angle under which it is seen by the 
 angle of vision to the naked eye embracing 
 the same field within its view. 
 
 Field Pieces. Small cannons, gene- 
 rally from three to twelve pounders, car- 
 ried along with an army. 
 
 Field Works. In fortification, works 
 thrown up by an army whUe engaged in 
 besieging a town, or by the besieged in 
 defence of a place, or sometimes by an 
 army to strengthen a position. 
 
136 
 
 FIE 
 
 Fieri Facias, fi-o-re fay-shus (Latin, 
 feri facias, you may cause it to be done). 
 In law, a writ which lies for him who has 
 recovered in debt or damans, commanding 
 the sheriff to levy upon the goods of him 
 from whom the recovery was had. 
 
 Fifth. An interval in music, occurring 
 in the natural scale, in the fifth place from 
 the fundamental. The false fifth is less than 
 the fifth by a lesser semitone. 
 
 Figment, fig-ment (Latin, fingo, to 
 feign). An invention ; a fiction ; something 
 feigned or imagined. 
 
 Figurante, fig-u-rant (French). One 
 who dances on the stage in groups or 
 figures ; an accessory actor who has nothing 
 to say ; hence one who figures in a scene, 
 but takes no prominent part. Masculine, 
 figurant. 
 
 Figuratively, figgu-rativ-le (Latin, 
 firigo, to form). By a figure ; in a manner 
 to exhibit ideas by resemblance ; in a sense 
 different from that which words originally 
 imply ; opposed to literally. 
 
 Figure Head. The figure, efiigy, or 
 bust on the projecting part of a ship's head. 
 
 Filament, fiUa-ment (Latin, filum, a 
 thread). A long thread or fibre, a slender, 
 thread-like process. In botany, the long 
 ttpead-like part which supports the anther. 
 
 Filial, fil-yal {liSiim, filius, a son). Per- 
 taining to a son or daughter ; becoming of 
 a child in relation to his parents ; having 
 the character of a son. 
 
 Filigree, filly- gi'ee (Latin, filum, a 
 thread ; granum, a grain). Ornamental 
 work in gold, silver, or any other metal, 
 ifa the manner of threads or grains. 
 
 Fille de Chambre, fee-yul-deh- 
 shambr (French). A chambermaid. 
 
 Fillip, fil-lip (derivation uncertain). To 
 strike with the nail of the finger ; a jerk of 
 the finger from the thumb ; applied meta- 
 phorically to a quick, sudden, helping ac- 
 tion or motion. 
 
 Finale, f e-nah-lay (Italian). In music, 
 the conclusion ; the final piece in an opera ; 
 the last movements of a symphony con- 
 certo. In a general sense, the winding up 
 or completion of a thing. 
 
 Finance, fin-nans (French). Kevenue ; 
 income ; wealth ; substance ; the revenue 
 of a state or sovereign ; public resources of 
 money. 
 
 Fine Arts. A term applied to those 
 arts which depend chiefly on mental labour 
 and the imagination, combined with manual 
 
 I'LA 
 
 dexterity : called also, polite arts. They 
 include poetry, music, painting, and sculp 
 ture. 
 
 Finesse, fe-ness (French). Literally, 
 fineiiess or refinement ; nicety, polish, policy 
 to an excess; and thus cunning; subtlety 
 of coimtenance ; sly, artful, stratagem. 
 
 Finis, fi-nis (Latin). The end ; as finis 
 coronat opus, the end crowns the work. 
 
 Finite, fi-nite (Latin, finis, the end). 
 Limited ; bounded ; having an end. 
 
 Finny Tribe. A term applied col- 
 lectively to fish, as being furnished with 
 fins. 
 
 Fire-ship. A vessel filled with com- 
 bustibles, and fitted with grapiDling-irons, 
 which, with the advantage of a favourable 
 wind, hook on to the enemy's vessels, and 
 set fire to them. 
 
 Firman, fur-man (Persian, a command). 
 A decree issued by the Sultan of Turkey, 
 signed with his own cipher or signet, as 
 when a pacha or other officer of state is 
 appointed. Firman is also the name given 
 to a passport which the pachas are in the 
 habit of granting to travellers. 
 
 First Fruits. In Church government 
 the profits of every spiritual living for one 
 year given anciently to the Pope, and after- 
 wards to the Sovereign. 
 
 Fiscal, fis-kal (Latin, fi^cus, a money- 
 bag). Pertaining to the public treasury or 
 revenue ; exchequer ; revenue ; treasury. 
 
 Fissure, fish-ure (Latin, fissura). A 
 cleft ; a narrow chasm. 
 
 Fitz (Norman, fils. ) A surname given in 
 England generally to the natural children 
 of kings or princes of the blood ; as Fitz- 
 roy, the son of the king; Fitz- clarence, the 
 son of the Duke of Clarence. 
 
 Fixed Stars. Stars which do not ap- 
 pear to change their relative situations, as 
 distinguished from planets and comets. 
 
 Flaccid, flak- sid (LsAm,fiaccidm). Soft; 
 loose; lax; drooping; hanging down by it« 
 own weight. 
 
 Flag-officers. Those who command 
 the several squadrons of a fleet ; as ad- 
 mirals, vice-admirals, rear-admirals. 
 
 Flagellation, flajjel-layshuu (Latin, 
 fiagello, to flog). A whipping, beating, or 
 scourging. 
 
 ^ Flagitious, fla-jish-us (Latin, fiagx- 
 tium, a great crime). Atrociously wicked : 
 shamefully wrong. 
 
FLA 
 
 l^^OC 
 
 137 
 
 Flagrant, flay-grant (Latin, jiagroy 
 to b»m). Literally, burning ; hence, glar- 
 ing, shameless, notorious. •> 
 
 !ET.ag-sllip. A ship commanded by a 
 flag-officer, who has a right to carry a flag, 
 in distinction from the secondary vessels 
 under his command, 
 
 Plake White. In painting, lead cor- 
 roded by the pressing of grapes, or cereus© 
 prepared by the acid of grapes. It is of 
 Italian manufacture, and is characterised 
 by the purity of its white. 
 _ Flambeau, flam-bo (French). A 
 lighted torch, such as used at illuminations, 
 processions, &c. 
 
 Flamen, (lay-men. In Eoman anti- 
 quity, the name given to the priest devoted 
 to the service of any particular deity ; sar- 
 castically it is applied to one tvho imffs — a 
 
 Flange, flanj. A raised or projecting 
 edge or rib on the rim of a wheel : used in 
 machinery, to keep the band from slipping 
 oflt ; also fixed on the wheels of railway- 
 carriages, to prevent them running off the 
 rails. 
 
 Flank. The extreme right and left of 
 an army or encampment. To outjianh is 
 where a body of troops, by increasing its 
 front, outstretches the opposing forces. 
 Flank, in fortification, is in general any part 
 of a work defending another, by a fire 
 along the outside of its parapet. 
 
 Flat. In music, a character which 
 lowers a note one semitone. 
 
 Flatting. In gilding, the giving the 
 work a light touch in places not furnished 
 with size, in which there is sometimes a 
 very little -^ovmilion. In house-painting, 
 til*" "iithiv ui finishing without leaving a 
 ^"iuss on the surface, by using a greater 
 proportion of turpentine and unboiled oil. 
 
 Flatulence, flattu-lense (Latin, Jlatus, 
 wind). Wind generated in a weak sto- 
 mach and intestines by imperfect digestion. 
 
 Flatus, flay-tus (Latin). Wind ; a puff 
 of air ; a breath. 
 
 Fleur de lis, flur-de-lee (French, flower 
 of the lily). A bearing in heraldry in the 
 arms of France, representing the lily ; an 
 emblem of royalty. 
 
 Flexibility, fleksy-billit-e (Latin,/ecto, 
 to bend). The qviality of being easily bent ; 
 easiness to be persuaded ; pliancy. 
 
 Flexor, fleks-m\ In anatomy, a name 
 applied to certain muscles which serve to 
 bend the parts to which they are attached 
 
 in opposition to the extensors, which serve 
 to stretch them. 
 
 Flippancy, flippan-se (Welsh, llipanu, 
 to make smooth). Readiness of tongue ; 
 nimbleness of speech ; talkativeness ; pert- 
 ness. 
 
 Floral, flo-ral. Of or belonging to a 
 flowtr; from Flora, the heathen goddess 
 of flowers. 
 
 Florid, flor-id (Latin, floods, a flower). 
 Bright in colour ; flushed with red ; showy ; 
 highly ornamented. 
 
 Flotilla, flo-tillah (Spanish, a little 
 fleet). A term applied to a fleet of small 
 vessels. 
 
 Flotsam, flot-sam. In law, a term for 
 goods which are lost by shipwreck, but 
 which are found floating in the sea. See 
 Jetsam and Lagan. 
 
 Fluctuate, fluktu-ate (Latin, Jluctus, a 
 Vv^ave), Literally, to flow or float to and 
 fro ; hence, to be wavering, inconstant, un- 
 steady, unsettled, uncertain. 
 
 Fluency, fluen-se (Latin, /mo, to flow). 
 A ready and constant flow of language; 
 copiousness of speech. 
 
 Fluidity, flu-iddy-te (Latin, jiuo, to 
 flow). The quality of being capable of 
 flowing. 
 
 Fluke, fluke. The broad part of an 
 anchor which takes hold of the ground ; 
 also, the tail of a whale. In the game of 
 billiards, a successful stroke made without 
 design ; hence, in the latter sense, a piece 
 of good fortune resulting from an accidental 
 circumstance is termed a fluke. 
 
 Flush (German, fliessen, to flov/). To 
 flow; to come or rush on as a flood; to 
 have or give a quick or sudden motion ; tu 
 flow as the blood to the surface of the body, 
 and thus to cause a flush to the cheeks. 
 
 Fluted, flu-ted. Formed in channels, as 
 in a pillar, or column. 
 
 Fly-wheel. A large heavy wheel ap- 
 plied to steam-engines and other machines, 
 for the purpose of equalising the effect of 
 the moving power. 
 
 Fo, fu. The name under which Euddha 
 is worshipped in China. 
 
 Foal, f ole (Saxon, folo'). The unweaned 
 young of the horse or ass. 
 
 Focus, fo-kus (Latin, focus, fire). A 
 term applied in optics to the point whither 
 all the rays of light and heat concentrate or 
 converge, or whence they diverge; a point 
 of concentration. 
 
138 
 
 EOl) 
 
 roR 
 
 Fodder, fod-dur (Saxon, fodre, food). 
 Dry food, stored up for cattle, horses, and 
 sheep ; as hay, straw, &c. 
 
 Poetor, fe-tiir (Latin). An effluvia 
 arising from the body of animals. 
 
 Fog-Bank. An appearance in hazy 
 weather, which frequently resembles land 
 at a distance, but which vanishes as it is 
 approached. 
 
 Foible, foy-bul (French). A moral in- 
 firmity, or weakness ; a failing ; a favdt. 
 
 Foil, foyl (Norman, afolee). To baffle; 
 to disable; to render ineffectual; to defeat, 
 or cause to fail. 
 
 If 'oil, foyl (Latin, folium, a leaf). Gild- 
 ing : a coat of metal on a looking-glass ; 
 n^ince metaphorically, that which by com- 
 owrison or contrast sets off the superiority 
 oi something else. 
 
 Foist, foyst (French, faiisser). To in- 
 sert wrongfully, or without warrant ; to 
 introduce clandestinely ; to intrude or put 
 upon. 
 
 Folio, f oly-o (Latin, folium, a leaf). A 
 book of the lai'gest size, formed by once 
 doubling the sheet of paper. 
 
 Foment, fo-ment (Latin, foveo, to 
 warm). Literally, to cherish with heat; 
 thus to apply warm applications to the 
 body, and tig-uratively, to promote by ex- 
 citement ; to supply heat for a quarrel. 
 
 Font (Latin, fo7is). A fountain or 
 spring : especially a stone or marble vessel 
 in which the water used in baptism is con- 
 tained in the church. 
 
 Forage, for-aje (French, fourrage). 
 Food for horses or cattle ; the act of search- 
 ing for provisions for horses or cattle ; to 
 make an incui-sion. 
 
 Foray, fo- ray. An irregular and sudden 
 incm'sion in border warfare ; a sudden act 
 of pillage, either in peace or in war. 
 
 Forceps, fawr-seps (Latin). A surgical 
 instrument constructed on the principle of 
 pliers or pincers. 
 
 Forcing, fawr-sing. In horticultiire, 
 a method of obtaining fruits, flowers, vege- 
 tables, &c. , before their season, by the appli- 
 cation of heat. 
 
 Fore. A nautical term for near the 
 stem, as '-fore and aft;" that is, from 
 stem to stern. 
 
 Forebode, fore-bode (Saxon, fore^ ho- 
 dian). To foretell; to prognosticate, ap- 
 plied chiefly to the prognostication of evil 
 or misfortune. 
 
 Foreclose, fore-kloze. To shut up ; to 
 preclude. In law, to exclude or bar the 
 equity of redemption on mortgages, and 
 thereby cut off the power of the mortgagor 
 to redeem the mortgaged property. 
 
 Forefend, fore-fend. To hinder; to 
 avert ; to prevent approach ; to guard ; to 
 secure. 
 
 Forego, fore-go. To relinquish claim 
 to ; to refrain from possessing ; to commit 
 an act of self-denial ; voluntarily to avoid 
 the enjoyment of good. 
 
 Foreign Service. In nailitary affairs, 
 a term used to denote garrison service in 
 any part of the world out of the United 
 Kingdom. 
 
 Foremast. The mast of a ship or 
 other vessel which is placed in the fore- 
 castle, and carries the foresail and foretop- 
 sail yards. 
 
 Forensic, fo-rensik (Latin, forum, a 
 court of judicature). Relating to or be- 
 longing to a court of law. 
 
 Foreshortening, fore-shawrt-ning. A 
 term applied in drawing or painting, when 
 the limbs of a figure or the entire body 
 are shown, so as to be shortened by being 
 viewed directly in front, or nearly so, and 
 the spectator seeing little more than its 
 fore-end, or that which is next to him. 
 
 Forestall, fore-stawl (Saxon, fore- 
 stollan, to intercept in its way to its staU, 
 or station). To pre-occupy ; to anticipate ; 
 to be beforehand ; to buy goods before 
 they reach the market. 
 
 Foretop. In a ship, the platform 
 erected at the head of the foremast. 
 
 Forlorn-hope. In military affairs, 
 a detachment of men appointed to lead in 
 an assault, to storm a counterscai-p, enter 
 a breach, or perform any other service 
 attended with great and imminent peril : 
 iiu_a general sense, anything devised or 
 undertaken when everything else has 
 failed. 
 
 Forma Pauperis, fawr- ma paw-pur-is 
 (Latin, in the quality or after the manner 
 of a poor person). In law, when a person 
 has just cause of a suit, and swea;:s that he 
 is not worth five pounds sterhng, he is 
 allowed to plead forma paupet-is, that is, 
 hsixiag counsel and attorneys assig-ned to 
 him without having to pay any fee. 
 
 Formula, for-mu-la (Latin, forma, a 
 foi-m). A prescribed form or order. lu 
 law, a rule or model established by autho- 
 rity for the form and manner of a act. 
 
FOB 
 
 instrument, proceeding', &c. In ecclesi- 
 astical matters, a written profession of 
 faith. In medicine, the constitution of 
 medicine either simple or compound, both 
 with respect to their prescription and con- 
 sistence. 
 
 Forte, for-te. In music, an Italian 
 term, being a direction to sing with strength 
 of voice. 
 
 Forte, f awrt ( French ) . A term applied 
 to that kind of performance in which a 
 person's ability is most conspicuous, or in 
 which his powers come out the strongest. 
 
 Forte Piano, for-te pe-ahno. In music, 
 an Italian compound, signifying the art of 
 enforcing or enfeebling the sounds in imi- 
 tative melody, as is done in speech. 
 
 Fortification,fawi'ty-fe-kayshun(Lat., 
 fortis, strong ; jacio, to make). That spe- 
 cies of architecture, called military, used 
 for defence against the attack of an enemy, 
 showing how to streng-then a place with 
 yampai-ts, parapets, moats, and other bul- 
 warks. 
 
 Fortissimo, fawr-tissy-mo. In music, 
 a dii-ection denoting that the part is to be 
 played very loud, also marked by F F. 
 
 Fortiter in re, forty-tur in re (Latin). 
 Finnness in doing anything ; vigorous dis- 
 charge of duties. Contrasted with suaviter 
 i'li Tiiodo, that is, pleasantness or mildness 
 of manner. 
 
 Fortuitous, fawr-tewy-tus (Latin,/ors, 
 accident). Happening by chance ; coming 
 unexpectedly, or without a known cause. 
 
 Forum, fo-inmi. In Koman antiquity, 
 any pubhc place used as a market, coui't of 
 law, or place where causes were judicially 
 tried, and where orations were delivered to 
 the people. 
 
 Fossil, fos-sil (LaA.in^fossilis, irornxfodio, 
 to dig). Dug out of the eai-th. The tenoi 
 is now commonly used substantively to ex- 
 jjress the remains of animal or vegetable 
 substances found buried in the strata of the 
 earth's cnist. 
 
 Foster, fos-tur (Saxon, fostrian). To 
 iurse ; to feed ; to cherish ; to sustain. 
 Foster-hr other, a male nui'sed at the same 
 breast or fed by the same nurse. Foster- 
 child, a child nursed by a woman not the 
 mothei', or brought up by a man not the 
 father. 
 
 Founding. The mechanical art which 
 comprises all the operations of reducing 
 ores, and of smelting and casting 
 • metals. 
 
 FEA 
 
 139 
 
 Fracas, frak-ah (French). A noisy 
 quarrel ; a disturbance ; a breach of tho 
 peace. 
 
 Fraction, frak-shun (Latin, frango, to 
 break). A part of a whole ; a broken part ; 
 the act of violating any obligation or treaty. 
 In arithmetic and algebra, a combination 
 of numbers representing one or more parts 
 of a unit or integer •, thus three-fourths is 
 a fraction, formed by dividing a unit into 
 four equal parts, and taking one part three 
 times. Fractions are divided into vulgar 
 and decimal. Vulgar fractions are expressed 
 by two numbers with a line between them. 
 Decimal fractions include every fraction, 
 the denominator of which is ten, or a T)ower 
 of it. 
 
 Fracture, frak-ture (Latin, frango, -.tj 
 break). A breach ; a ruptux*e ; a discon- 
 tinuity. A breaking in any body, especisj r/ 
 when caused by AT.olence. In surgery, tne- 
 breaking of any bone by an external act of 
 violence. It is simple, when the bone only 
 is divided ; com2:>ound, when the bone is 
 broken, with a laceration • of the integu- 
 ments. 
 
 Fragile, fraj-ii (Latin, frango, to, 
 break). Easily broken ; brittle ; weaki 
 readily destroyed. 
 
 Franc, frank. A French coin worth 
 twenty sous, or about tenpence sterling. 
 
 Franchise, fran-chiz (French, franc, 
 free). A particular privilege or right 
 granted by a sovereign to an individual or 
 body of individuals. A franchise is any 
 especial political privilege, giving a power 
 to do something, and may be vested either 
 in bodies pohtic in borough towns, or in 
 individuals. 
 
 Franciscans, fran-siskans. The mem- 
 bers of the monastic order of St. Francis , 
 established in the year 1208. 
 
 Frank (French, franc, free). Candid ; 
 ingenuous ; undisguised ; disposed to de- 
 clare one's views freely; without conditions 
 or compensation. 
 
 Frank, a name given by the Turks, 
 Arabs, and Greeks, to any of the inha- 
 bitants of the western part of Europe. 
 
 Frankincense, frankin-sense (frank 
 and incense, from its giving out a diffusive, 
 agreeable odour when bm-ned or heated). 
 An odoriferous gum, supposed to be the 
 olibanum of commerce. 
 
 Fraternal, frah-temal (Latin, frater, 
 brother). Brotherly ; pertaining to, or 
 becoming brothers. 
 
140 
 
 PRA 
 
 FEU 
 
 Fratricide, fratry-side (Latin, fraterj 
 brother; ccedo, to kiU). The murder of 
 a brother ; one who kills his brother. 
 
 Fraught, fi-awt (Dutch, ^•3•a_(7<, freight). 
 Laden ; burdened ; charged ; completely 
 filled with. 
 
 Freebooters, free-boot-urz (German, 
 fi-eiheuters). A set of adventurers of all 
 nations, who displayed gi-eat courage in 
 executing the most hazardous plundering 
 enterprises. In a general sense, the term 
 is applied to any one who regards the 
 universe as his property, and appropriates, 
 either by stealth or force, the possessions 
 of others. 
 
 Freehold, free-hold. Land or tene- 
 ments held in fee-simple, fee-tail, or for 
 life. Freehold in deed is real possession. 
 Freehold in law is the right of a person to 
 lands, &c., but does not imply possession. 
 The term freehold is sometimes taken in 
 opposition to viUenage. 
 
 Freestone. A durable and hard kind 
 of grit-stone, but somewhat finer and 
 smoother. It is called free, because it cuts 
 freely in any direction : Portland stone is 
 of this kind. 
 
 Freethinker, free-think-er. A name 
 given genei'ally by way of reproach to a 
 person who rejects the authority of Divine 
 revelation. It is used in the same sense 
 as Deist. 
 
 Freezing-point. The point in the 
 thermometer, 32'* above zero (Fahrenheit), 
 where it begins to freeze. 
 
 Freight, frate (Dutch, vragt). The 
 cargo or lading of a ship ; the amount 
 charged for the transportation of goods. 
 
 Fresco, fres-ko (Italian). Coolness; 
 freshness of aii'. In painting, a picture not 
 drawn in glaring light, but in dusk. A 
 fresco painting is a picture in water-colours 
 on a wall of fresh or recent moi'tar. 
 
 Freshman, fresh-man. A novice; one 
 of the youngest class in a college. 
 
 Fretwork, fret-wurk. Eaised work ; 
 work adorned with frets or architectural 
 ornaments. It is sometimes used to fill up 
 and enrich flat, empty spaces ; but is mostly 
 practised on roofs, which are fretted over 
 with plaster- work. 
 
 Friable, friah-bul (Latin, frialili^, that 
 may bo crumbled). Easily crumbled or 
 pulverised ; readily reduced to powder. 
 
 Friar, fi-i-ar (French, /rere, a brother). 
 A term common to monks of all ordei*s ; 
 ^evQ being a kind of fraternity or brother- 
 
 hood between the several religious persona 
 of the same monastery. Friars are gene- 
 rally distinguished into four principal 
 j branches :— 1. Minors, grey friarsj or Fran- 
 ciscans ; 2. Augustines ; 3. Dominicans, or 
 black friars ; 4. White friars, or Carmelites. 
 
 Fricasee, frikah-see (Fi-ench). A dish 
 prepared by cutting chickens, rabbits, or 
 other small animals into pieces, and dress- 
 ing them in strong sauce. 
 
 Frieze, freez (FreTich., /riser, to curl or 
 crisp). In architecture, that part of the 
 entablature between the architrave and cor- 
 nice ; usually enriched with figures and or- 
 naments ; also, a coarse kind of woollen 
 stufif. 
 
 Frigate, frig-gate (French, frecjaie). A 
 ship of war, larger than a sloop or brig, 
 and smaller than a ship of the line, usuallj'^ 
 having two decks, and fm'nished with from 
 30 to 44 guns. Frigate-built is when the 
 quarter-deck and forecastle are raised above 
 the main deck. 
 
 Frigid, frij-id (Leitin, frigeo, to be cold). 
 Chill or cold ; wanting warmth, zeal, or 
 aflrection ; without vivacity or liveliness ; 
 dull; heavy; torpid. 
 
 Friseur, free-zur (French, /riser, to 
 curl). A hair- dresser. 
 
 Frith (Latin, /return'). In geography, a 
 narrow inlet of the sea at the mouth of a 
 river, as the Frith of Forth, Galway Frith, 
 &c. It is generally written and jDronounced 
 /rth in Scotland and the North of England. 
 
 Frontier, front-yer. The border, con- 
 fine, or extreme part of a kingdom or pro- 
 vince, bordering on another country. 
 
 Frontispiece, fiimtis-peece. In archi- 
 tecture, an old tei'm for the front of a 
 building. In engraving, it means that page 
 which faces the title of a book, whatever 
 the subject may be, although formerly it 
 meant the engraved title-page itself. 
 
 Froward, fro-waurd (Saxon, /ram- 
 weard). Averse or perverse ; peevish ; re- 
 fx'actory ; ungovernable. 
 
 Firactification, f rukty - f e - kayshun 
 (ltsAiLn,/ructus, fruit ; /ero, to bear). The 
 bearing of fruit ; bringing forth ; pro- 
 ducing ; the making or rendering profit- 
 able and useful. j 
 
 Frugivorous, froo-jiwo-rus (Latin,! 
 /ruges, corn ; voro, to eat). Feeding on 1 
 corn, fruits, or seeds, as birds. 
 
 Fruition, froo-isshun. (Latin, /•u.or, 
 to use or enjoy). Enjoyment; possession ; 
 pleasiu-e derived from use or possession. 
 
FRU 
 
 GAL 
 
 141 
 
 IVutescent, froo-tes-sent(Latin,yrtt<t- 
 cescOy to grow shrubby). Shrubby ; grow- 
 ing like a shrub. 
 
 Fucated, fu-kayted (Latin, fiicatus, 
 painted). Coloured; varnished; disguised 
 with paint. 
 
 Fugacious, fu-gayshus (Latin, fugio, 
 to flee). Flying or fleeicig away; volatile. 
 
 Fugleman, fugel-man (German, .^wgrei!- 
 -niann). In military tactics, a well-drilled 
 soldier, appointed to stand in front of the 
 line, and give the time in the manual and 
 platoon exercises ; called also fiugelman. 
 
 Fugue, fewg (Latin, fiiga, flight). A 
 composition in music, in which the parts 
 foHow each other, repeating the subject at 
 intervals above and below. 
 
 Fulcrum, ful-krum (Latin). Tic prop 
 or support on which a lever is sustained, 
 and about which it moves. In raising a 
 stone, the body on which the lever rests is 
 the fulcrum. 
 
 Fulling, ful-ling. The art or practice 
 of thickening cloth, and making it compact 
 and firm in a mill. 
 
 Fulminate, fulmin-ate (JLQMn,fidmen, 
 a thunderbolt). To thunder; to throw 
 forth light or lightning ; to menace or de- 
 nounce loudly; to issue denunciation or 
 Papal censm'e. 
 
 Fulsome, ful-sum {^a,xon,fulle). Liter- 
 sXiyJ^oulsome; nauseous; offensive in smell; 
 rank; gross. 
 
 Fumigation, fewmy-gayshun (Latin, 
 fumus, smoke). The diffusion of certain 
 vapours through the aii', for the purpose of 
 destroying contagion and infection ; vapour 
 raised by smoke. 
 
 Funambulist, fu-nam-bu-list (Latm, 
 fimis, a rope ; ambulo, to walk). A rope 
 dancer ; a performer on a rope. 
 
 Function, funk-shun (Latin, fungor, 
 to discharge). In a general sense, per- 
 formance of an object, of an office, or duty; 
 an office, faculty, or power ; employment ; 
 charge. 
 
 Functionary, funkshun-ary (Latin, 
 fungoT, to discharge). One who holds an 
 office of trust. 
 
 Fundamental, funda-mental (Latin, 
 fuTidus, ground). Pertaining to the foun- 
 dation'; that upon which anything may 
 stand or rest, be set, raised, or established ; 
 a source whence anything may rise or 
 spring. 
 
 Funds (i^im, fundus, ground). Stock; 
 capital; irvestment. The piMic funds con- 
 
 sist of money lent to Government on the 
 national securities, at a certain rate of in- 
 terest. Sinking fund, money appropriated 
 by the Government towai-ds the liquidation 
 of the National Debt. 
 
 Fungus, fun-gus (Latin, fungus, a 
 mushroom). A mushroom, toadstool, or 
 similar excrescence. In surgery, a spongy 
 inflammation or cancer, of a softer texture 
 than that which is natural to the part 
 where it grows. Plural, fungi. 
 
 Furlough, f ur-lo (Dutch, verlof, leave). 
 Leave of absence from military service. 
 
 Furtive, fur-tiv (Latin, fur, a thief). 
 Obtained by theft ; stolen ; especially ap- 
 plied to a movement of the eye, commonly 
 termed a stolen glance. 
 
 Fusee, fu-zeo (Latin, fums, a spindle). 
 In clock-work, the conical part, around 
 which is wound the chain or cord of a 
 watch or clock, thus constructed to equalise 
 the power of the main-spring. In gunnery, 
 the tube fixed into a bomb or grenade shell. 
 It is usually a wooden pipe, filled' with com- 
 bustible matter, to fire the contents of the 
 sheU. 
 
 Fusiform, fewzy-form (Latin, fmus, 
 a spindle ; forma, a shape). Spindle-shaped, 
 like the root of a carrot. 
 
 Fusileer, fewzy-leer. A soldier be- 
 longing to the light infantry : fusileers 
 were formerly armed with a small kind of 
 musket called a. fusil ; but they are now 
 armed the same as other infantry soldiers. 
 
 Fusion, fu-zhun (Latin, fusum, from 
 fundo, to pour out). The process of con- 
 verting a solid into a liquid by heat ; figu- 
 ratively, union, as of parties, companies,. 
 &c. 
 
 Fustian, fust-yan (French, futaine). 
 A description of cotton stuff, ribbed on one 
 side : applied metaphorically to a style of 
 speaking or writing affectedly fine or in- 
 flated. See. Bombast. 
 
 Futile, f u-til (Latin, futilis). Trifling ; 
 worthless ; answering no valuable purpose ; 
 iheffectual. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gable, gay-btd (German, giehel). In 
 architecture, the triangular or sloping end 
 of a house, &c., usually called the gable- 
 end. 
 
 Gaelic, ) gay-lik (from Gael, Gaul, GaU 
 
 Galic, ) lid). An epithet used to denote 
 whatever pertains to the Gaels ; Celtic 
 tribes in the North of Scotland ; the laui' 
 giuge of the Highlanders of Scotland. 
 
142 
 
 GAP 
 
 GAZ 
 
 Gaffer, gaf-fur (Saxon, gefere, a com- 
 pcanion) , Formerly an appellation of respect, 
 but now used as a term of banter and fami- 
 liarity for father, old father, old fellow. 
 
 Gala, gay-lah (Spanish), Festivity; 
 show. Gala day, a day of show and fes- 
 tivity, on which persons appear in their 
 best apparel. 
 
 Galaxy, gal-aksy (Latin, gala, milk). 
 In astronomy, the milky way; hence ap- 
 plied to an assemblage of handsome and 
 witty persons, as a cluster of stars. 
 
 Gallic, gal-lik. Pertaining to France, 
 formerly called Gaul. 
 
 Galliinaii£?y, gally-mawfry (French, 
 galimafree). A hodge-podge; a hash; a 
 medley ; any inconsistent or ridiculous 
 mixture. 
 
 Galloway, gallo-way. A horse of a 
 •small species, first bred in Galloway, Scot- 
 land. 
 
 Galvanism, galvan-izzum. A branch 
 of physical science, by which electricity is 
 produced by connecting dissimilar metals, 
 and an intervening oxidating fluid. So 
 called from Galvani, the discoverer. 
 
 Gammer, gam-mur. A term applied 
 to an old woman, answering to gaffer, as 
 characteristic of an old man. 
 
 Gam."U.t, gam-ut (Greek, gamr/ia). A 
 scale on which musical notes are written 
 or printed, consisting of lines and spaces, 
 which are named after the first seven letters 
 of the alphabet. 
 
 Garbled, gar-buld (Italian, garhellare). 
 Anything picked or sifted out to serve a 
 particular purpose, and thus destroy and 
 mutilate the fair character of the whole ; 
 especially applied to statements, repre- 
 sentations, &c. 
 
 Garcon, gar-song (French). Waiter; 
 attendant; 
 
 Garish, gay-rish (Saxon, gearwiari). 
 Gaudy ; showy ; ostentatious ; fine, or gay. 
 
 Garnisliee, gar-nish-ee (Saxon, ge- 
 warian, to take heed). In law, a third 
 party in whose hands money is attached 
 within the liberties of the City of London, 
 by process out of the Sheriffs' Court. So 
 called because he has received ^anwsAme?if, 
 or warning, not to pay the money to the 
 defendant, but to appear and answer to the 
 suit. 
 
 Garrison, garry-sun (French, garnison, 
 provision). The force provided for the de- 
 fence of a place prepared or fortified against 
 attack ; the place itself. 
 
 Garrote, gar-rot. A mode of inflicting 
 capital punishment in Spain, by means of a 
 collar which is tightly screwed round the 
 neck of the criminal, while seated with his 
 back to an upright board to which the ap- 
 paratus is affixed ; also a mode of assaulting 
 a person by attacking him from behind, and 
 pressing the hands around his throat until 
 suffocation or unconsciousness is produced. 
 
 Garrulity, gar-ruly-te (Latin, garrulus, 
 chattering). Talkativeness ; loquacity ; a 
 propensity to prattling or babbling. 
 
 Garter. The higbest order of knight- 
 hood in Great Britain. It was instituted 
 by Edward the Third. The knights are 32 
 in number, and rank in personal digTiity 
 after the peerage. 
 
 Gasconade, gas-ko-nade. An idle 
 boast; bragging; bravado. So called from 
 Gascon, an inhabitant of Gascony, to whom 
 the vice of idle boasting was attributed. 
 
 Gastric, gas-trik (Greek, gaster, the 
 stomach). Pertaining to the stomach or ' 
 abdomen. Gastric juice is the liquor 
 which digests the food in the stomach 
 of animals. 
 
 Gastronomy, gas-tronno-me (Greek, 
 gaster, the stomach ; nomos, a rule). The 
 science of good eating ; the art of selecting 
 delicate and well-prepared food. 
 
 Gaucherie, go-sher-e (French). Awk- 
 wardness ; clumsiness ; untowardness. 
 
 Gauntlet, gahnt-let (French, gantelet). 
 A glove or cove, mg for the protection of 
 the hand : it was customary to throw down 
 one of these by t /ay of challenge ; hence the 
 term of " throwing; down the gauntlet." 
 
 Gavel-kind, gav-el-kind (Saxon, ^ri/hn, 
 given ; eall, to all ; cyn, the next of kin). 
 A tenure in England by which land descends 
 from a father to all his sons in equal por- 
 tions; and the land of a brother dying 
 without issue is inherited equally by all his 
 brothers. This custom particularly prevails 
 in the county of Kent. 
 
 Gazelle, ga-zell. An animal partaking 
 of the nature of deer and goat, remarkable 
 for the prominence and soft expression of 
 its eyes. 
 
 Gazette. A newspaper. The Gazette is 
 a record of impoi-tant passing events pub- 
 lished by authority, as Government appoint- 
 ments ; promotions in the army and navy ; 
 bankruptcies ; dissolutions of partnership, 
 &c. The name is derived from gazetta, a 
 Venetian coin, which was the usual price of 
 the first paper printed in Venice. 
 
GEL 
 
 Gelatinous, je-laty-nus (Latin, gelti, 
 frost). Resembling jelly; sticky; adhe- 
 sive ; viscous. 
 
 Gendarme, zhon-darm. A kind of 
 armed policeman employed in France, and 
 other places on the Continent. 
 
 Genealogy, jeeny-allo-je (Greek, genos, 
 a generation ; logos, a discourse). History 
 of the descent of a person or family from 
 an ancestor; enumeration of ancestors; 
 pedigree. 
 
 Generalissimo, jenerah-lissy-mo (Ita- 
 lian). The commander-in-chief of an army 
 or military force. The supreme commander. 
 
 Generate, jenny-rate (Latin, genero, to 
 beget). To beget ; to breed or bring forth ; 
 to propagate ; to produce ; to form. 
 
 Generic, je-nerik (Latin, genus, a kind). 
 Pertaining to a genus or kind ; compre- 
 bending a genus ; distinguishing one genus 
 from another. 
 
 Genial, jeeny-al (Latin, genialis). Caus- 
 ing production ; supporting life ; producing 
 cheerfulness; agreeable to nature; kind; 
 lively. 
 
 Genii, jeeny-i (Latin). An imaginary 
 race of beings created from fire, between 
 ..man and angels, and having bodies which 
 they can metamorphise at pleasure. 
 
 Genital, jenny-tal (Latin, genitalis). 
 Pertaining to generation. 
 
 Genitive, jenny-tiv (Latin, genitivus). 
 In grammar, an epithet for a case in the 
 declension of nouns, expressing primarily 
 the thing from which something also pro- 
 ceeds. The genitive case is the second of 
 the Latin and Greek nouns, and answers to 
 the possessive of the English. 
 
 Genius, jeeny-us (Latin). The natural 
 bent or disposition of the mind ; the powers 
 ■ or faculties with which man is bom ; a per- 
 son of great mental power. The good genius 
 and the evil genius were, among the an- 
 cients, supposed presiding spirits that exer- 
 cised a controlUng influence in the affairs 
 of individuals, and regulated their destiny. 
 
 Gentoo, jen-too. A word employed by 
 i Europeans in the East Indies to designate 
 ; the language and people of that country ; a 
 j follower of the religion of the Brahmins. 
 
 I Genuflection, jennu-flekshun (Latin, 
 \genu, the knee ; fiectio, a bending). The 
 j act of bending .the knee, or kneeling, par- 
 \ ticularly in religious worship. Written also, 
 \^enujiexion. 
 
 Genus, je-nus (Greek, genos, a family), 
 tin natural history, a sub-division of any class 
 
 GIR 
 
 143 
 
 or order of natural beings, whether of the 
 animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdoms, all 
 agreeing in certain common characters ; a 
 collection of species. In logic, a universal, 
 which is predicated of many things as the 
 material or common part of their essence. 
 
 Geocentric, je-o-sentrik (Greek, ge, the 
 earth ; Jcentron, a centre). In astronomy, 
 applied to an orbit having the earth for its 
 centre; having the same centre as the 
 earth. 
 
 Geognosy, je-ogno-se (Greek, ge, the 
 earth; gnosis, knowledge). That part of 
 natural history which treats of the struc- 
 ture of the earth; a term nearly synony- 
 mous with geology. 
 
 Geology, 3e-ollo-je(Greek, ge, the earth ; 
 logos, a discourse). The science of the 
 structure of the earth ; its component parts, 
 nature, mutations, &c. 
 
 Geometry, je-ommy-tree (Greek, ge, 
 the earth; ?H.eiro72,, ameasiire). The science 
 which treats of the dimensions of lines, 
 solids, and surfaces. 
 
 Georgic, jawr-jik (Greek, ge, the earth ; 
 ergon, work). A rural poem ; a poetical 
 composition relating to the tillage or culti- 
 vation of the earth. 
 
 Germination, jermy-nayshun (Latin, 
 germen, a shoot). In botany, the first act 
 of sprouting or shooting into life ; the time 
 in which seeds vegetate. 
 
 Gerund, jer-und (Latin, gerundiunrt). 
 In the Latin grammar, a kind of verbal 
 noun, partaking of the nature of a par- 
 ticiple. 
 
 Gesticulation, j es - tikku - layshun 
 (Lat, , gestus, a gesture). The general action 
 or motion of the body ; the exhibition of 
 certain postures or motions ; antic tricks. 
 
 Gewga'W, gu-gaw (Saxon, ge-gaf, a 
 plaything). A showy trifle; a bauble; a 
 toy. 
 
 Ghaut, gawt. Properly, a pass through 
 a mountain ; but in the East Indies used to 
 denote any extensive chain of hills. 
 
 Ghoul, gowl. A demon supposed to 
 feed on the dead. 
 
 Gibbous, gib-bus (La.im,gibhus). Con- 
 vex ; projecting ; prominent ; standing or 
 rising out. 
 
 Gigantic, ji-gantik. Of giant-like pro- 
 portions ; immense size or stature ; enor- 
 mous ; huge. 
 
 Girondists, zhe-rondists. A repub- 
 lican party in France, whose name was do- 
 
144 
 
 GIS 
 
 GRA 
 
 rived from Gironde, the department whence 
 most of the distinguished members came. 
 
 Gist, jist (French, gesir). In lavr, the 
 point of a question ; applied generally to 
 that upon which an argument rests.. 
 
 Given. In Tnatkematics, a term syno- 
 nymous \nth hnov>ru. If a quantity be 
 known, it is caJled a glvco, quantity. 
 
 Glacier, glas-a-ur (Latin, glacio, to con- 
 ceal). A name given to a field or immense 
 mass of ice formed in deep but elevated 
 valleys, or on the sides of the Alps or other 
 mountains. 
 
 Gladiator,gladdy-aytui*(Latin,5rZa.c?{M^, 
 a sword). Literally, a sword-fighter ; ex- 
 tended in its application to fighters or 
 combatants with weapons of various 
 sorts. 
 
 Gland (Latin, glandis, an acorn). A 
 small substance in the animal frame com- 
 posed of various tissues, blood-vessels, 
 nerves, &:c. ; and enveloped in a coat, bear- 
 ing some resemblance to a kernel. 
 
 Glebe, gleeb (Latin, glela, turf). The 
 unbroken mass, the closely pressed surface 
 uf the soil or ground ; generally, the soil or 
 ground; especially land belonging to a 
 parish church or benefice. 
 
 Glib (Dutch, glippen). Smooth ; slip- 
 pery; voluble; smooth-tong-ued. 
 
 Gloamin, glo-min (Saxon, glomung). 
 The evening twilight. 
 
 Globular, glob-ular. Shaped like a 
 globe ; spherical ; ha^'ing the f onn of a 
 small ball or sphere. 
 
 Globule, glob-ule. A little globe; a 
 small particle of matter of spherical form ; 
 the vehicle by which homoeopathic medi- 
 cine is chiefly administered. 
 
 Glossary, glossar-e (Latin, glossa, a 
 dialect). An explanation ; an interpreta- 
 tion ; a dictionary or vocabulary, explain- 
 ing obscure or obsolete words. 
 
 Gluten, glu-ten (Latin). A viscid elastic 
 substance of a greyish colour, produced by 
 the decomposition of flour, or other vege- 
 table substances. 
 
 Glycerine, glisser-een (Greek, glyheros, 
 sweet). The sweet principle contained in 
 the different oils, as formed in the process 
 of saponification. 
 
 Gnome, nome (Greek, gnomon, an in- 
 terpreter). A name given to certain ima- 
 ginary people, supposed to inhabit the 
 inner narts of the earth . 
 
 Goal, gole (French, gaule, a pole or 
 stake). The point set to bound a race, and 
 towards which the racers nin ; in a general 
 sense, that point to which our course is 
 directed, and at which it ends ; also, from 
 whichit commences, and towhichit returns. 
 
 Gondola, gon-do-lah (Italian). A flat, 
 long, and narrow boat, chiefly used on the 
 canals at Venice. Gondolier, a man who 
 rows a gondola. 
 
 Grood by. A familiar phrase in bidding 
 farewell; a contraction of ''Grod be with 
 you." 
 
 Gordian knot, gawrdy-an not. Very 
 intricate ; difficult of unravelling ; to cut 
 the gordian knot is to remove a difficulty 
 by bold or unusual measures. This ex- 
 pression takes its rise from Gordius, King 
 of Phrygia, who tied a knot of an intricate 
 nature on the harness of his chariot ; and 
 he who undid this knot was, according to 
 prophecj^, to be lord of all Asia. Alexander 
 the Great, -with a determination either to 
 fulfil or elude the prophecy, cut the knot 
 asunder with his sword ; and thus termi- 
 nated the difficulty. 
 
 Gorgon, gawi'-gun. A term poetically 
 applied to anything very ladeous or fright- 
 ful ; so called after the Gorgons, certain 
 monsters in the heathen mythology. 
 
 GrOth. One of an ancient and distin- 
 guished tribe or nation which inhabited 
 Scandinavia, now known as Sweden and 
 Norway; applied to a rude, uncivilised 
 person, or one wanting intelligence and 
 manners. 
 
 Gothic Architecture. A style of 
 architectm'e in which pointed arches of 
 greater height than breadth, and a pro- 
 fusion of ornaments, in imitation of leaves 
 and flovv'ers, are the principal character- 
 istics. 
 
 Gourmand, goor-mond (French). A 
 glutton ; one who constitutes eating his 
 chief pleasure and delight. 
 
 Gourmet, goor-may (French). A wine- 
 bibber ; a wine-taster ; a connoisseur of 
 wine. 
 
 Gout, goo (French). Taste ; relish. 
 
 Gradation, gray-dayshun (Latin, gra- 
 dics, a step). Regular progress from one 
 degree to another ; progressing step by 
 step ; a degree in any order or series. 
 
 Gradient, gi-ady-ent (Latin, gradus, 
 step). A term denoting the degree 
 ascent or descent on any portion of a 
 of railway. Thus, an inclined plan 
 
CllA 
 
 miles long-, with a total fall of thirty-six 
 feet, is described as having a gradient of 
 nine feet per mile. The term is also used 
 to designate an inclined plane, having a 
 small inclination. 
 
 Graduate, grad-u-ate (Latin, gradus, 
 a step). To advance by degrees ; to honour 
 with academical degrees. A graduate of 
 the Umvefsity is one who has received a 
 degree. 
 
 Gram, )Gram. The unity of weight 
 Gramme, S in the French system, about 
 fifteen and four-ninths grains troy. 
 
 Graminivorous, grammy-niwo-rus 
 (Latin, gravien, grass ; voro, to eat). 
 Subsisting wholly on grass or vegetable 
 food. Animals thus subsisting are termed 
 ijramimvorous. 
 
 Grand Jury. In law, the jury which 
 finds bills of indictment against offenders. 
 These, when a true bill is found, are after- 
 wards tried before a peirty jury. 
 
 Grandiloquence, gran-dillo-kwens 
 (Latin, grandis, great; loquor, to speak). 
 liOfty speaking ; pompousness of style. 
 
 Granivorous, gran-iwo-rus (Latin, 
 granum, grain ; voro, to eat). Subsisting 
 on grains or com. 
 
 Granulated (Latin, granum, a 
 grain). Consisting of grains; resembling 
 grains. 
 
 Grapesliot. In artillery, a combina- 
 tion of small shot put into a thick canvas 
 bag, and corded so as to form a kind of 
 cylinder. 
 
 Graphic, graf-ik (Greek, grapho, to 
 write). Skilfully expresssed ; described 
 vividly and with accuracy ; pourtrayed in 
 a masterly manner. 
 
 Gratis, graytis (Latin). Free of charge ; 
 without pay ; gratuitously. 
 
 Gravitation, grawy-tayshun (Latin, 
 gravitas, gravity). The act of tending to 
 the centre of attraction ; the force by which 
 bodies are attracted. 
 
 Gregarious, gre-gary-us (Latin, grex, 
 a flock). Having the habit of flocking or 
 herding together ; living in common ; not 
 solitary. 
 
 Gregorian, gre-gory-an. Pertaining 
 to Pope Gregory, as the Gregorian calendar, 
 the Gregorian epoch, &c. A species of 
 chaunt is also so called. 
 
 Grenadier, grenna-deer. Originally a 
 soldier armed with a sword, musket, and 
 bayonet, and a pouchful oi grenades. 
 
 GYH 
 
 liS 
 
 Griifin. A fabulous animal, part lion 
 and part eagle. It is the symbol of strength, 
 swiftness, courage, prudence, and vigilance. 
 
 Grist. Com to be gi-ound, or that 
 which is crushed at one time ; provender. 
 
 Groined, groynd (Swedish, grena, to 
 divide). . Having an angular curve caused 
 by the intersection of two semi-cylinders or 
 arches. Groined ceiling is one formed by 
 three or more curved surfaces, so that 
 every two may form a groin, all the groins 
 terminating at one extremity in a common 
 point. 
 
 Grotesque, gro-tesk (French). Whim- 
 sical; fantastic; ludicrous; wildly formed; 
 singular looking ; odd. 
 
 Guerdon, ger-dun (French). A re- 
 ward; requital; recompense. 
 
 Guerilla, ge-rillah (Spanish, guerilla, 
 a little war). A term applied to an irre- 
 gular mode of carrying on war against an 
 enemy by the constant attacks of inde- 
 pendent bands. 
 
 Guild, gild (Saxon, geld). A society cr 
 fraternity ; a corporation ; an association 
 especially for carrying on commerce. 
 
 Gulf. In geography, a broad, capacious 
 bay, which, when very extensive, takes the 
 name of a sea: as the Gulf of Venice, 
 called also the Adriatic Sea. 
 
 Gusto, gus-to (Italian). Eelish ; taste ; 
 the power by which anjrthing excites sen- 
 sation on the palate ; intellectual taste. 
 
 Gutta, gut-tah (Latin). A drop: as 
 gutta percha ; gutta serena^ &c. 
 
 Guttural, gut-tural (French). Per- 
 taining to the throat ; formed in the throat ; 
 more especially applied to a certain kind 
 of pronunciation, as in the German and 
 Welsh languages. 
 
 Gymnastic, jim-nastik (Greek, gymna- 
 sion, a place of exercise). Pertaining to 
 athletic exercises for health. 
 
 Gynarchy, jin-arky (Greek, gyne, a 
 female; arche, rule). Government by a 
 female. 
 
 Gypsum, jip-sum (Latin). A mineral 
 used as a manure ; sulphate of lime ; 
 plaster of Paris. 
 
 Gjrration, ji-rayshun (Latin, gyro, to 
 turn round). The act of turning roxind ; a 
 circular motion. 
 
 Gyromaney, jero-mansy (Greek, jjyro*, 
 a circle ; manteia, divination). A species of 
 divination, performed by drawir^g a circle 
 and walking round it. 
 
146 
 
 HAB 
 
 HAT 
 
 H. 
 
 Habeas Corpus, haybe-as kor-pus 
 (Latin, haheo, to have ; corpus, body). A 
 writ of various uses and of different im- 
 portance ; but the most celebrated is the 
 habeas corpus ad suhjicie7idum, which a man 
 who is aggrieved, or supposes himself to be 
 so, may have out of the Queen's Bench, 
 directed to the person detaining him, and 
 commanding him to produce the prisoner 
 and bring the prosecution to open trial, 
 instead of prolonging his imprisonment. 
 
 Habendum, hab-endum. In law, a 
 word of form in a deed or conveyance, 
 which must consist of two parts, namely, 
 the premises, and the halendum, that is, 
 '*to have and to hold." 
 
 Habitat, habby-tat (contraction of ha- 
 bitation). A term used by naturalists to 
 denote the natural abode or locality of an 
 animal; and by botanists, the nature of 
 the situation in which a plant grows. 
 
 Habitude, habby-tude (Latin, Jmheo, 
 what we have). Internal state exhibited 
 in acts ; customary mode of life. 
 
 Habitue, hab-bittu-ay (French). A 
 frequenter ; an habitual visitor. 
 
 Hsemorrhage, hemmo-rage (Greek, 
 Juema, blood ; regnyo, to burst). In patho- 
 logy, a flux of blood from any part of the 
 body. 
 
 Halberd, hal-burd (French, liallebarde). 
 A military weapon, consisting of a pole or 
 shaft of wood, having a head armed with a 
 steel point, with a cross-piece of steel, flat 
 and pointed at both ends. 
 
 Halcyon Days, halsh-yun daze. A 
 name anciently given to the seven days 
 which preceded and followed the winter 
 solstice, when the weather was very calm. 
 The expression now signifies a time of 
 calmness and tranquillity. 
 
 Halliards, hal-yards (from hale, or 
 haul, and yards). Eopes or tackle usually 
 employed in hoisting and lowering sails, 
 flags, &c., to their respective places. 
 
 Hallucination, hal-lewsy-nayshun 
 (Lat., hallucinor, to blunder). An offence 
 against the light of reason; error; blunder; 
 delusion ; mistake. 
 
 Halo, hay-lo (Greek, halos, an area). 
 A meteor in the form of a luminous ring, 
 appearing round the sun, moon, or stars. 
 
 Hamlet, ham-let (Saxon, ham, a house 
 or village). A village or small cluster of 
 Jiouses. 
 
 Hammer cloth, ham-mur kloth. The 
 cloth which covers a coach-box, so called 
 from the old practice of carrying a hammer, 
 nails, &c., to execute repairs, and which 
 were placed in a pocket hidden by this 
 cloth. 
 
 Hanaper, hanah-pur (Norman, hanap, 
 a cup or hamper). An office in Chancery 
 under the direction of a master, whose clerk 
 receives the fees due to the Crown for 
 charters, patents, commissions, and writs. 
 The hanap was a kind of basket, used by 
 the ancient kings of England for holding 
 and carrying with them their money as 
 they travelled from place to place. 
 
 Handicraft, handy-lo-aft (Saxon, hand- 
 crceft). Work performed by the hands ; a 
 trade carried on by manual laboiu*. 
 
 Handsel, han-sel (Danish). The first 
 act of using an3rthing ; to try experiment- 
 ally ; to make experiments ; an earnest ; 
 money for the first sale. 
 
 Hanker, hangk-ur (Dutch, hunkeren). 
 Literally, to hang about ; to loiter or linger, 
 as unwiUing to quit ; to long after or for ; 
 to keep or continue in a state of longing ; 
 a strong and restless desire to possess any- 
 thing. 
 
 Haply,hap-le. Perhaps; peradventm'e ; 
 it may be ; by chance or mere accident. 
 
 Harangue, ha- rang (French). To speak 
 aloud ; to addi'ess an audience or multitude ; 
 a popular oration ; declamation ; a noisy, 
 pompous, or ii-regxilar address. 
 
 Harbinger, harbin-jur (Dutch, herben- 
 ger, one who looks out for a harbour for 
 another). A forerunner; that which comes 
 before, to prepare for and announce the 
 approach of something else. 
 
 Hardihood, hardy-hood. Boldness, 
 united with firmness and constancy of 
 mind. 
 
 Haricot, harry-ko (French). A kind 
 of ragout of vegetables and meat; the 
 kidney-bean. 
 
 Harpy, har-pe (Latin, harpyia). A 
 poetical monster of the bird kind, fabled 
 to have had the face of a woman, the claws 
 and wings of a bird ; remarkable for rapa- 
 ciousness, and on that account used to 
 signify a ravenous or exceedingly covetou? 
 person ; an extortioner ; a plunderer. 
 
 Hatchment, hatsh-iaent (corrupted, 
 from achievement). In heraldry, the arms 
 of a deceased person, painted on a square 
 board, and suspended on the front of a 
 mansion, or on the wall of a church. 
 
HAT 
 
 HEP 
 
 147 
 
 Hatchway. An opening- in the deck 
 of a ship, to afford an entrance into the 
 hold, or to allow of a passage from one 
 deck to another. 
 
 Hautboy, ho-boy (French, Jiaut, high ; 
 lois, wood). A nausical instrument, so 
 called on account of its producing pecu- 
 liarly high notes ; especially as contrasted 
 with the bassoon. 
 
 Hauteur, ho-tur (French), Pride ; in- 
 solence ; haughty manner or spirit, 
 
 Hautgout, ho-goo (French). Anything 
 having a strong relish, taste, or scent. 
 
 Haversack, hav-er-sak (French, avoir, 
 CO have ; sac, a bag), A coarse linen bag 
 issued to every soldier, proceeding on ser- 
 vice, for the purpose of carrying provisions. 
 
 Haw-haw, haw-haw (duplication of 
 haiv). A fence or bank sunk between 
 slopes, and not perceived till approached ; 
 also, called Ha-ha, 
 
 Hawser, haw-sur, A small cable, or 
 a large rope, in size between a cable and a 
 tow-line. 
 
 Head wind. A wind which blows in 
 an opposite direction from the ship's course. 
 
 Heathen, he-thn (Saxon, liceflm). One 
 who worships false gods, and is not ac- 
 qixainted either with the doctrines of the 
 Old Testament or the Christian dispensa- 
 tion ; a Pagan ; a GentiJe ; also applied to 
 a rude, illiterate, barbarous person. 
 
 Hebdomadal, heb-domah-dal (Greek, 
 7iebdo7nas, se-ven days. ) Weekly ; consisting of 
 seven days, or occurring every seventh day. 
 
 Hebraic, he-brayik. Eelating to the 
 Hebrews ; designating the language of the 
 Hebrews. 
 
 Hecatomb, hekka-toom(Greek,/ieZ:a!!o?2-, 
 a hundred). A great sacrifice ; a sacrifice 
 consisting of a hundi'ed oxen. 
 
 Hectic, hek-tik (Greek, lieUiJMS, from 
 Tiexos, a quality which cannot be easily 
 separated from its subject). Habitual, or 
 constitutional ; morbidly hot ; noting a 
 slow, continued fever. 
 
 Hector, hek-tur (from Hector, the son 
 of Priam). A vain-glorious blusterer ; a 
 braggart ; a threatener. 
 
 Hegira, he-ji-ra (Arabic, from Hebrew, 
 Idgirah, flight). The flight of Mahomet 
 from Mecca, July 16, 622, from which the 
 Mohammedans reckon years. 
 
 Heinous, hay-nus (French, liaine, hate). 
 Hateful ; atrocious ; wicked in a high 
 degree. 
 
 Heir Apparent. One whose right of 
 inheritance is beyond doubt, provided ho 
 outlive the ancestor ; as the eldest son or 
 his issue, who, by the course of common 
 law, must ^be heir to the father whenever 
 the latter happens to die. 
 
 Heirloom, air-loom. Any fumitiire or 
 movable which descends by inheritance. 
 
 Heir Presumptive. One who, if the 
 ancestor should die immediately, would, in 
 the present circumstances of things, become 
 inheritor ; but whose right of inheritance 
 may be defeated by some nearer heir being- 
 born. 
 
 Helicon, helly-kon. A mountain in 
 Bceotia, in Greece, from which flowed a 
 fountain, and where resided the Muses. 
 
 Heliotrope, heely-o-trope (Greek, lie- 
 lios, the sun ; trepo, to turn). The sun- 
 flower ; also a mineral of the quartz kind ; 
 blood-stone. 
 
 Hellenic, hel-lenik. Eelating to the 
 Hellenes, or inhabitants of Greece. 
 
 Helm (Saxon, helma). The instrument 
 by which a ship is steered ; metaphorically, 
 station of government ; the place of direc- 
 tion or management. 
 
 Helots, he-lots. The name given to 
 certain slaves in Sparta, who were origin- 
 ally inhabitants of the town of Helos. 
 They differed from other Greek slaves in 
 not belonging individually to separate mas- 
 ters, being the property of the State, which 
 alone had the disposal of their lives and 
 freedom. 
 
 Hemi. A Greek word used in the com- 
 position of several terms borrowed from 
 that language; it signifies half, the same 
 as semi and demi. ■ 
 
 Hemisphere, hemmis-feer (Greek, 
 hemisys, half; sphaira, a ball). Half a 
 sphere, or globe ; in geometry, when such 
 a sphere is divided by a plane passing- 
 through its centre. 
 
 Hemistich, he-mistik (Greek, hemisys, 
 half ; stichos, a verse). Half a poetical 
 verse, or a verse not completed. 
 
 Hepatic, he-pat-ik (Latin, Jiepar, the 
 liver). In medicine and anatomy, connected 
 with or belonging to the liver. 
 
 Heptagon, heptah-gon (Greek, Jiepta, 
 seven ; yonia, an angle). A fig-ure with 
 seven angles and sides. 
 
 Heptarchy, hep-tarky, (Greek, hepta, 
 seven ; arche, government), A government 
 by seven persons, or the country governed 
 K 2 
 
148 
 
 HEP 
 
 HIE 
 
 by seven persons. The word is usually 
 applied to England, when it was under the 
 government of seven kings, or divided into 
 seven kingdoms ; as the Saxon lieptarchy. 
 
 Heptateuclijheptah-tuke (Greek, hep- 
 ta, seven ; teuchos, a roll). The first seven 
 books of the Old Testament. 
 
 Heraldry, heral-dre. The art, prac- 
 tice, or science of recording genealogies, 
 and blazoning arms or ensigns armorial ; 
 it also teaches whatever relates to the mar- 
 shalling of cavalcades, processions, and 
 other public ceremonies. 
 
 Herbaceous, her-bayshus (Lat., Tier-la, 
 a herb). Relating to herbs ; soft ; perish- 
 ing annually. 
 
 Herbivorous, her-biworus ( Latin, 
 7ie7-ha, a herb). Eating herbs ; subsisting 
 on herbaceous plants, 
 
 Herculean, herkeu-le-an. Eesembling 
 Hercules ; possessing qualities similar to 
 those of Hercules ; extraordinary strength, 
 power, or force. Herculean labour, any 
 labour attended with great effort, danger, 
 or difficulty. 
 
 Hereditary, he-reddy-tary (Latin, 
 hcereditas, an inheritance). Descending to 
 any one as heir ; that has descended from 
 an ancestor; transmittable to an heir-at- 
 law, or from a parent to a child. 
 
 Heresy, herry-se (Greek, hairesis). An 
 opinion taken in opposition, or a dogma 
 opposed to the principles of the Christian 
 Church, of the Established Church, or of 
 established doctrines in general. 
 
 Heriot, herry-ot (Saxon, Jiere, an army ; 
 ffeat, tribute). In law, a fine paid to the 
 lord of the fee at the death of his tenant, 
 originally consisting of military furniture, 
 &c., but latterly of goods and chattels. 
 
 Hermetic, her-mettik. A designation 
 formerly applied to chemistry, under the 
 supposition that it owed its origin, or its 
 improvement, to Hermes Trismegistus. Her- 
 metically sealed, is when anything is che- 
 mically or closely stopped, so that no 
 exhalation can escape. 
 
 Hero, he-ro (Latin, heros). A man emi- 
 nent for bravery ; a distinguished warrior ; 
 a great, Ulustrious, or extraordinary person. 
 
 Heroic, he-ro-ik. Becoming a hero; 
 relating to the qualities which constitute a 
 hero ; noble ; brave ; magnanimous. Heroic 
 age, the age fabled by poets, when the 
 heroes, or those who called themselves the 
 children of the gods, are supposed to have 
 lived. Heroic verse, the name given to 
 
 Latin and Greek hexameters, and to the 
 ten-syllable couplet of English versification. 
 
 Heterarcby, het-errah-ke (Greek, het- 
 eros, another ; arche, rule). The govern- 
 ment of an alien. 
 
 Heteroclite, het-erro-klite (Greek, Jiet- 
 er OS, variable; Hiios, inclined). In grammar, 
 an irregular or anomalous word, either in 
 declension or conjugation ; any thing or 
 person deviating from common forms. 
 
 Heterodox, het-erro-dox (Greek, Jiet- 
 eros, different ; doxa, opinion). Contrary to 
 established opinion ; opposed to the estab- 
 lished religion of a country. 
 
 Heterogeneous, het-erro-jeny-us 
 (Greek, heteros, variable ; genos, a kind). 
 Of another kind ; of a different nature ; 
 dissimilar. 
 
 Hexagon, heksah-gon (Greek, 7iex, six ; 
 .gonia, an angle). A figure with six sides 
 and angles. 
 
 Hexameter, hegz-ametur (Greek, Jiex, 
 six ; metron, a measure). A verse of six 
 metrical feet, either dactyls, or spondees, 
 with no limit as to their arrangement, ex- 
 cept the fifth, which is usually a dactyl, 
 and the last a spondee. 
 
 Hiatus, hi-aitus (Latin, hiatus'). A gap ; 
 a chasm ; something wanting ; a defect. 
 
 Hibernation, hi-ber-nayshun (Latin, 
 Jdbermts, winter). The act of pas sing through 
 the winter ; especially with some animals, 
 who pass the winter season in a state of 
 lethargy. 
 
 Hibernian, hi-berny-an (Latin, Hi- 
 hernia). Belonging to Ireland ; a native 
 of Ireland. 
 
 Hidalgo, hi-dalgo (Spanish), In Spain, 
 a man belonging' to the lowest class of the 
 nobility; the word means literally, "the 
 son of somebody," 
 
 Hierarchy, hi-e-rarky (Greek, liieros, 
 sacred; ajrAe, government). Ecclesiastical 
 government; order or rank of celestial 
 beings ; constitution and government of the 
 Christian Church, or ecclesiastical polity, 
 comprehending different orders of the 
 clergy. 
 
 Hieroglyphic, hi-ero-gli£6k (Greek, 
 Jiieros, sacred; glypJio, to carve). Emble* 
 matical ; expressing by pictures ; a sacred 
 character or symbol in ancient writings, 
 used especially by the Egyptians as signs 
 of sacred, divine, or supernatural things. 
 
 Hierophant, hi-erro-phant (Greek, 
 hieros, sacred; phaino, to show). A priesV 
 one who teaches religion. 
 
HIG 
 
 HO] 
 
 149 
 
 High. Cliurcli. A term applied to the 
 opinions and practices of that party Avhich 
 seeks to exalt the ecclesiastical power ; in 
 opposition to Low Church. 
 
 Hindoo, hin-doo. An aboriginal of 
 Hindostan. 
 
 Hippodrome, hippo-drome (Greek, 
 hipjpos, a horse; dromos, a race-course). 
 Anciently a course for chariot and horse- 
 races. 
 
 Hirsute, her-sute (Latin, hirsutus). 
 Hairy ; rough with hair ; shaggy ; set with 
 bristles. 
 
 Histrioilic,his-tre-onnik (Latin, histrio, 
 an actor). Relating to the stage ; suitable 
 to a theatrical performer; belonging to 
 dramatic representations, 
 
 Hitlie (Saxon, hT/th). A port or small 
 haven to land goods out of vessels, as 
 Eotherhithe, Greenhithe. 
 
 H.M.S. An abbreviation of His or Her 
 Majesty's ship or service. 
 
 Hoar, hore (Saxon, hor). To whiten or 
 become grey ; grey with age ; white with 
 frost. 
 
 Hoarfrost, hore-frost. The white par- 
 ■ tides of ice formed by the congelation of 
 dew or watery vapours. 
 
 Hobby. A strong, active horse ; a child's 
 horse ; hobhy, or hohby-horse, is also applied 
 to a favourite pursuit or amusement. 
 
 Holocaust, hollo-kawst (Greek, holos, 
 whole ; kaio, to bum). A burnt offering, 
 in which the whole of the victim was con- 
 sumed. 
 
 Holograph, hollo-graf (Greek, holos, 
 all; grapho, to write). Something wholly 
 written by a person's own hand, and not 
 copied. 
 
 Holy Alliance. In politics, an alli- 
 ance formed after the fall of Napoleon 
 Buonaparte by the European Sovereigns, 
 "in accordance with the precepts of the 
 gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the happi- 
 ness and religious welfare of all subjects," 
 It was virtually an alliance for securing 
 the royal personages interested against the 
 encroachments of their subjects, and for 
 mutual support, should the stability of 
 their thrones be threatened by any outburst 
 of popular opinion. 
 
 Homage, hom-age (Latin, homo, a man). 
 Service; fealty; duty; respect. The oath 
 of submission and loyalty, which the tenant 
 xmder the feudal system used to take to his 
 superior, when first admitted to the land, 
 which he held of him in fee. 
 
 Homeopathy, homy-oppah-the (Gr., 
 homoios, similar; pathos, disease). In 
 medical practice, a method of curing dis- 
 ease which consists in the employment of 
 various medicinal agents in exceedingly 
 minute doses; an art of curing based on 
 resemblances, as when a disease is cured 
 by remedies which produce upon a healthy 
 jjerson effects similar to the symptoms of the 
 complaint under which the patient suffers. 
 
 Homeric, ho-merik. Relating to Ho- 
 mer, or to his poetry; resembling Homer'a 
 verse. 
 
 Homicide, hommy-side (Latin, homo, 
 a man ; ccedo, to kill). The act of one man 
 kilhng another ; a slayer or destroyer of a 
 man. In law, homicide is held to be justi- 
 fiable, when it proceeds from unavoidable 
 necessity, without an intention to kill, and 
 without negligence ; excusable, when it pro- 
 ceeds from misadventure, or in self-defence ; 
 felonious, when it proceeds from malice, oris 
 done in the prosecution of some unlawful act. 
 
 Homily, hom-illy (Greek, homilia, fa- 
 miliar discourse). A familiar discourse on 
 some subject of rehgion, such as an in- 
 structor would deliver to his pupils. 
 
 Homogeneous, homo-jeny-us (Greek, 
 homos, like ; genos, kind). Having the 
 same nature ; sameness of kind. 
 
 Homonym, hom-o-nim (Greek, homos^ 
 like ; onoma, a name). A word of the sama 
 sound as some other, but differing in signi- 
 fication. 
 
 Honorarium, honno-rary-um (Latin, 
 honos, honour). A counsellor's ' or physi- 
 cian's fee ; a free gift. 
 
 Honorary, onnur-ary. Conferring hon- 
 our ; possessing a title or place without per- 
 forming services or receiving a reward. 
 
 Honours of "War. A term applied 
 to favourable conditions granted to a capi- 
 tulating enemy when evacuating a fortress. 
 
 Horary, ho-rary (Greek, horct,, an hour). 
 Pertaining to an hour ; lasting or continu- 
 ing for an hour. 
 
 Horde, hord (Dutch, horde). A multi- 
 tude or collection of people ; a migratory 
 band, occasionally dwelling in tents, wag- 
 gons, &c., and seldom locating themselves 
 in any one spot ; a clan ; tribe. 
 
 Horizon, ho-ri-zun (Greek, horizo, to 
 bound). The line which bounds or termi- 
 nates the sight, called the sensible horizon ; 
 or an imaginary line equally distant from 
 the zenith and the nadir, which divides th© 
 globe into two hemispheres. 
 
150 
 
 HOE 
 
 ILYD 
 
 Horizontal, liorry-zontal. Parallel to 
 the horizon ; level. 
 
 Horn Book, hawm-book. Th* book 
 used in teacMng children their letters, so 
 called from the ancient custom of covering 
 it with horn. 
 
 Horology, ho-roUo-jy (Greek, hora, an 
 hour ; logos, a discourse). The art of con- 
 structing machinesused for measuring time. 
 
 Horoscope, horo-skope (Greek, Jwra, 
 an hour ; skopeo, to observe). Aspect of 
 the planets at the hour of a person's bu-th, 
 by which astrologers pretend to foretell the 
 future. 
 
 Hors de Combat, hawr-de-kombah 
 (French), Disabled from fighting; in a 
 condition to fight no more. 
 
 Horticulture, hawrty-kulture (Latin, 
 Jiortus, a garden ; cultura, culture). The 
 art of cultivating gardens, or of tending 
 such plants as are usually gTown in gardens. 
 
 Hortus Siccus, hawr-tus sik-kus (Lat., 
 Jiortus, garden ; siccus, dry). The term ap- 
 plied to a collection of specimens of plants, 
 carefully dried and prepared. 
 
 Hosanna, ho-zanna (Hebrew, Save, I 
 beseech you). An exclamation of praise to 
 God, or an invocation of blessings. 
 
 Host, hoste (Latin, kostia, a sacrifice). 
 In the Eoman Cathohc Church, the sacrifice 
 of the mass or the consecrated wafer, re- 
 presenting the body of Christ. 
 
 Hostage, hos-taje (Fi-ench, Otaffe). One 
 given as a pledge for the performance of 
 conditions. 
 
 Hostelry, hos-tel-re (Latin, hospes, a 
 guest). An inn ; an hotel ; a lodging-house, 
 
 Houri, how-re. A name given by Mo- 
 hammedans to a nymph of Paradise, 
 
 Houseliold Troops. This name is 
 given to the regiments of life-guards and 
 horse-guards, together with the foot-guards. 
 They have the care of Her Majesty's per- 
 son, and they enjoy many privileges and 
 immimities, 
 
 Ho"wadji, how-ad- jee. An Arabic word 
 meaning trader, much used in the East. 
 
 Hoy. A small vessel usually rigged as 
 a sloop, and employed for conveying pas- 
 sengers and goods, from place to place on 
 the sea-coast, or to or from a ship in a road 
 or bay. 
 
 Hoyden, hoy-den ("Welsh, hoeclen, a 
 flirt, a coquette), A rude, bold girl; a romp. 
 
 Hudibrastic, hu-de-brastik. Pertain- 
 ing to Hudibras, or doggerel verse. 
 
 Huguenots (German, Eidgenossen, 
 sworn-fellows). A nan* formerly given to 
 the Protestants in France. 
 
 Humanities, hu-manny-tiz. A term 
 used in schools and colleges, to signify 
 polite literature, or grammar, rhetoric, and 
 poetry, including the study of the ancient 
 classics, in distinction from philosophy and 
 science. 
 
 Humid, hu-mid (Latin, humidus). 
 Lloist ; damp ; watery. 
 
 Hiisbandry, husban-dre (Saxon, Mis- 
 honda, from litis, a house ; huend, a cultiva- 
 tor or inhabitant). The business of a far- 
 mer, comprehending agriculture, the raising 
 and managing of cattle and other domestic 
 animals, the management of the dairy, and 
 whatever the land produces, ' 
 
 Hussar, hoo-zar, A mounted soldier. 
 The term is of Hungarian origin, from 
 husz, twenty, and ar, pay ; every twenty 
 houses being obliged, by order of Mathias 
 the First, in 1-158, to furnish and support 
 one horseman. 
 
 Hybrid, hi-brid (Greek, hylris, a mule). 
 A mongrel or mule ; mongrel produced by 
 the mixtm'e of two species. 
 
 Hydra, hi-drah (Greek). A fabulous 
 monster, with many heads ; hence, meta- 
 phorically, the multitude, the mob ; a nu- 
 merous concourse of evils. 
 
 Hydrate, hi-drate. In chemistry, a 
 solid which contains water in a fixed state, 
 as slaked lime, soda, &c. 
 
 Hydraulic, hi-drawlik (Greek, hydov, 
 water ; aidos, a pipe). Kelating to the con- 
 veyance of waterthrough pipes. Hydratdics, 
 the science of the motion of fluids, and the 
 construction of all kinds of machines relat- 
 ing thereto. 
 
 Hydrogen, hi-dro-jen (Greek, hydor, 
 water ; gennao, to produce). A gas, one of 
 the elements of water, of which it forms 
 ll'l parts in a hundred, and oxygen 88"9. 
 
 Hydrography, hi-droggrah-fe (Gr., 
 hydor, water ; grapho, to describe). The 
 art of measuring and describing seas, lakes, 
 rivers, and other waters. 
 
 Hydrometer, hi-drommy-tur (Greek, 
 hydor, water ; metron, a measure). An in- 
 strument employed in the measurement of 
 fluids. 
 
 Hydropbobia, hi-dro-fobeah (Greek, 
 hydor, water ; phohos, fear). Dread of 
 water ; canine madness. 
 
 Hydrostatics, hi-dro-statiks (Greek, 
 hydor, water ; stao, to stand). The science 
 
HYB 
 
 IDE 
 
 151 
 
 wliich treats of the weight of fluids, or their 
 properties when at rest. 
 
 Hyemal, hi-emal (Latin, Jdems, win- 
 ter). Pertaining to winter, done in winter. 
 
 Hygiene, hi-ji-eny (Greek, Eygeia 
 the goddess of health). That department 
 of uiedicine which treats of the science of 
 health. 
 
 Eygrometer, hi-grommy-tur (Greek, 
 hydor, water; metron, a measure). An in- 
 strument used for measuring the degrees of 
 moisture or dryness of the atmosphere. 
 
 Hymeneal, hi-me-neal (Greek, Hymen, 
 the god of marriage). Pertaining to mar- 
 riage ; a nuptial hymn. 
 
 Hyp, hip (contracted from hypochon- 
 dria). A depression of spirits ; a state of 
 melancholy. 
 
 Hyper, hi-pur. A Greek preposition 
 frequently used in composition, where it 
 denotes excess ; its literal signification 
 being above or heyond. 
 
 Hjrperbole, hi-purbo-le (Greek, hyper, 
 beyond ; hallo, to throw). Exaggeration ; 
 a figure of speech which represents things 
 as much greater or less than they really 
 are. 
 
 Hyperborean, hi-pur-bo-rean (Gr., 
 loiper, bej^ond ; horeas, the north). North- 
 erly ; in the remotest north ; very cold. 
 
 Hyper-eritic, hi-per-krittik (Greek, 
 hpper, above ; kritihos, critical). A critic 
 exact beyond reason ; a captious censor. 
 
 Hyphen, hi-fen (Greek). In composi- 
 tion, the mark (-) between words forming 
 compounds, &c. 
 
 Hypnology, hip-nollo-je (Gr., hypnos, 
 sleep ; logos, a discourse). The doctrine 
 of sleep. 
 
 Hypo, hi-po. A Greek particle, retained 
 in the composition of different words bor- 
 rowed from that language, and literally 
 denoting under, beneat/i, &c. 
 
 Hypochondria, hippo-kondreah (Gr., 
 hypo, under; chondros, a cartilage). Pro- 
 perly, the region below the short ribs ; 
 hence a disease of that region, producing 
 melancholy ; depression of spirits ; melan- 
 choly. 
 
 Hypothecate, hip-othy-kate (Latin, 
 hypotheca, a pledge). To pawn ; to give in 
 pledge. 
 
 Hypothesis, hip-othy-sis (Greek, hy- 
 potithemi, to suppose). A supposition ; a 
 .system or theory formed iipon some prin- 
 ciple not proved. 
 
 Iambic, i-am-bik (Latin, iamhicus). In 
 poetry, a foot consisting of two syllables, 
 the first short and the last long, as dSlTght ; 
 this word is sometimes figiu-atively used to 
 signify satire. 
 
 Ibis, i-bis. A bird with long legs, bill, 
 and broad wings ; a sacred bird in Egypt. 
 
 Ic, ik. In chemistry, a termination of 
 the names of those acids which combine 
 the highest quantity of the acidifying prin- 
 ciple. 
 
 Icarian, i-kary-an (from Icarus), Soar- 
 ing high ; adventurous in flight. 
 
 Ich Dien (German, 1 serve). The motto 
 of the Prince of Wales. It was first used 
 by John, king of Bohemia, slain at the 
 battle of Cressy, when it was adopted by 
 Edward the Black Prince, as a mark of 
 subjection to his father, Edward the Third. 
 
 Ichnography, ikno-graffy (Gr., ichnos, 
 a trace ; grapho, to write). A ground-plan 
 or horizontal section of a building. In 
 perspective, the view of anything cut off 
 by a plane parallel to the hoi'izon, just at 
 the base of an object. The term is also 
 used to designate a description of ancient 
 works of art, as statuary, paintings, &c. 
 
 Ichor, ik-or (Greek). A thin, watery 
 humour, with which the veins of the gods 
 were fabled to be filled, instead of blood. 
 
 Ichthyology, ik-thee-oUo-je (Greek, 
 icMhys, a fish ; logos, a discourse). That 
 department of natural history which treats 
 of the sti-ucture, habits, and classification 
 of fishes. 
 
 Iconoclasm, i-kono-klazm (Gr., eiJcon, 
 an image). The act of breaking or destroy- 
 ing images. 
 
 Ideal, i-de-al (Greek, idea). Mental; 
 not perceived by the senses ; existing in the 
 imagination or fancy. 
 
 Idem, i-dem (Latin), The same. 
 
 Identify, i-denty-fi (Latin, idem, the 
 same ; facio, to make). To make or prove 
 the same ; to combine or unite in such a 
 manner as to produce one interest, purpose, 
 or intention. 
 
 Identity, i-denty-te (Latin, idem, the 
 same). Sameness ; the laeing almost the 
 same ; the being exactly the same. 
 
 Ides, idze (Latin, idus). A term in the 
 Roman calendar, denoting the 13th day of 
 each month, except March, May, July, and 
 October, in which it was the J 5th. 
 
152 
 
 IDE 
 
 IMM 
 
 Id Est (Latin). That is; contracted I 
 into i. e. I 
 
 Idiom, iddy-um (Greek, idios, peculiar). 
 A mode of expression peculiar to a language, 
 not reduced within the general rales of the 
 grammar of that language. 
 
 Idiopathy, iddy-oppah-the (Gr., idios, 
 peculiar ; patJios, disease). A primary- 
 disease ; a disorder not to be traced to any 
 preceding disease ; peculiar affection. 
 
 Idiosyncrasy, iddyo-sinkrah-se (Gr., 
 idios, peculiar; in, with; Jcrasis, a min- 
 gling). A peculiarity of constitution or 
 temperament ; a disposition or temper cha- 
 racteristic of a person. 
 
 Idyl, i-dil (Greek, eidyllion, a little 
 figure or representation). A short pastoral 
 poem. 
 
 Igneous, ig-ne-us (Latin, ignis, fire). 
 Consisting of fire ; containing fire : in geo- 
 logy, proceeding from the action of fire. 
 
 Ignis Fatuus, ig-nis fat-u-us (Latin). 
 A meteor of light which appears in the 
 night over marshy grounds, occasioned by 
 the liberation and ascent of phosphvu-etted 
 hydrogen gas. It is popularly known as 
 Will-d-the- Wis}:) and Jack-d -Lantern. 
 
 Ignoramus, igno-raymus (Lat., igno- 
 ramus, we do not know). A term applied 
 to one who is ignorant of everything. In 
 ]aw, a word used by the grand jury, as the 
 term of indorsation, when they ignore, or 
 throw out a bill of indictment for want of 
 sufiicient evidence. 
 
 Iliad, illy-ad. The name of an ancient 
 epic poem composed by Homer, recording 
 the siege of Troy, or Iliiim. 
 
 Ilk (Saxon, ylc). The same ; each or 
 every one ; chiefly used in Scotland and the 
 north of England, to denote the same name, 
 as Macleod of that ilJc, meaning a gentle- 
 man whose surname and title of his estate 
 are the same, as "Macleod of Macleod." 
 
 Illimitable, il-immitah-bul (Latin, in ; 
 limes, a boundary). That cannot be bounded 
 or confined, terminated or determined. 
 
 Illuminati, il-lewmy-najrfce (Latin). 
 Literally, those who have been enhghtened ; 
 a name appropriated by persons assuming a 
 superior knowledge on some subject ; par- 
 ticularly by a secret association in Ger- 
 many, and other countries of Europe, who, 
 by misrepresentation, sought to subvert 
 Christianity. 
 
 Illusion, il-luzhun (Latin, in, with; 
 Indo, to sport). False show ; mockery ; 
 error ; deception by false appearances. 
 
 lm.agery, imaj-erry (Latin, imago, an 
 image). Ideas formed wholly by the ima- 
 gination, and which have no real existence; 
 pictures ; statues ; figures of speech ; sen- 
 sible representations. 
 
 Imbecile, imby-sil (Latin, imlecilis). 
 Weak; feeble; wanting support; leaning 
 or relying upon ; destitute of physical or 
 mental strengtii. 
 
 Imbibe, im-bTbe (Latin, in, in ; hiJiO, to 
 drink). To drink or dtaw in ; to absorb ; 
 to admit into the mind. 
 
 Imbricate, imbrik-ate (Gr., imhricio, 
 to cover with tiles). Laid under one an- 
 other, as tiles. In botany, lapping over, 
 as the leaves in a bud. 
 
 Imbroglio, im-brol-yo (Italian). In 
 literature, an intricate, complicated plot ; 
 in a general sense, intricacy. 
 
 Imbrue, im-bru (Greek, en, in ; hrechn, 
 to moisten). To steep; to soak; to moisten. 
 
 Imbue, im-bu (Latin, imhuo). To 
 tincture or tinge deeply ; to cause to 
 imbibe. 
 
 Immaculate, im-makku-late (Latin, in; 
 mactda, a spot). Without spot or blemish; 
 pure ; undefiled. 
 
 Immaterial, immah-teery-al (Latin, in; 
 materia^ matter). Distinct from matter ; 
 spiritual ; of no importance or weight. 
 
 Immature, immah-ture (Latin, in; 
 maturiLS, ripe). Unripe ; imperfect in 
 growth ; unfinished ; not arrived at fulness 
 or completion ; come to pass before the 
 natmral time. 
 
 Immemoria-l, imem-ory-al (Latin, in; 
 memoria, memory). Past the time of me- 
 mory ; so ancient that the b(>ginning can- 
 not be traced. 
 
 Immerse, im-mers (Latin, in; mergo, 
 to plung-e). Buried ; covered ; sunken under 
 water ; overwhelmed ; deeply engaged. 
 
 Imminent, immy-nent (Latin, in; 
 minor, to threaten). Threatening ; hanging 
 over one's head ; impending ; at hand. 
 
 Immobility, immo-billy-te (Latin, in; 
 mohilis, movable). Resistance to motion ; 
 fixedness of place ; unchangeableness of 
 state. 
 
 Immolate, immo-late (Latin, i-n; mola, 
 flour mingled with salt, sprinkled on sacri- 
 fices). To offer as a sacrifice ; to kill in 
 sacrifice ; to make or become a victim. 
 
 Immunity, im-mewny-te (Latin, in ; 
 munus, a duty or tax). Exemption ; free- 
 dom from certain duties ; privilege ; liberty. 
 
IMM 
 
 Immure, im-mure (Latin, in ; murus, 
 a wall). Literally, to inclose within walls; 
 to confine ; to shut up closely ; to imprison. 
 
 Im.m.utable, im-mewtah-bul (Latin, in; 
 muto, to change). Unchangeable ; invari- 
 able ; stedfast ; without alteration. 
 
 Im.pacable, im-payka-bul (Latin, in; 
 ■pax, peace). Not to be appeased or quieted; 
 irreconcileable. 
 
 Im.pact, im-pakt (Latin, in; pango, to 
 drive). To drive close together ; to make 
 tight. 
 
 Imipale. In heraldry, to conjoin two 
 coats of arms pale- ways, as is the case with 
 those of a husband and wife, and so to 
 impale them. 
 
 Im.pale, im-pale (French, empaler). To 
 fix on a stake ; to inclose with stakes ; to 
 shut in. 
 
 Im.palpable, im-palpah-bul (Latin, in; 
 palpo, to touch). That cannot be perceived 
 by the touch ; not to be felt. 
 
 Imipartial, im-parshal (Latin, in; pars, 
 part). Not favouring either party ; not 
 leaning to one party more than the other ; 
 not biassed by party prejudices ; equitable ; 
 just; even-handed. 
 
 Impassive, im-passiv (Latin, in ; 
 passus, suffered). Not susceptible of pain 
 or suffering. 
 
 Impeacll, em-peetsh (French, empecher, 
 to hinder). To accuse by public authority; 
 to charge ; to bring into question. 
 
 Im.peccability, im - pekkah - bility 
 (Lat., in; pecco, to sin). Exemption from 
 sin ; that state in which it is impossible to 
 do wrong or transgress. 
 
 Im.pend.ing, im-pending (Latin, in; 
 pendeo, to hang). Hanging over one ; 
 threatening ; likely to happen. 
 
 Imperialist, im-peery-alist (Latin, im- 
 pero, to command). One who belongs to an 
 emperor; a subject or soldier of an emperor. 
 
 Im.permeable, im-permy-abul (Latin, 
 in ; jJermeo, to go through). Not to be 
 passed through the pores by a fluid. 
 
 Impersonal Verb. In grammar, a 
 verb which is used only with the termina- 
 tion of the third person singular, with it 
 for a nominative in English, and without a 
 nominative in Latin ; as it rains. 
 
 Impersonation, im - perso - nayshun 
 (Latin, in; persona, person). The act of 
 personifying, or representing things with- 
 out life as persons ; the representation of 
 an assumed character. 
 
 IMP 
 
 153 
 
 Imperturbable, imper - turba - bul 
 (Latin, in; ^3er, by; turha, confusion). 
 That cannot be . disturbed or agitated ; 
 quietude ; tranquillity ; calmness. 
 
 Impervious, im-pervy-us (Latin, in; 
 per, by ; via, a way). That cannot be passed 
 through ; not to be penetrated or pierced ; 
 not to be affected by external influences. 
 
 Impinge, im-pinj (Latin, in; pango, 
 to strike). To strike against; to fall against; 
 to dash upon. 
 
 Implacable, im-plakkah-bul (Latin, in; 
 placo, to pacify). Not to be appeased or 
 pacified ; stubborn, or constant in ill-will. 
 
 Implicate, implee-kate (Latin, in; 
 jolico, to fold). To entangle ; to embarrass ; 
 to involve ; to show or prove to be connected 
 or concerned. 
 
 Implicit, im-plissit (Latin, iii; plico,to 
 fold). Literally, wrappqd up in ; hence, 
 trusting to the word or authority of an- 
 other ; resting wholly on another. 
 
 Import, im-port (Latin, in; porta, to 
 carry). That which is borne or conveyed 
 by words ;, signification ; meaning ; ten- 
 dency ; of great consequence or moment ; 
 that which is brought from one country to 
 another, usually expressed in the plural, 
 imports. 
 
 Importunate, im-poi-tu-nate (Latin, 
 in; porto, to cai'ry). Incessant in solicita- 
 tion ; making constant requests ; pressing j 
 urgent. 
 
 Imposition of Hands (Latin, impono^ 
 to place upon). In ecclesiastical affairs, 
 the sign and seal of confirmation and ordi- 
 nation to the ministry and to deaconship. 
 
 Impost, im-poste (French, impost). 
 Any tax or tribute levied by authority ; a 
 toll; custom. 
 
 Impotence, impo-tens (Latin, i^i; 
 potens, powerful). Want of strength or 
 power ; inability ; weakness ; imbecility. 
 
 ImpOLind, im-pound (Saxon, in pyn- 
 dan, to pen in). To inclose as in a pound ; 
 to confine ; to restrain within limits. 
 
 Imprecation, impree-kayshun (Lat., 
 in; precor, to pray). The act of invoking 
 evil on any one ; curse ; execration. 
 
 Impregnable, im-pregnah-bul (Latin, 
 in; preliendo, to take). Not to be taken 
 by assault ; not to be forced ; invincible ; 
 unconquerable ; inaccessible. 
 
 Impregnate, im-pregnate (French, 
 impregner). To communicate the qualities 
 or virtues of one thing to another. 
 
154 
 
 IMP 
 
 INC 
 
 impressible, im-pressy-bul (Latin, 
 impressuvi, stamped). That may receive 
 impressions ; easily receiving or yielding 
 to an impression. 
 
 Impriraatur, impree-maytur (Latin, 
 ivqjrimatur, let it be printed). The term 
 applied to the privilege or license to print 
 a book ; used also to express approval by 
 a critic, &c. 
 
 Imprimis, im-pri-mis (Latin) . Firstly ; 
 in the first place ; first in order. 
 
 Im.print, im-print (Latin, in; premo, 
 to press). The designation of the place 
 where, by whom, and when a book is pub- 
 lished. 
 
 Im.promptU, im-promtu (French). 
 Without previous study; an extempora- 
 neous composition. 
 
 Im.pr opriator, im - propree - p.ytur 
 (Latin, in; 2)rop7~itis, belonging to). One 
 who ap2:)ropriates ; a layman having church 
 lands, or an ecclesiastical living. 
 
 Im.provisator e, impro - vizzah - tory 
 (Italian). A man who makes rhymes and 
 .short poems extemporaneously ; feminine, 
 imj^'rovisairice. 
 
 Iraprovise, impro-vize (Latin, in; pro, 
 lorvv'ard; video, to see). To speak extem- 
 poraneously ; to contrive on the spur of the 
 moment ; to substitute on an emergency. 
 
 Impugn, im-pune (Latin, in, against ; 
 purjno, to contend). To resist ; to contra- 
 dict ; to assail ; to attack ; to question the 
 truth of a statement or the honesty of a 
 purpose. 
 
 Im.p"Qmty, im-puny-te (Latin, in ; 
 imnio' to punish). Exemption from 
 punishment ; freedom from penalty ; secu- 
 rity from chastisement. 
 
 Impute, im-pute (Latin, in, upon ; 
 indo, to consider). To charge with ; to 
 attribute ; to set to the account of ; to 
 reckon as belonging to. 
 
 •Inadvertence, inad-vertens (Latin, 
 in; advertens, turning to). Literally, not 
 turning the mind to ; want of caution or 
 consideration ; inattentive ; careless. 
 
 Inamorato, inam-o-rahto (Italian). A 
 lover ; a man in love. 
 
 Inane, in-aue (Latin, inanis, empty). 
 Void ; empty ; wanting in intelligence and 
 understanding. 
 
 Inanition, innah-nishun (Latin, inanis, 
 empty). Emptiness ; exhaustion ; want 
 of sustenance. 
 
 Inaugurate, in-awgu-rate (Latin, in; 
 augur, a Roman soothsayer). To invest 
 
 with office ; to admit to ; to consecrate ; to 
 induct by solemn rites ; to enter upon or 
 commence. 
 
 Incandescence, inkan-dessens (Latin, 
 incandesco, to become white hot). The 
 glowing or shining appearance of heated 
 bodies ; properly, the acquisition of a whit® 
 heat. 
 
 Incantation, incan-tayshun (Latin, 
 in ; canto, to sing). A magical charm ; 
 the act of enchanting ; ceremonies of witch- 
 craft. 
 
 Incapacitate, inkah-passy-tate (Lat., 
 in; capio, to take). To render or make 
 incapable ; to deprive of competent power 
 or ability- 
 Incarcerate, in-karsy-rate (Latin, in; 
 career, a prison). To imprison ; to confine ; 
 to shut up or inclose. 
 
 Incendiary, in-sendy-ary (Latin, in- 
 cendo, to set on fire). One who sets on 
 fire; generally, to the dwelling or property 
 of another ; metaphorically, one who fo- 
 ments strife and inflames the passions ; a 
 promoter of quarrels. 
 
 Tncense, in-sense (Latin, incendo, to 
 set on fire). Perfume exhaled by fire ; the 
 odours of spices and gums burnt in religious 
 rites ; acceptable prayers and praises ; 
 figuratively, anything grateful to the feel- 
 ings, as flattery. 
 
 Incentive, in-sentiv (Latin, incendo, t? 
 kindle). That which incites or encourages ; 
 kindling ; provoking ; that which operates 
 on the mind or passions, and prompts to 
 good or ill. 
 
 Inception, in-sepshun (Latin, incipio, 
 to begin). A beginning ; a commencement. 
 
 Incertitude, in-serty-tude (Latin, in; 
 certus, certain). Doubt ; uncertainty. 
 
 Inclioate, inko-ate (Latin, inchoo,to be- 
 gin). Begun; commenced; entered upon. 
 
 Incidence, insy-dens (Latin, incido, to 
 fall on). The direction in which one body 
 falls or strikes on another. The angle which 
 the direction of the falling or moving body 
 makes with the plane struck is called the 
 angle of incidence. 
 
 Incidental, insy-dental (Latin, zncido, 
 to fall on). Casual ; happening by chance ; 
 secondary to somethmg else ; connected 
 with some main object ; occasional. 
 
 Incipient, in-sippy-ent (Latin, inci- 
 2nens). Beginning; commencing, as in- 
 cipient insanity. 
 
 Incision, in-sizzhun (Latin, incido, to 
 cut). A cut ; a gash ; a wound ; the sepa- 
 
 li 
 
INC 
 
 IND 
 
 155 
 
 ration of the surface of any substance by a 
 shai-p instrument. 
 
 Incisor, insi-sor (Latin, incido, to cut). 
 A cutting tooth ; the four front teeth of 
 both jaws are called incisors. 
 
 Incite, in-site (Latin, tn; cito, to move). 
 To urge on ; to push forward in a design ; 
 to animate by persuasion or promises. 
 
 Incivism, in-civizm (Latin, m ; civis, a 
 citizen). Want of patriotism ; want of love 
 for one's country. 
 
 Inclined Plane. In mechanics, a 
 plane which forms with a horizontal plane 
 some angle less than a right angle. 
 
 Incognito, in-kogne-to (Italian, un- 
 known). Concealed or disguised ; especially 
 applied to the assumption of a meaner rank 
 by royal and noble personages ; also con- 
 tracted to incoff. 
 
 In commendam, in-kom-mendam 
 (Latin). In ecclesiastical law, to hold a 
 vacant Church living by favour of the 
 Crown, till a proper pastor is provided. 
 
 Incompatible, incom - patty - bul 
 (French). Inconsistent with something- 
 else ; such as cannot subsist, or cannot be 
 ])ossessed together with something else ; 
 irreconcilably different, or disagreeing; 
 incongruous. 
 
 Incongruous, in-kong-groo-us (Latin, 
 i>i; congruns, suitability). Unsuitable; 
 not fitting ; ill adapted for ; inconsistent ; 
 absurd. 
 
 Inconsequent, in-konsy-kwent (Latin, 
 in ; consecpcens, following). Without regular 
 inference ; want of relation to, or connec- 
 tion with ; not following in order or suc- 
 cession ; not ensuing as an effect. 
 
 Incorporate, in-kawrpo-rate (Latin, 
 in; corpus, a body). To embody ; to mingle, 
 or blend one body or substance into an- 
 other ; to mix intimately ; to join as 
 one. 
 
 Incorporeal, in-kawr-po-real (Latin, 
 in; corpiis, a body). Immaterial; not con- 
 sisting of matter; not having a material 
 body. 
 
 Incorrigible, in-corijah-bul (French, 
 incorrigihie). Bad ; beyond the power of 
 being made better by correction ; hope- 
 lessly depraved ; eiToneous beyond hope of 
 instruction. 
 
 Increment, inkre-ment (Latin, incresco, 
 to increase). Growth or increase in quantity 
 or number ; produce ; matter added. 
 
 Incubation, inku-bayshun (Latin, in, 
 on; aibo, t5 lie). The act of sitting on 
 
 eggs to hatch them ; figuratively, brooding 
 over anything. 
 
 Incubus, inku-bus (Latin, in, upon ; 
 culo, to lie). The visitation known as 
 nightmare, and which is usually accom- 
 panied by a sensation of great weight upon 
 the chest. 
 
 Inculcate, in-kulkate (Latin, in; calco, 
 to tread). To impress by frequent admoni- 
 tion and repetition ; to impress upon the 
 mind by forcible instruction. 
 
 Incumbent, in-kum-bent (Latin, in, 
 upon ; cumho, to lie). Lying, leaning, rest- 
 ing, or reposing upon ; resting upon, as a 
 duty that must be borne or supported. In 
 ecclesiastical law, an incumbent is a clerk 
 in holy orders, who is resident on his bene- 
 fice with cure. 
 
 Incur, in-kur (Latin, m/ curro, to run). 
 Literally, to run into ; hence, to encounter ; 
 to meet ; to become subject to, or liable 
 for. 
 
 Incursion, (Latin, in ; curro, to run). 
 An inroad ; an invasion ; an attack upon 
 the province of another, and usually with- 
 out conquest. 
 
 Indefatigable, indy-f attiga-bul (Latin, 
 in; de; fatigo, to weary). Unwearied; 
 not to be worn out or exhausted ; never 
 fatigued. 
 
 Indefeasible, indy-feeza-bul (Latin^ 
 in; de ; facio). Incapable of being de- 
 feated or made void ; not to be annulled 
 or abrogated. 
 
 Indelible, in-delly-bul (Latin, in ; . 
 deleo, to blot out). Not to be blotted ; 
 not to be effaced ; fixed beyond the power 
 of erasure. 
 
 Indem.ni:fy, in-demny-fi (Latin, in; 
 damnum, loss). To secure against loss, or 
 penalty ; to compensate for loss sustained. 
 
 Indemnity, in-demny-te (Latin, in; 
 damnum, loss). Exemption from punish- 
 ment ; security against loss, or penalty. 
 
 Indenture, in-denture. A writing 
 containing a contract, as of apprenticeship. 
 It takes its name from the circumstance 
 that formerly indentures were duplicates 
 laid together and indented, so that the two 
 papers, or parchments, corresponded to 
 each other. 
 
 Independents. A sect of Protestant 
 Dissenters, who maintain that every con- 
 gregation of Christians is a complete 
 church, subject to no superior authority, 
 and competent to perform eveiy act of 
 government in ecclesiastical affairs. 
 
156 
 
 1^T> 
 
 INP 
 
 Index, in-deks (Latin, iiidico, to show). 
 Tliat which points out ; a hand to show 
 the way, or the hour ; a table of the con- 
 tents of a book. 
 
 Indicative, in-dikkah -tiv (Latin, indico, 
 to show). Showing ; gi\'ing intimation or 
 knowledge of something not visible, or 
 obvious. In grammar, a term apjalied to 
 the mood of a verb, which affirms or denies 
 a thing. 
 
 Indict, in-dite (Latin, indico, to show). 
 In law, to accuse or charge with a crime or 
 misdemeanor in writing, by a grand jmy 
 under oath. 
 
 Indigence, indy-gens (Latin, indigeo, 
 to want). Xeed ; want ; necessity ; po- 
 verty. 
 
 Indigenous, in-dijin-us (Latin, indu, 
 within; geno, to beget). JSFative to a 
 country ; belonging to the soil ; not 
 exotic. 
 
 Indissoluble, in-disso-lubl (Latin, hi; 
 dissolvo, to loosen). Not to be melted or 
 dissolved; .nseparable ; indestructible; 
 firm ; stable ; binding. 
 
 Indite, in-dite (Latin, indico, to show). 
 To compose ; to write ; to dictate what is 
 to be written. 
 
 Indoctrinate, in-doktre-nate (Latin, 
 ill ; doctrina, learning). To instruct ; to 
 tincture with any opinion ; to teach rudi- 
 ments and principles. 
 
 Indomitable, in-dommy-ta-bul (Latin, 
 in; domo, to tame). Not to be subdued; 
 not discouraged by obstacles ; unimpres- 
 sible; untameable. 
 
 Indubitable, In-dewbit-a-bul (Latin, 
 tn; duhito, to doubt). Not admitting of 
 doubt or distrust; certain ; assured. 
 
 Induce, in-duse (Latin, induco, to in- 
 troduce). To prevail upon ; to lead by 
 persuasion ; to influence by argument. 
 
 Induct, in-dukt (Latin, induco, to intro- 
 duce). To bring in ; to introduce ; to put 
 in possession, as an office or benefice. 
 
 Inductive, in-duktiv (Latin, inchico, 
 to introduce). Pertaining to induction ; 
 introduction ; a mode of reasoning from 
 particulars to generals ; deduced from ex- 
 periment, as opposed to hypothesis. 
 
 Indulgence. In the Eomish Church, 
 remission of the punishment due to sins, 
 granted by the Pope or Church, and sup- 
 posed to save the sinner from purgatory. 
 
 Indurate, indu-rate (Latin, durus, 
 hard). To harden; to grow or become 
 
 hard; figuratively, to deprive of sensi 
 bility ; to render obdurate. 1 1 
 
 Industrial, in-dustre-al (French, II 
 industriel). Pertaining to manufacture or " 
 produce of industry. 
 
 Inebriety,in-e-briety (Latin, in; ebrius, 
 drunken). A state of drunkenness ; intoxi- 
 cation. 
 
 Ineffable, in-effah-bul (Latin, in; effor, 
 to speak). Unspeakable ; unutterable '; 
 not to be expressed. 
 
 Inept, in-ept (Latin, ineptus). Trifling ; 
 foolish ; unflt for any pui-pose ; unready ; 
 awkward ; useless. 
 
 Inert, in-ert (Latin, iners). Dull ; 
 sluggish ; motionless ; destitute of the 
 power of moving itself, or of active r-e- 
 sistance. 
 
 Inertia, in-ersheah (Latin, iners). The 
 passive property of bodies, by which they 
 persist in a state of rest or motion, and 
 receive motion in proportion to the force 
 impressed upon them, and resist a,s much 
 as they are resisted ; called also in the 
 language of philosophy, vis inertia. 
 
 In Esse, in es-se. A Latin phrase, 
 signifying in being ; an actual existence, as 
 distinguished from in posse. 
 
 Inevitable, in-ewit-a-bul (Latin, in ; 
 evito, to avoid). That may not be shunned 
 or escaped ; unavoidable. 
 
 Inexorable, in-egzur-a-bul (Latin, in ; 
 exoro, to entreat). Not to be moved 
 by prayer or entreaty ; neither to be per- 
 suaded nor dissuaded ; deaf to entreaty ; 
 relentless. 
 
 Inexplicable, in-eksphkka-bul (Fr., 
 inexplicable). Not to be explained ; in- 
 capable of being, made clear or manifest ; 
 involved. 
 
 InExtenso,in ex-t»nso (Latin). Fully; 
 at length ; without abridgement ; word for 
 word. 
 
 Inextricable, ineks-trikka-bul (Latin, 
 m; extrico, to extricate). That cannot be 
 extricated or disentangled. 
 
 Infancy. The period, physically con- 
 sidered, from birih to seven years, and 
 legally, till the age of twenty-one, previ- 
 ous to which no on« can inherit property, 
 execute any obligation, or incur any re- 
 sponsibility, except for necessaries. 
 
 Infanta, in-fantah. In Spain and 
 Portugal, any princess of the roj'^al blood, 
 except the eldest daughter when heiress 
 apparent. 
 
INF 
 
 INJ 
 
 157 
 
 rniantry, inf an-tre. The foot soldiers 
 of an army. 
 
 Infatuated, in-f attu-ated (Lat. , faViius, 
 foolish). Bereft of reason or common sense ; 
 affected with folly ; inspired with a foohsh, 
 extravagant passion. 
 
 Inference, infer-ens (Latin, in; fero, to 
 bring). A deduction from premises ; a 
 conclusion drawn from previous argu- 
 ments; a result arrived at by what has 
 been suggested, not as an absolutely 
 necessary consequence, but as a probable 
 truth. 
 
 Infinite, in fin-it (Latin, in; finitus, 
 terminated). Without end, bound, or limit ; 
 countless ; measureless ; immense. Ap- 
 plied hyperbolicaUy to anything of very 
 great or indefinite dimensions. 
 
 Infinitesimal, in-finny-tessy-mal. In- 
 finitely small ; divided into the minutest 
 portions. 
 
 Infinitive, in-finny-tiv (Latin, in; 
 finitus, terminated). Undefined, or not 
 defining ; applied especially, in grammar, 
 to that mood of the verb which affirms, 
 without limiting its number or person. 
 
 Inflated, in-flayted (Latin, hi; flo, to 
 blow). SwoUen or distended with air ; 
 puffed or blown out. Figuratively applied 
 to a person puffed up with vanity ; or to 
 a literary style opposed to simplicity and 
 perspicuity. 
 
 Inflection, in-flekshun (Latin, in; 
 flecto, to bend). The act of bending or 
 turning from a right line or course ; vari- 
 ation of terminations; modulation of the 
 voice in speaking. 
 
 Inflexible, in-fleksy-bul (Latin, inflex- 
 ihilis). Unbending ; not to be induced or 
 persuaded ; firm ; constant ; steady ; fixed. 
 
 Influx, in-fluks (Latin, in; fluo, flow). 
 The act of flowing in ; a sudden rush ; 
 infusion ; intermixture. 
 
 Informal, in-formal. Not in the 
 usual form ; irregular. 
 
 Infra. A Latin preposition used in 
 compound words, signifying beneath. 
 
 Infraction, in-frakshun (Latin, in; 
 francjo, to break). The act of breaking ; 
 violation. 
 
 Infrangible, in-franjy-bul (Latin, 
 frango, to break). Not to be broken, or 
 ■ separated into parts ; not to be violated. 
 
 Infusion, in-f ewshun (Latin, in; fundo, 
 to pour) . Mixing by pouring in ; instilling ; 
 steeping or soaking ; liquor made by in- 
 fusion. 
 
 Ingenious, iu-jeeny-us (Latin, inge- 
 ?ii%m,. capacity). Possessed of genius; 
 inventive; skilful; witty. 
 
 Ingenuous, in-jennu-us (Latin, in- 
 gemius). Frank ; candid ; straight-for- 
 ward ; free from reserve, disguise, oi- equ.i- 
 vocation. 
 
 Ingestion, in-jestshun (Latin, in; gero, 
 to carry). The act of throwing into the 
 stomach. 
 
 Ingot. A small bar of metal, made 
 of a certain form and size, by casting it in 
 moulds. The term is chiefly applied to 
 the small bars of gold and silver, intended 
 either for coining or for exportation to 
 foreign countries. 
 
 Ingrain, in-grain. To dye in the grain, 
 or before manufacture. 
 
 Ingrate, in-grate (French, ingrat). An 
 ungrateful person. 
 
 Ingratiate, in-grashy-ate (Latin, in; 
 gratia, favour). To commend one's self to 
 another's good-will, confidence, or kind- 
 ness ; to gain or secure the favour of a 
 person. 
 
 Ingress, in-gi-ess (Latin, ingressns). 
 Entrance ; power of entrance ; means of 
 entering. 
 
 I. H. S. An abbreviation for Jesus 
 Hominnm Salvator ; that is, Jesus, the 
 Saviour of mankind. 
 
 Inhale, in-hale (Latin, in; halo, to 
 breathe). To draw into the lungs ; to 
 inspire. 
 
 Inherent, in-herent (Latin, in; hcereo^ 
 to adhere). Existing inseparably in some- 
 thing else ; naturally pertaining to ; 
 inborn ; inbred. 
 
 Inhibit, in-hibbit (Latin, in; habeo, to 
 have). To forbid ; . to restrain ; to hinder ; 
 to interdict. 
 
 Inhume, in-hume (Latin, in; hwno, 
 to bury). To bury ; to inter as a dead 
 body ; to digest in a vessel surrounded by 
 warm eai-th. 
 
 Inimical, in-immy-kal(Lat., i»; aviiais, 
 a friend). Unfriendly ; averse ; hostile. 
 
 Initiate, in-isshy-ate (Latin, inititau, a 
 beginning). To begin ; to enter upon ; to 
 lay the foundation ; to instruct in rudi- 
 ments or principles ; to introduce. 
 
 Inject, in-jekt (Latin, injectus, thrown). 
 To throw in ; to dart into ; to introduce 
 quickly, suddenly. 
 
 Injunction, in-junkshun (Latin, in- 
 jungo, to enjoin). A command ; order ; 
 precept ; the direction of a superior vested 
 
158 
 
 INL 
 
 INS 
 
 with autliority ; -urgent advice. In law, 
 a wiit of the Court of Chancery, forbidding 
 or requiring some specified act to be done. 
 In limine, in-Ummy-ne. A Latin 
 term, signifying at the threshold ; at the 
 beginning or outset' 
 
 Innate, in-nate (Latin, innaUis). In- 
 born ; native ; natural. 
 
 Innocuous, in-nokku-us (Latin, iano- 
 cvMs). Safe; haiToless ; nothm-tful; inno- 
 cent ; producing no ill effect. 
 
 Innovation, inno-vayshun (Latin, in ; 
 novas, new). Introduction of novelties ; 
 change in established laws, customs, rites, 
 or practices. 
 
 Innoxious, in-nokshus (Latin, innox- 
 ius). Free from mischievous qualities; 
 hai-mless ; innocent ; pure. 
 
 Innuendo, innu-endo (Latin, imiuo, 
 to nod). A hint or intimation ; an 
 insinuation ; a remote reference to a person 
 or thing not named. 
 
 Inoculate, in-okku-late (Latin, in; oai- 
 his, the eye). To insert or introduce an 
 eye, a bud, or graft ; to communicate a 
 disease, particiilarly the smaU-pos, by 
 inserting matter into the flesh. 
 
 Inordinate, in-awrdy-nate (Latin, 
 viiordinoMs). Irregular ; beyond all 
 bounds or limits ; excessive ; immoderate. 
 
 Inorganic, inor-gannik (Latin, in. 
 Greek, organon, an organ). Void of 
 organs; not possessing the organs pe- 
 culiar to animal and vegetable existence. 
 
 In petto (Itahan, in petto, within the 
 breast). Held in reseiwe ; kept back; 
 performed, but not proclaimed to the world. 
 
 In posse, in pos-se (Latin). In possible 
 existence ; likely, but not certain to become. 
 
 In prospeetu, in pro-spektu (Latin). 
 Contemplating the commission of some act ; 
 intending to perform at some futui'e time ; 
 on the verge of. 
 
 In puissant, am-pwees-song^French). 
 "Weak ; powerless. 
 
 Inquisition, inkwe-zisshun (Latin, 
 inquisitio). Judicial inquiry ; examination; 
 an ecclesiastical tribunal for the detection 
 and punishment of heresy. 
 
 Insatiable, in-sayshea-bl (Latin, in; 
 satis, sufficient). Greedy beyond measure ; 
 that cannot be satisfied. 
 
 Inscrutable, in-skroota-bul (Latin, 
 inscrutalilis). Not to be searched or 
 inquii-ed into ; that cannot be traced or 
 followed; unsearchable?; undiscoverable. 
 
 Insensate, in-sensate (French, insense). 
 Without thought or sensibility of present 
 or approaching danger ; stupid ; devoid of 
 feehng. 
 
 Insidious, in-siddy-us (Latin, in; sedeo, 
 to sit). Sly ; crafty ; holding out false 
 pretences ; watching to ensnare. 
 
 Insignia, in-signy-ah (Latin). Marks; 
 signs ; badges of distinction, or of ofl&ce. 
 
 In situ, in se-tu (Latin). In its original 
 situation. 
 
 Insoluble, in-sollu-bul (Latin, insolu- 
 hilis). That cannot be dissolved, particu- 
 larly by a liquid; not to be solved or 
 explained. 
 
 Inspire, in-spire (Latin, in; spiro, to 
 breathe). To draw in the breath ; to 
 breathe into ; hence, to infuse into the 
 mind ; to animate ; to infuse the spirit ; 
 to du-ect by the spirit. 
 
 Inspissate, in-spis-sate (La,tin, in; 
 sj^issus, thick). To thicken ; to make 
 thick ; to bring to greater consistence 
 by evaporating the thinner parts. 
 
 Installation, in-stall-ayshun (Itahan, 
 installare, to place). The putting in 
 possession of an ofl&ce, rank, or order, with 
 the customary ceremonies. To install a 
 clergyman is to place over a particular 
 church one who has been akeady or- 
 dained. 
 
 Instant, contracted inst., used in 
 coiTespondence, kc. for the cm-rent month. 
 The distinction between instant and current 
 is this : inst. denotes that the day of the 
 month is past, and curt, that it has not yet 
 arrived. 
 
 Instant er, in-stanter (Latin). In 
 law, instantly ; without loss of time. 
 
 In statu quo (Latin). A term 
 signifying that condition in which things 
 were left at a certain period ; as when 
 belligerent parties agree that their mutual 
 relations should be in statu cfo.o, or as they 
 were before the commencement of hos- 
 tUities. 
 
 Instigate, inste-gate (Latin, in; stigo, 
 to push on). To incite ; to provoke ; to 
 set on ; to encourage to do either right or 
 wrong. 
 
 Instinctively, in-stinktiv-le (Latin, 
 in; stinguo, to put out hght). By force of 
 instinct ; by the call of nature. 
 
 Insular, insu-lar (Latin, insula, an 
 island). Pertaining to an island; sur- 
 rounded by water; separated ; discca- 
 nected- 
 
ms 
 
 INT 
 
 159 
 
 Insuperable, in-supera-bul (Latin, 
 in; sufer, above). Not to be overcome; 
 insurmountable ; that cannot be passed 
 over. 
 
 Insurance. A contract by which one 
 or more persons engage to make good any 
 jOSS which another may sustain by fire, 
 shipwreck, or other cause specified. When 
 the insurance is made against risk at sea, 
 it is distinguished by the name of marine 
 insurance. Life insurance is where a person, 
 by the payment of a yearly premmm, 
 insures to his heirs a certain sum, payable 
 at his death. Insurances of this kind are 
 also made for a specified number of years, 
 and instead of an annual premium, a single 
 sum may be paid, depending in amount 
 upon the age of the party upon whose life 
 the insurance is made. There is also acci- 
 dent insurance, railway insurance^! &c. 
 
 Insurgent, in-surjent (Latin, in; surgo, 
 to rise). One who rises against established 
 authority ; a rebel. 
 
 Intaglio, in-talyo (Italian, intagliare, 
 to carve). In sculpture, and gem-engrav- 
 ing, a stone in which the subject is hollowed 
 out, so that an impression from it would 
 present the appearance of bas-relief. An 
 intaglio is the opposite of a cameo. 
 
 Integer, inte-jur (Latin). The whole 
 of a thing. In arithmetic, the whole num- 
 ber, as distinguished from a fraction. 
 
 Integral, in-tegi-al (Latin, integer, the 
 Avhole). Whole ; coiaplete ; entire ; not 
 fractional. 
 
 Integument, in-teggu-ment (Latin, in- 
 tego, to cover). That which naturally invests 
 or covers anything. 
 
 Intendant, in-tendant (French). An 
 officer who superintends ; one who has the 
 direction and management of some public 
 business. 
 
 Inter. A Latin prefix, signifying among 
 or between. 
 
 Inter Alia, inter-aleya (Latin). Among 
 other things or matters. 
 
 Intercalary, inter-kalary (Latin, inter, 
 between ; calo, to call). Inserted. An 
 intercalary verse, a verse said or repeated 
 between others : an intercalary day, a day 
 declared to be between others, as the 29th 
 of Februarj- in leap-year. 
 
 Inter-communication, inter - com - 
 muny-kayshun (Latin, inter, between ; con, 
 together ; munus, a gift). Reciprocal com- 
 munication ; imparting information or 
 knowledge one to the other 
 
 Interdict, inter -dikt (Latin, inter; 
 dico, to speak). To prohibit ; to forbid • a 
 prohibition; a Popish prohibition, restrain- 
 ing the clergy from performing religious 
 duties. 
 
 Interest. In commerce, the allowance 
 made for the loan or forbearance of a sum 
 of money which is lent for, or becomes due, 
 at a certain time. It is always, in regular 
 transactions, so much per cent., and is either 
 simple or compound. Simjjle interest is tbat 
 which arises upon the principal only, for 
 the whole time of the loan : compou/ul 
 interest is that which becomes due on the 
 principal and interest added together, and 
 are perpetually accumulating. 
 
 Interim, inter-im (Latin). The time be- 
 tween ; the meantime ; intervening period. 
 
 Interlard, inter-lard (French, entrelar- 
 der). In cookery, to mix lean meat with 
 fat or lard ; hence, to lay in between ; to 
 interpose ; to mix ; to diversify by mixture. 
 
 Interlinear, inter-lin-eer (Latin, inter, 
 between; linea, a line). Inserted between 
 the lines of the original composition or 
 writing. 
 
 Interlocution, inter-lo-kew shun (Lat., 
 inter, between ; loquor, to speak). Dialogue, 
 or the act of speaking by turns ; speaking 
 between or among different persons. In 
 law, an intermediate act or decree before 
 final decision. 
 
 Interlope, inter-lope (Latin, inter, be- 
 tween ; Dutch, loo-pen, to run). To'" come 
 or go in between ; to intercept advantage ; 
 to prevent right ; to forestall. 
 
 Interlude, inter-lude (Latin, inter, be- 
 tween ; ludo, to play). A piece performed 
 during the intervals of a play, or between 
 other pieces. 
 
 _ Inter-marriage, inter-mar-rij. Mar- 
 riage between families where each takes 
 one and gives another. 
 
 Intermediate, inter-meedy-ate (Lat., 
 inter, between ; medius, middle). Lying 
 between two extremes ; intervening. 
 
 Interminable, in-termina-bul (Latin, 
 in ; terminus, a boundary). Boundless ; 
 endless ; without limit. 
 
 Intermittent, inter-mit-tent (Latir>, 
 inter, between ; initio, to send). Ceasing 
 at intervals ; occurring fitfully or at inter- 
 vals. In medical pra'ctice, applied to a 
 fever or other disease, the paroxysms of 
 which recur at fixed or uncertain periods ; 
 also, to a pulse which, after some vibration, 
 ceases to beat for a short time. 
 
160 
 
 INT 
 
 INT 
 
 International, inter-nasshun-al (Lat., 
 •irier, between; natio, a nation). Eelating 
 to the intercourse between different; 
 nations. 
 
 Internecine, inter-ne-sin (Latin, inter; 
 nex, death). Compassing mutual destruc- 
 tion ; tending to kill one another. 
 
 Inter nos, inter noz (Latin). Between 
 ourselves; in strict confidence; same as 
 entre nous. 
 
 Interpellation, in - terpel - layshun 
 (Latin, inter, between ; 2^6llo, to call). An 
 interruption ; an Interference ; interces- 
 sion ; a summons ; an earnest address. 
 
 Interpleader, inter-plee-dur. In law, 
 a hill of interpleader, in Chancery, or where 
 a person owes rent or a debt to one of the 
 parties in suit ; but till the determination 
 of such suit, he knows not who is the legal 
 claimant, and he desires that they may 
 interplead or settle their claims between 
 themselves, so that he may pay with secu- 
 rity to himself. 
 
 Interpolate, in-terpo-late (Lat., inter, 
 between; polio, to polish). To introduce 
 or insert any^thing new ; to foist a thing 
 into a place wliere it does not belong. 
 
 InterregnuTQ, inter-regnum (Latin). 
 The time during which a throne is vacant 
 between the death of one prince and the 
 accession of another. 
 
 Inter rex, in-ter reks (Latin, inter, 
 ^between; rex, king). A regent; a person 
 appointed to discharge the royal functions 
 during a vacancy of the throne. 
 
 Interior, in-teery-ur (Latin). Inner; 
 not outward; towards the middle or centre; 
 inland country. 
 
 Interrogative, inter-roggah-tiv (Lat., 
 inter ; rogo, to ask). Denoting a question ; 
 expressed in the form of a question. 
 
 In terrorem, inter-ro-rem (Latin). 
 For a terror or warning; something held 
 over a person to intimidate him. 
 
 Inter se, in-ter se (Latin). Among 
 themselves. 
 
 Intersect, inter-sekt (Latin, inter, be- 
 tween ; seco, to cut). To divide ; to cross 
 each other ; to cut between one by another. 
 
 Intersperse, inter-spers (Latin, inte)', 
 between; sparsus, scattered). To scatter 
 or sprinkle between or among; to place 
 here and there aimong other things. 
 
 Interstice, inter- stis (Latin, inter, be- 
 tween ; sto, to stand). Space standing or 
 situated between ; time between acts. 
 
 Interval, Musical. A term applied 
 to a certain relation between musical notes, 
 which depends on the number of their 
 vibrations. The simplest or most consonant 
 interval is that of the octave. Compound 
 intervals are those which exceed an octave, 
 and they are named according to the distance 
 of the two boundary notes. 
 
 Intervene, inter-veen (Latin, inter, 
 between ; renio, to come). To come be- 
 tween or among ; to interrupt ; to fall be- 
 tween points of time or events. 
 
 Intestate, in-testate (Latin, in ; testis, 
 a witness). Dying without a will ; without 
 having made a will, or testifying the will ; a 
 person who dies without having made a will. 
 
 Intestine, in-testin (Latin, intiis, 
 within). Inward; internal; within a king- 
 dom or state; domestic ; the interior passage 
 of the body ; a bowel. 
 
 Intolerant, in-toUy-rant (Latin, in; 
 tolero, to endure). Impatient; unable to 
 bear ; refusing to tolerate others. 
 
 Intonation, into-nayshun (Latin, in; 
 tono, to thunder, or sound). The modula- 
 tion of the human voice in speaking or 
 singing ; the act or manner of sounding. 
 
 In toto, in to-to. A Latin phraso; 
 signifying wholly ; entirely. 
 
 Intra. A Latin preposition and adverb, 
 signifying vnikin. 
 
 Intractable, in-tractah-bul (Latin, 
 intractabilis). Ungovernable ; not to be 
 managed or guided ; obstinate ; perverse ; 
 stubborn. 
 
 Intransitive, in-transy-tiv (Latin, 
 intransitivus, not passed over). That cannot 
 or may not go or pass over. In grammar, an 
 intransitive verb, or verb neuter, expresses 
 an action, or state limited to the agent, as 
 / walk, I sleep. 
 
 Intransitn, in-trans.y-tu (Latin). In 
 the act of passing from one place to another. 
 
 Intrench, in-trensh (Latin, in; and 
 French, trencher). To dig or cut trenches 
 around a place, as in fortification ; figura- 
 tively, to invade or encroach upon what 
 belongs to another. 
 
 Intricate, in-trikkat (Latin, in; trtcce, 
 hairs or threads used to ensnare birds). 
 Entangled; perplexed; involved; compli* 
 cated ; obscure or difficult. 
 
 Intrigue, in-treog (Latin, in; tricce). 
 A plot ; a stratagem ; an amour carried on 
 with great artifice by lovers ; a scheme to 
 subvert government. 
 
INT 
 
 lOD 
 
 161 
 
 Intrinsic, in-trinsik , (Latin, intra, 
 withia; secus, near). True iu its own 
 nature; actually existing qualities; belong- 
 ing' to the essence of a thing; not accidental 
 or apparent. 
 
 Intro. A Latin adverb, signifying into, 
 within. 
 
 Introeession, intro-seshun (Latin, 
 intro, into ; cedo, to fall back). A sinking 
 or depression of parts inward. 
 
 Introit, in-troyt (Latin, introitus, an 
 entrance). In the Roman Catholic Chiirch, 
 a chant when the priest enters within the 
 rails of the altar. 
 
 Intromission, intro-misshun (Latin, 
 intro, into ; mitto, to send). A sending in; 
 an intermeddling with the effectsof another ; 
 Buffering to enter. 
 
 Introspection, intro-spekshim (Latin, 
 intro, within ; specio, to look). A view of 
 the inside or interior; an examination of 
 the heart or mind. 
 
 Introvert, intro-vert (Latin, intro, 
 within; verto, to turn). To turn in- 
 wards. 
 
 Intuition, intu-isshun( Latin, wiy tueor, 
 to look mentally). Insight ; immediate 
 perception without the intervention of 
 reasoning, argument, or testimony. 
 
 Inundation, innun-dayshun (Latin, 
 in; unda, a wave). A flood; a deluge; an 
 overflow of water. 
 
 Inure, in-ure {in; and Norman, ure, 
 use or practice). To habituate ; to accus- 
 tom ; to apply or expose in use or practice 
 till a habit is formed, and inconvenience is 
 no longer felt. 
 
 In vacuo, in vaku-o (Latin). In a 
 vacuum ; a void or empty space. 
 
 Invalid, invah-leed (Latin, invalidus, 
 weak). A weak or infii-m person; one 
 disabled by sickness, or worn out in war- 
 fare. 
 
 Invalidate, in-vally-date (Latin, in- 
 validus, weak). To weaken ; to make 
 void ; to render of no effect ; to desti'oy 
 the force of. 
 
 Invaluable, in-valua-bul. _ Highly 
 prized ; precious ; above estimation ; 
 deemed of exceeding worth. 
 
 Invective, in- vektiv (Latin, in, against ; 
 veho, to carry). Harsh censui-e ; angry 
 abuse ; railing speech, containing reproach- 
 ful expressions. 
 
 Inveigh., in-vay (Latin, in, against ; 
 Kdw, to carry). To rail against ; k) re- 
 proach ; to upbraid. 
 
 Inveigle, in-veegul (Norman, inveogler, 
 to blind) . To wheedle ; to ensnare ; to 
 entice ; to persuade to something evil ; to 
 bring a person into our wishes. 
 
 Inverse, in-verse (Latin, in, against ; 
 verto, to turn). Opposed to direct ; turned 
 in a contrary way; inside out; upside down. 
 
 Invest, in- vest (Latin, in; vestis, a gar- 
 ment). To clothe or dress ; hence to clothe 
 figuratively, with an office or dignity ; to 
 put into the hands or possession ; to put 
 into the funds. 
 
 Inveterate, in-vetter-ate (Latin, in; 
 vetus, old). Deep-rooted ; old ; firmly 
 fixed ; settled by long custom or continu- 
 ance ; obstinate by long usage. 
 
 Invidious, in-viddy-us(Latin, in; video, 
 to look upon). Viewing with envy ; re- 
 garding with evU eyes; grieving at the 
 good fortune of others ; likely to incur ill- 
 will or hatred, or to provoke envy. 
 
 Invigorate, in-viggo-rate (Latin, in; 
 vigor, vigour). To give vigour toj to 
 strengthen ; to animate. 
 
 Invincible, in-vinsy-bul (Latin, in; 
 vinco, to conquer). - Not to be conquered ; 
 not to be overcome ; that may not or can- 
 not be beaten. 
 
 Inviolable, in- viola -bul (Latin, in; 
 violo, to violate). Not to be broken or 
 infringed ; not to be profaned ; sacred. 
 
 Inviseate, in-viskate (Latin, in; viscus, 
 glue). To daub with glue ; to apply gum ; 
 to entangle in glutinous matter. 
 
 Invocation, invo-kayshun (Latin, in; 
 voco, to call). The act of addressing 
 prayer ; the form used in addressing any 
 being for aid and assistance. 
 
 Invoice, in-voise (French, envoyez, to 
 send). The accoant of the freight of a ship, 
 or of the articles and price of goods sent by 
 a factor ; an account of goods sold or con- 
 signed, with their prices. 
 
 Involuntary, in- voUun-tary ( Latin, i7i; 
 volo, to fly). Not willing ; not having will 
 or choice ; not wishing or desiring ; inde- 
 pendent of, or against the will. 
 
 Involution, iavo-lewshun (Latin, in; 
 Volvo, to roU). The act of involving or en- 
 folding ; the state of being entangled ; 
 comphcation. 
 
 Involve, in-volv( Latin, in;volo, to roU), 
 To envelop or enwrap in surrounding 
 matter ; to entangle ; to complicate. 
 
 Iodine, i-o-din (Greek, iodes, resembling 
 a violet, or violet-coloured). A substance 
 
 L 
 
163 
 
 ION 
 
 ITA 
 
 obtained from certain marine plants, which 
 give forth a violet-coloured vapour. 
 
 Ionic, i-onik. Pertaining to Ionia, in 
 Greece ; applied to a dialect in the Greek 
 language. In architecture, the Ionic order, 
 the third order of architecture, intermediate 
 between the strong Doric and the delicate 
 Corinthian. 
 
 Iota, i-otah. Primarily, the Greek 
 letter i, which, iu contractions, is often 
 signified by a sort of dot imder another 
 letter; hence, a tittle, the least assign- 
 able quantity. 
 
 Ipse Dixit, ip-sy dik-sit. A Latin 
 phrase, signifying " he himself said it." 
 It is commonly used substantively to imply 
 mere assertion, as, " You have only his ipse 
 dixit. ' ' Ipse facto, by the fact itself ; in the 
 very act. Ipse jure, by the law itself. 
 
 Ir. A prefix used generally instead of 
 in; it sometimes signifies negation or priva- 
 tion, being in such cases equivalent to not 
 or un, sometimes also, on or upon. 
 
 Irascible, e-rassy-bul (Latin, irascw, 
 to be angry). Prone to anger ; hasty in 
 temper ; irritable ; easily provoked. 
 
 Ire (Latin, ira, anger). Wrath ; rage ; 
 keen resentment, 
 
 Irenical, i-renny-kal (Greek, eirene, 
 peace). Pacific ; desii'ous of peace. 
 
 Iris, i-ris (Greek). The rainbow ; any 
 coloured circle surrounding another body ; 
 the circle round the pupil of the eye. 
 
 Irksome, urk-sum (Saxon, ivarc, grief, 
 pain). Wearisome ; troublesome ; toil- 
 some ; tedious and harassing in perform- 
 ance. 
 
 Ironical, i-ronik-al (Greek, eiron, a 
 dissembler). Expressing one thing and 
 meaning another ; sarcasm. 
 
 Irradiate,ir-raddy-ate(Latin, in; radio, 
 to shine). To dart rays into ; to illumine ; 
 to shine ; to adorn with light ; to brighten ; 
 to cheer ; to animate. 
 
 Irrational, ir-rashun-al (Latin, in; 
 ratio, reason). Not rational; opposed to 
 reason ; absxird ; destitute of understand- 
 ing ; foolish. 
 
 Irreclaimable,irry-klayma-bul(Latin, 
 in; re, back; damo, to cry out). Past 
 redemption ; not to be reformed ; untam- 
 able. 
 
 Irrefragable, irry-fraja-bul (Latin, in; 
 re ; frango, to break) . Not to be resisted ; 
 that cannot be refuted or ovei-thrown ; 
 incontestible ; undeniable. 
 
 Irrelevant, ir-relly-vant (Latin, in, 
 levo, to raise). Not to the purpose ; not 
 applicable ; having no connection or rela- 
 tion with. 
 
 Irremediable, irree-media-bul (Latin, 
 in; re; medeor, to cure). Admitting of no 
 cure ; not to be remedied ; not to be cor- 
 rected or redressed. 
 
 Irreparable, ir-reppera-bul (Latin, i7i; 
 re; paro, to prepare) . Not to be repaired ; 
 not to be recovered ; not to be compen- 
 sated for. 
 
 Irrevocable, ir-revoka-bul (Latin, in,; 
 re, back ; voce, to call). That cannot be 
 recalled or repealed. 
 
 Isagon, i-sa-gon (Greek, isos, equal • 
 gonia, an angle). A figure whose angles 
 are equal. 
 
 Islamism, is-lam-ism (Arabic, salama, 
 to be free, safe, or devoted to God). The 
 true faith, according to the Mohammedans. 
 
 Iso, i-so. A prefix shortened from isos, 
 a Greek adjective, signifying equal. 
 
 Isolated, i-so-layted (Latin, insula, an 
 island). Detached ; separate ; standing- 
 alone. 
 
 Isomeric, i-som-erik (Greek, isos, 
 equal ; meros, a part). Possessing the 
 same proportions, but dififerent proper- 
 ties. 
 
 Isonomy, i-sono-me (Greek, isos, equal; 
 nomos,lsiw). Equal law; equal distribution 
 of rights and privileges. 
 
 Issue, ish-u (Latin, ex, out ; eo, to go). 
 To go out ; to pass out ; to proceed ; to 
 send forth or emit ; to spring from ; to 
 flow from. Exit ; egress or passage ; 
 event ; consequence ; conclusion ; progeny ; 
 offspring. In law, the disputed point or 
 question to which two parties in an action 
 have narrowed their several allegations, 
 and upon which they are desirous of obtain- 
 ing a decision ; parties thus circumstanced 
 are said to be at issue ; the question so set 
 apart is called the issue. 
 
 Isthmian Games, ist-me-an games. 
 Among the ancients, certain sports and 
 games celebrated on the Isthmus of Co- 
 rinth. 
 
 Isthmus, ist-mus. In geography, a 
 neck of land joining two continents, or by 
 which a peninsula is connected with the 
 main land. 
 
 Italic, i-talik. Relating to Italy or its 
 letters ; applied to distinguish a kind of 
 type used by letter-press printers. 
 
ITE 
 
 Ite, ite. A termination used in chemical 
 lerms, to indicate that a saline compound is 
 formed by an acid ending in o%s— thus, 
 sulphurises are formed by sulphuro«5 acids, 
 with, bases. 
 
 Item, i-tem (Latin). An article ; a 
 separate particular ; a hint ; a word used 
 when something is to be added. 
 
 Iteration, iter-ayshun (Latin, iteratio). 
 Bepetition. 
 
 Itinerant, i-tinny-rant (Latin, iter, a 
 going). Going or passing from one place 
 to another ; one who travels from place to 
 place; joumeyiug; travelling. 
 
 Itis, i-tis. A termination in pathological 
 words to the Greek name of the organ or 
 part affected, implying a state of inflam- 
 mation. 
 
 Ive, ive. A termination signifying 
 strength, power; as act-ive, who has the 
 power of acting. Mot-ive, that can or may 
 move. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jack, jak. The diminutive of the 
 proper name John ; commonly applied to 
 anything small. Jack was formerly a com- 
 mon name for little boys ; and hence the 
 terms bootjack, jachspit, which, from having 
 been originally applied to the little boy 
 whose business was to pull off the boots and 
 turn the spit, were natiirally given to the 
 instruments substituted for the purpose. 
 
 Jacobin, jakko-bin. A name given 
 during the Kevolution in France, to the 
 more violent advocates for republican 
 government. The appellation originated 
 in the circumstance that the secret meet- 
 ings of that party were held in a building 
 anciently belonging to the Jacobin monks. 
 The term Jacobin has been subsequently 
 applied to any turbulent demagogue who 
 opposes the Government in a secret and 
 unlawf 111 manner. 
 
 Jacobite, jakko-bite. In English his- 
 tory, one who asserted the rights of King 
 James and his family, disavowing the Revo- 
 lution of 168&, and -vindicating the doctrines 
 of passive obedience and non-resistance 
 with respect to the arbitrary proceedings 
 >f princes. 
 
 Jacquard Loom. An ingenious in- 
 vention of M. Jacquard, of Lyons, adapted 
 to a silk or muslin loom, to supersede the 
 employment of draw-boys in weaving 
 flgured goods. 
 
 Jactitation, jakty-tayshun (Latin, 
 jactatio). A tossing of the body ; restless- 
 ness ; throwing ; casting ; heaving. 
 
 JAU 
 
 163 
 
 Jaculate, jakku-late (Latin, jaculor). 
 To dart ; to throw. 
 
 Jag (Saxon, saga-, a saw). To cut inta 
 notches or teeth ; a notch ; denticulation. 
 
 Jaghire, jag-hire. An East Indian 
 word, denoting an assignment of the Go- 
 vernment share of the produce of a portion 
 of land to an individual, either personal or 
 for the support of a public establishment, 
 particularly of a military nature. The 
 holder of a jaghire is styled &jagJiire dar. 
 
 Jagury, jag-ury. In commerce, a 
 Bengalese name for a species of coarse 
 sugar in an impure state. 
 
 Jab., ja (Hebrew). Jehovah. 
 
 Jalamus, jal-amus. In antiquity, a 
 kind of mournful song, used upon the occa- 
 sion of death or any other affecting occur- 
 rence. 
 
 Jalousie, jal-owsy (French). A screen 
 or blind for windows, used in warm climates. 
 
 Jamb, jam {French, jambe, a leg). The 
 side-piece of a chimney or door ; a support 
 or prop. 
 
 Janitor, jannit-ur (Latm, janua, door, 
 or gate). A door-keeper ; a porter ; a jaUor. 
 
 Janizary, janny-eary (Turkish, yengi 
 cheri, new soldiers). Formerly, a soldier of 
 the Turkish foot-guards ; now abolished. 
 
 Jansenists, jansen-ists. A sect of 
 Christians, who followed the opinions of 
 Jansenius, bishop of Ypres, in France. 
 
 January, jannu-ary. The first month 
 of the year, named after Janus, a heathen 
 deity, originally the same as the sun. 
 
 Japanese, jappan-eez. Pertaining to 
 Japan, or its inhabitants; a native of 
 Japan ; the language of Japan. 
 
 Jargon, jar-gun (Saxon, ganire, to 
 chatter). Unintelligible talk ; language 
 which is not understood, either by the 
 speaker or his hearers. 
 
 Jarring, jar-ring (Saxon, ?/?-re, to clash). 
 Discordant ; harsh ; disagreeable ; quarrel- 
 ling ; disputing ; shaking ; clashing. 
 
 Jasper, jas-pur. A silicious mineral of 
 various colours, and capable of being highly 
 polished ; the colours are generally owing 
 to the presence of oxide of iron, &c. It is 
 commonly found in rocks of volcanic origin. 
 
 Jaundice, jahn-dis (French, jaune, yel- 
 low). A disease, of which the distinguish- 
 ing peculiarity is, that the whole skiu 
 becomes yellow. It proceeds from an 
 affection of the liver and gall-bladder, and 
 L 2 
 
164 
 
 JAU 
 
 JOU 
 
 is often superinduced by long continuance 
 of melancholy and painful emotions ; hence, 
 a person whq talks in a gloomy strain of 
 anything, is said to take a jaimdiced view 
 of it. 
 
 Jaunt, jahnt (French, janier). A 
 ramble; an excursion; a short journey; a 
 trip ; a tour. 
 
 Jaunty, jahn-ty. Airy ; gay ; finical ; 
 showy. 
 
 Javanese, jawan-eez. Pertaining to 
 Java ; a native of Java. 
 
 Jehovah. (Hebrew). The Scriptm-e 
 name of the Supreme Being. 
 
 Jejune, je-joon (Latin, jejumis, dry). 
 Fasting ; hungry ; empty ; dry ; barren ; 
 wanting in substance or interest. 
 
 Jemidar, jemmy-dar. In military 
 affairs, a native officer, who has the same 
 rank as a lieutenant in the East India Com- 
 pany's service. 
 
 Jennet, j en-nit. A small Spanish horse . 
 
 Jeopardy, jeppur-de(French, faiperdii, 
 I have lost ; or jeu partly a hazardous game). 
 Exposiire to death; danger, loss, orinjmy; 
 hazard; peril. 
 
 Jereed, jer-eed. A short club or blunt 
 javelin, darted by Tm'ks in sport. 
 
 Jeremiad, jeree-me-ad. Lamentation ; 
 a tale of giief ; a wail of sorrow or lament, 
 so named from Jeremiah, the prophet. 
 
 Jerkin, jer-kin (Saxon, cyrtelldn, a 
 tunic). A jacket ; a short coat. 
 
 Jesting, jes-tiag' (Italian, gesture, to 
 mock by gestures). Joking ; sarcasm ; 
 acting or speaking with a want of serious- 
 ness. 
 
 Jesuits, jezzu-its. The Society of Jesus, 
 an order in the Komish Church, political 
 and rehgious, corresponding with a chief 
 at Kome, and possessing great influence in 
 all countries where they are tolerated. The 
 term is applied by way of reproach to any 
 crafty person ; or one who acts untruth- 
 fully, artfuUy, insincerely. 
 
 Jet d'Eau, zhay-do. A French term, 
 Tised to signify a fountain which casts up 
 water to a considerable height in the air. 
 
 Jetsam, jet-sam. In maritime law, the 
 throwing overboard any portion of a ship's 
 freight, with a view to save the remainder, 
 by enabling the vessel to weather the 
 gtorm or get off a shallow. When such an 
 occurrence takes place, the parties in- 
 terested divide the loss among them. 
 
 Jetty. A projection of stone or wood, 
 affording a convenient place for landing 
 from, and discharging vessels or boats ; or 
 simply intended as a breakwater, in form- 
 ing an entrance into a harbour. 
 
 Jeu d'Esprit, zhud-spre (French). A 
 witticism ; a play of wit. 
 
 Jezebel, jezzy-bel. An impudent, dar- 
 ing, vicious woman ; from a woman of 
 this name and character mentioned in 
 Scripture. 
 
 Jib-boom. In nautical language, a 
 spar run out from the end* of the bowsprit 
 of a vessel continuing it. 
 
 Jockey, jok-e. The diminutive of 
 Jack; hence a little boy, also a horse-rider, 
 because boys or small persons are usually 
 employed in that capacity. Hence, also, 
 jockey, to trick, to cheat ; because the 
 success of a jockey depends, in a great 
 measure, upon artifice and cunning. 
 
 Jocose, jo-kose (Loim, jocosus). Given 
 to jest ; mirtliful ; humorous ; facetious ; 
 pleasant ; waggish. 
 
 Jocund, jok-und (Latin, jocundus). 
 Merry ; gay ; sportive ; full of animatior. 
 and enjoyment. 
 
 Jogging, jog-ing (Dutch, sliocJcen, to 
 shake). To move, as it were, by a succession 
 of shakes or shocks ; to proceed at the 
 slow space of a shaking trot. 
 
 Joint Stock. In commerce, a stock or 
 fund formed by the union of several shares 
 from different i^ersons. 
 
 Jointure, jojTi-ture. A settlement on 
 a woman in consideration of marriage, and 
 which she is to enjoy after her husband's 
 death. 
 
 Joist, joyst (French, ajusier, to adjust). 
 One of the cross or secondary timbers on 
 which the boards of a floor rest. 
 
 Jolly Boat (a corruption of yatcl boat) . 
 A small boat belonging to a vessel. 
 
 Jour Maigre, joor may-gr (French). 
 The day of abstinence from flesh-meat, 
 appointed by the Romish Church, usually 
 the Friday in ever}'- week, together with 
 other special occasions. 
 
 Journalist, jurnal-ist (French, joiir^ 
 day). A name given to a person employed in 
 a hterary capacity on the public journals or 
 newspapers. 
 
 Journeyman, jurny-man (French, 
 jouniee, a day or day's work). Strictly, a 
 man employed to work by the day ; but 
 
JOU 
 
 JUV 
 
 165 
 
 commonly applied to any mechanic who is 
 hired to work for another. 
 
 Joust, just (French, joute). Tilt; 
 tournament; mock fight. 
 
 Jovial, jove-yal (French). Gay ; merry ; 
 joyous ; bom under the influence of the 
 planet Jupiter (or Jove). 
 
 Jubilant, juby-lant (Latin, juhilo, to 
 shout for joy). Uttering songs of triumph ; 
 rejoicing ; shouting for joy. This word is 
 supposed to be primarily derived from 
 Jnlal, the name of the originator of musi- 
 cal instruments. 
 
 Jubilee, juby-le (Latin, jiibilum). A 
 grand festival celebrated every fiftieth year, 
 by the Jews, in commemoration of their 
 deliverance from Egypt ; also, a festival 
 celebrated among us upon the occasion of a 
 monarch reigning fifty years ; an institu- 
 tion having reached the fiftieth year of its 
 existence, &c. 
 
 Judaism, ju-dayizm. The religion of 
 the Jews ; the laws of the Jews ; Jewish 
 rites and ceremonies. 
 
 Judaize, juda-ize. To conform to the 
 doctrines, rites, and manners of the Jews. 
 
 Judicial, ju-dishal (Latin, judex, a 
 judge). Pertaining to courts of justice ; 
 proceeding from a court ; inflicted as a 
 penalty. 
 
 Jugular, ju-gular (Latin, jugulum, the 
 neck). Belonging to the neck or throat. 
 Jugular veins, the veins wh'ich bring the 
 blood from the head, descending upon the 
 sides of the neck. 
 
 Julian, jool-yan. Noting the old ac- 
 count of the year, as regulated by Julius 
 Caesar. 
 
 July, ju-li. The seventh month of the 
 year ; so named from Julius Csesar, who 
 was bom in it. 
 
 Jumble, jum-bul (French, conible}"). A 
 confused mixture ; a mass thrown together 
 in disorder. 
 
 Junction, junk-shun (Latin, jungo, to 
 join). The act of joining ; union ; coali- 
 tion ; combination. 
 
 Juncture, junkt-yur (Latin, jungo, to 
 join). A joining ; time or point where two 
 things are joined together ; union ; a criti- 
 cal point of time. 
 
 June. The sixth month' in the year ; 
 so named from the festivals given in honour 
 of Juno. 
 
 Jungle, jung-gul (Hindoo). In Asia, a 
 thick wood of small trees or shrubs. 
 
 Junior, joon-yur (Latin), Yormgor; 
 later bom ; not so old as another. 
 
 Junk. A Chinese boat or ship ; pieces 
 of old rope or cordage ; a sea term for hard 
 salt beef. 
 
 Junket, jun-ket (Italian, giuncata). A 
 sweetmeat ; a delicacy ; a festive enter- 
 tainment. 
 
 Junta, jun-tah ) A select council in 
 
 Junto, jun-to j Spain, for taking cog- 
 nisance of important matters in politics, 
 commerce, &c. Applied in a general sense 
 to a band or knot of people ; a combination 
 or confederacy. 
 
 Jurat, ju-rat (Latin, jurahim, a person 
 sworn). The name given to magistrates 
 resembling aldermen, appointed for the 
 government of some corporations. 
 
 Jure Divino, ju-re de-vino (Latin). 
 By Divine right. 
 
 Juridical, ju-riddy-kal (Lat. ,juridicus). 
 Pertaining to the administration of the law; 
 belonging to courts of law or justice ; relat- 
 ing to a judge. 
 
 Jurisdiction, jewris-dikshun (Latin, 
 jurisdictio). Legal authority; extent of 
 power; district to which authority extends. 
 
 Jurisprudence, jewris-prudens ( Lat. , 
 jus, right ; prudens, prudent). The science 
 of law ; knowledge of law. 
 
 Jurist, ju-rist (French, juriste). One 
 versed in civil law ; one versed m the law 
 of nations, or who writes on the subject. . 
 
 Jurymast, jury-mast. A temporary 
 mast put up in the place of one which has 
 been carried away by accident, or erected 
 in a new vessel for the purpose of navigat- 
 ing her to the place where she is to be pro- 
 perly fitted out. 
 
 Jus Gentium, jus jenshy-um (Latin). 
 The law of nations. 
 
 Juste Milieu, zhoost mil-yoo (French). 
 Intermediate course ; midway ; happy 
 medium. 
 
 Justiciary, jus-tishy-e-ary (Latin, 
 Justus, just). One who administers justice. 
 
 Justifiable, justy-fiah-bl (Lsit., Justus, 
 just). Defensible by law or reason; that 
 can be justified. 
 
 Juvenescent, juvy-nessent (Latin, 
 juvenis, youth). Becoming young; growing 
 youthful. 
 
 Juvenile, juven-ile (Latin, juvenis, 
 youth). Young ; youthful ; pertaining to 
 or suitable for youth. 
 
166 
 
 JUX 
 
 KER 
 
 Juxtaposition, juk - stah - po - sishun 
 (Latin, juxta, even ; position, placed). A 
 placing, or being placed near. 
 
 K. 
 
 Kafifer, kaf-fur (Arabic). An unbeliever; 
 a name given to the Hottentots, wbo reject 
 the Mohammedan faith. 
 
 Kaland, kal-and (GeiTQan). The name 
 of a lay fraternity instituted in the thir- 
 teenth century, for the purpose of doing 
 honour to deceased relatives and friends. 
 
 Kale, kale (German, I:ohl). An esculent 
 plant ; a kind of cabbage, with a curly and 
 wrinkled leaf. 
 
 Kaleidoscope, ka-lydo-skope (Gi-eek, 
 Jcalos, beautiful ; eiclos, resemblance ; slcopeo, 
 to view). An optical instnmient which ex- 
 hibits to the eye symmetrical and beautiful 
 combinations of images, by a particular 
 arrangement of mirrors adjusted to a tube. 
 
 Kali, kay-le. The name given by the 
 Arabians to an annual plant, which grows 
 near the sea-shore, and from the ashes of 
 which they obtain their alkali for making 
 soap ; the ashes of this plant are also used 
 in the manufacture of glass. 
 
 Kalotype, kay-lo-tipe (Greek, lalos, 
 beautiful ; typos, an impression). The art 
 of fixing photographic images upon surfaces 
 of silver. 
 
 Kami, kay-me. The name given in 
 Japan to certain spirits, the belief in which 
 is the foundation of the Japanese religion. 
 
 Kamsin, kam-sin. A hot and dry 
 southerly wind, which prevails in Egypt 
 and the deserts of Africa at certain seasons 
 of the year ; named also simoon and samiel. 
 
 Kantian, kan-te-an. Eelating to Kant, 
 the German metaphysician, or his system 
 of philosophy. 
 
 K.C.B. An abbreviation fcr Knight 
 Commander of the Bath. 
 
 Keblah, keb-lah. The name given 
 by the Mohammedans to that point of the 
 compass, the direction of which is towards 
 the temple of Mecca. 
 
 Keckle, kek-ul. To wind old rope 
 around a cable, to preserve it from being 
 fretted. 
 
 Kedge, kej. A small anchor, used to 
 keep a ship steady when riding in a har- 
 bour or river, especially at the turn of the 
 tide, to keep her clenr of her bower anchor, 
 also to remove her fiuin one part of a har- 
 
 bour to another ; to warp as a ship ; t« 
 move off by kedging. 
 
 Keel. The main and lowest timber in a 
 vessel, extending at the bottom from stem 
 to stern, and forming the basis of the whole 
 stnicture. The vessels employed iii col- 
 lieries are also called keels. 
 
 Keelhaul. To haul under the keel of a 
 ship. Keelhauling is a punishment inflicted 
 in the Dutch navy for certain offences. The 
 offender is suspended hj a rope from one 
 yard-arm, with weights to his legs, and a 
 rope fastened to him, which passes under 
 the ship's bottom to the opposite yard-arm, 
 and being let fall into the water, he is 
 drawn under the ship's bottom and raised 
 on the other side. 
 
 Keeve, keev. A large vessel for 
 fermenting liquor ; a mashing tub. 
 
 Kelp. The calcined ashes of sea-weed, 
 producing carbonate of soda. 
 
 Kelpie, kel-pe. A supposed spirit of 
 the waters in Scotland, having the form of a 
 horse. 
 
 Ken (Saxon, cennan). The primary 
 meaning is probably to see; thus, to view at 
 a distance ; to know ; to understand ; 
 limit of view ; reach of sight. 
 
 Keosk, ke-osk (Turkish). A kind of 
 open pavUion or summer-house, supported 
 by pillars. 
 
 Kepler's Law^s. In astronomy, cer- 
 tain analogies between the distances of 
 planetary bodies and their times of periodic 
 revolution ; as also between the rate of 
 motion of any revolving body, whether 
 primary or secondary, and its distance from 
 the central body about which it revolves ; 
 first discovered by John Kepler, of Wir- 
 temberg. Kepler's Problem, the determin- 
 ing of the true from the mean anomaly of 
 a planet, or the determining its place in 
 the elliptic orbit, answering to any given 
 time ; first proposed by Kepler. 
 
 Kerchief, ker-chif (French, couvre- 
 chef) . Literally, a cover for the head ; 
 a head-dress ; any loose cloth used in 
 
 Keri-chetib (Hebrew, what is read 
 or written). In Biblical literature, a term 
 used to denote various readings — ken, 
 signifying that which is read, and chetih, 
 that which is written. "When any such 
 wrong readings occur, the wrong reading 
 is written in the text, and that is called 
 the chetih; and the correct reading is 
 written in the margin, with ^ under it, and 
 called the keri. 
 
KER 
 
 KIT 
 
 167 
 
 Kern (Dutch, l-erne). That which is 
 surrounded or inclosed in a shell or other 
 envelope; that which has a resemblance in 
 form or taste, or in other qualities, to those 
 of the kernels of fruit. 
 
 Ketch., ketsh (Italian, caiccliio, a chest 
 or tub). An old English term, nearly 
 synonymous with the modern name of 
 yacht It is stiU applied to a small ship of 
 burden. 
 
 Kettledrum. An instrument of 
 martial music, composed of copper or brass, 
 and covered with vellum or goat- skin ; 
 shaped like a kettle. 
 
 Key. In music, the particular diatonic 
 scale in which a composition begins and 
 ends, and which prevails more or less in a 
 given piece of music. There are twelve 
 major and twelve minor keys. 
 
 K.G. An abbreviation for Knight of the 
 Garter. 
 
 Klian, kan. An Asiatic governor. In 
 the north of Asia this title expresses the 
 fuU regal dignity ; but there are also kltans 
 of provinces, cities, &c. ; and in Persia, the 
 title is also conferred on all ofi&cers of a 
 certain rank. 
 
 Kidnap, kid-nap (German, hinderdieb). 
 To rob or steal children, or others ; to 
 forcibly take or steal any person from his 
 own country to another. 
 
 Kidney Bean. A tough kind of bean, 
 so called from its kidney shape. 
 
 BZilderkin, kilder-kin. A cask of six- 
 teen or eighteen gallons ; the eighth pai-t of 
 a hogshead. The derivation of this word is 
 said to be, because the quantity of fluid so 
 contained bears the same proportion to a 
 whole cask as a child bears to the grown 
 man. 
 
 Kilogramme, killo-gram. A French 
 measure of weight of 1000 grammes, or 
 about 2| pounds. 
 
 Kilolitre, killo - leetur. A French 
 measure of 1000 litres, or 264 gallons; 
 about 4 hogsheads. 
 
 Kilometre, kiUo-meetur. A French 
 measure of 1000 metres, or about five-eighths 
 of a mile. 
 
 Kimbo, kim-bo (Saxon, cam, crooked). 
 Bent ; arched ; crooked. To set the arms 
 a-Jcimbo, is to place the hands on the hips, 
 with the elbows projecting outwards. 
 
 Kin (Saxon, cyn). Bom of the same 
 parents, immediate or remote ; belonging 
 to the sam.3 ancestors ; descended or i^ro- 
 
 duced from the same stock or race ; rela^ 
 tionship by blood, or by inter-marriage^ 
 having the same or similar natural qualities^ 
 
 Kindred, kin-dred (Saxon, cyn). Rela- 
 tion by birth ; afiinity ; the connection or 
 relation of persons descended from the same 
 stock or common ancestors. In a general 
 sense, congenial ; of the like nature ; 
 possessing similar properties. 
 
 Eone, kine (Dutch, loeyen). Plural of 
 cow, now superseded by the regular plural, 
 cows. 
 
 King-at-Arms. An officer in England 
 of great antiquity, and formerly of great 
 authority, whose business is to direct the 
 heralds, preside at their chapters, and have 
 the jurisdiction of armoury. There are 
 three kings -at- arms ; namely. Garter, 
 Clarencieux, and Norroy. 
 
 Kingcraft, king-kraft. The art of 
 governing, usually in a bad sense. 
 
 King's EviL A scrofulous disease, in 
 which the glands are ulcerated. The gift 
 of curing this disease was formerly attri- 
 buted to the kings and queens of England, 
 and had its origin in the time of Edward 
 the Confessor. 
 
 Kipper, kip-per (Scotch). A salmon 
 that has recently been spawned, and there- 
 fore vmfit to be taken. Kippered salmon 
 are those which have been salted and dried, 
 as not fit to use wMle fresh, because just 
 from spawning. 
 
 Kipskin, kip-skin. Leather prepared 
 from the skin of young cattle, between calf- 
 skin and cow-hide. 
 
 Kirk, kurk (German, lirche). The 
 Church of Scotland. 
 
 EJirtle, kir-tel (Saxon, cyrtel). An upper 
 garment ; a name applied generally to any 
 article of dress which is adjusted by a 
 girdle. 
 
 Kit. A term among soldiers^ to express 
 the complement of regimental necessaries, 
 which they are obliged to keep in constant 
 repair. 
 
 Kit-Cat. A name given to a club to 
 which Addison, Steele, and other eminent 
 persons belonged, for the purpose of uniting 
 their zeal in favour of the Protestant suc- 
 cession of the House of Hanover. The 
 same name is given to a three-quarter 
 length portrait, of which many were taken 
 for the club in question. The name of kit- 
 cat was derived from Christopher Kat, a 
 pastry-cookj "^>'^ supplied the club with, 
 tarts. 
 
168 
 
 KIT 
 
 'K.ithiSa.x.orijCT/ththe). Kindred; alliance; 
 acquaintance, as distingnished from kin. 
 
 Knag, nag (Danish). A knot in wood, 
 or a protuberant knot ; the shoot of a deer's 
 horn. 
 
 Knell, nel (Saxon, oiyllan). The sound 
 of a funeral bell ; a tolling for the dead. 
 
 Knight, nite (Saxon, cniht). Originally, 
 a young man after he had been admitted to 
 the privilege of bearing arms. This privi- 
 lege was conferred on youths of family and 
 fortune, and hence sprang the honourable 
 title of knight, in modem usage, which 
 ranks next to baronet, and entitles the 
 person on whom it is conferred to be styled 
 iSir, and his wife Lady. The hiight of a 
 shire is a representative of a county in 
 Parliament, originally a knight, but now 
 any private gentleman. 
 
 Knight Service. A tenure of lands, 
 originally consisting in investiture of lands, 
 upon express condition that the person so 
 invested shall serve in the wars of his lord. 
 
 Knout, nowt. An instrument of torture 
 used in Russia for inflicting punishment on 
 criminals ; it consists chiefly of a strip of 
 leather narrowing to a point, and about two 
 feet in length. 
 
 Kobold, ko-bold (German, Jcohold, 
 spirit). The name given to a supposed 
 spirit, answering to the English goblin, 
 imagined, in Germany, to preside over all 
 domestic operations. From this word the 
 name of the metal cobalt is derived. 
 
 Kopek, ko-pek. A Russian copper coin, 
 about the value of a halfpenny. 
 
 Koran. See Alcoran. 
 
 Kotbah., kot-bah (Arabic). A parti- 
 cular kind of prayer used in Mohammedan 
 countries, at the commencement of public 
 worship in the great mosques on Friday, at 
 noon. It consists chiefly of a confession 
 of faith, and a petition for the prosperity 
 of the Mohammedan religion. 
 
 Kraal, kray-al. A South African village 
 or hamlet, being a collection of huts ranged 
 in a circular form, so named by the early 
 Dutch settlers, from kraal or coral, a string 
 of beads. 
 
 Kraken, kray-ken. A supposed sea- 
 animal of vast bulk, said to be seen occa- 
 sionally on the coasfc of Norway, and of late 
 years on the North American coasts. 
 
 Kremlin, krem-lin. The imperial 
 palace at Moscow, containing several 
 churches, two convents, an arsenal, &c. 
 
 LAC 
 
 It is of a triangular form, and about two 
 miles in circumference. 
 
 Kreosote, kreeo-sote (Greek, kreas, 
 flesh ; sozo, to presei-ve). The antiseptic 
 principle of wood-smoke. 
 
 Kufic, kew-fik (from Kufa, a town on 
 the Euphrates). An epithet applied to the 
 ancient Ai'abic characters. 
 
 Kurd. A native of Kurdistan, a 
 country comprehending the larger portion 
 of that mountainous region which divides 
 the elevated table-land of Persia from the 
 low plains of Mesopotamia. 
 
 Kyloe, ki-lo (Scotch). The designation 
 given to the small black cattle brought 
 from the Isle of Skye. The word is also 
 applied to Highland black cattle of any 
 district, 
 
 Kyrie, ke-re-ay (Greek, Kyrios, 
 Lord). A word used in the celebration of 
 the mass of the Roman Catholic Church, 
 in connection with another Greek word, 
 eleison, which sig-nifies, " Lord, have 
 mercy upon us." 
 
 Kyriologieal, keereo-lojjy-kal (Greek, 
 k7jros, proper; logos, a discourse). An 
 epithet applied to that class of Egyptian 
 hieroglyphics in which a part is put to re- 
 present a whole, as a pair of armed hands 
 for a battle, a scaling-ladder for a siege, &c. 
 
 Labefaction, labby-fakshun (Latin, 
 lalef actio). A weakening or loosening; 
 failing; downfall; decay; ruin. 
 
 Labial, laby-al (Latin, lahium, a lip). 
 Pertaining to the lips ; formed by the lips ; 
 a letter or character representing an arti- 
 culation of the lips, as h, f, m, p, v. 
 
 Laboratory, lab-orrah-turry (French, 
 laboratoire). The room or place where a 
 chemist performs his operations. 
 
 Labjrrinth, labby-rinth (Greek, lahy- 
 rinthos). A place full of windings and 
 turnings ; a maze ; something extremely 
 difficult; intricacy; perplexity. 
 
 Lac, lak. In commerce, an East Indiaa 
 term denoting 100,000 rupees, or £12,50C 
 sterling. 
 
 Lacerate, lassy-rate (Latin, lacer, 
 torn). To tear or rend asunder ; to sepa- 
 rate by violence or tearing ; figuratively, 
 to rend the heart, or wound the feelings. 
 
 Lacbe, lash. ) (Latin, laxus, loose). 
 Laches, lash-iz. ) A failure ; a defect ; 
 negligence ; sluggishness ; remissness. 
 
LAC 
 
 Lachrymal, lakry-mal (Latin, lacJi- 
 ryma, a tear). Generating or secreting 
 tears ; conveying tears. 
 
 LacliryTaose, lakry-moze (Latin, 
 lachryma, a tear). Shedding tears ; be- 
 traying a tearful aspect. 
 
 Lack, lak (Dutch, leeg). Want ; need ; 
 destitute ; failure ; deficiency. 
 
 Lacker.— See Lacquer. 
 Lack-lustre, lak-lus-tur. A want of 
 lustre or brightness ; dimness of the eyes. 
 
 Laconic, la-konnik (from Lacones, the 
 Spartans, who used few words). Sparing 
 of speech; brief; apathetic; expressing 
 much in a few words. 
 
 Lacquer, lak-ur. To varnish ; to apply 
 a solution of shell-lac in alcohol. 
 
 Lactation, lak-tayshun (Ijatin, lac, 
 milk). The act of giving milk; the time 
 of suckling. 
 
 Lacteals, lak-te-als (Latin, lac, milk). 
 In the animal economy, minute vessels 
 which absorb or take up the chyle, or 
 milk-like fluid, from the alimentary canal. 
 
 Lactometer, lak-tommy-tur (Latin, 
 lac, milk ; Greek, metron, a measure). A 
 graduated glass table for ascertaining the 
 relative quantity of cream afforded by milk. 
 
 Ladavee, ladah-vee. In commerce, a 
 release or acquittance of any kind in India. 
 
 Lady Chapel. The name given to a 
 small chapel, generally found in ancient 
 cathedrals, behind the screen of the high 
 altar. It is usually dedicated to the Virgin 
 Mary, called by Roman Catholics our Lady. 
 
 Lady Day. The day of annunciation 
 of the holy Virgin ; March 25th. 
 
 Lagan, lay-gan (Saxon, lygan, to lie). 
 In law, goods sunk in the sea, and the 
 right which the chief lord of the fee has to 
 take such goods. 
 
 Laggard, lag-gurd (Saxon, lagg). 
 Backward ; sluggish ; slow. 
 
 Lagoon, lay-goon (Italian, lagone). A 
 fen, marsh, or shallow pond ; a sheet of 
 water formed either by the encroachments 
 of rivers or seas upon the land, or by the 
 separation of a portion of the sea by the 
 intervention of a bank. 
 
 Laic, lay-ik ) (Greek, laos, the 
 
 Laical, layik-alj people). Belonging 
 to the people, as distinct from the clergy. 
 
 Lair, lare (German, lager). The couch 
 of a wild beast ; a place of rest for animals , 
 the land or pasture where animals lie. 
 
 LAM 
 
 169 
 
 Laird, lajrd. In Scotland, a land- 
 holder or owner of a manor, under the de- 
 gree of a knight ; the proprietor of a house 
 or of houses. 
 
 Laity, lay-e-te (Greek, laos, the people). 
 The people as distinguished from the 
 clergy ; the body of the people not in 
 orders ; the state of a layman. 
 
 Lake (Swedish, leka). A large expanse 
 of water s\irrounded by land, or having no 
 immediate connection with the sea. 
 
 Lallation, lal-layshun. That species 
 of imperfect or affected pronunciation in 
 which the letter I is rendered unduly 
 liquid, or substituted for an r. 
 
 Lam.a, lam-ah. The object of worship 
 in Thibet and Mongolia, called more com- 
 monly the Grand Lama; the title of a 
 kind of priesthood or sacred order in those 
 countries. 
 
 Lambent, lam-bent (Latin, lamlo, to 
 lick). Playing about; licking; touching 
 lightly, as with the tongue ; playing over 
 the surface. 
 
 Lambkin, lam-kin. A young or small 
 lamb. 
 
 Lamellated, lammel-layted (Latin, 
 lamella, a thin plate). Covered with thin 
 scales ; formed in thin plates or flakes. 
 
 Lamia, lam-ya (Latin, lamia, a hag). 
 In antiquity, an imaginary being, repre- 
 sented as a monstrous animal, a spectre, 
 or vampire. 
 
 Laminated, lammin-ay ted (Latin, lam- 
 ina, a plate) . Consisting of plates or scales ; 
 lying in plates. 
 
 Lammas Day. The first day of 
 August. The term is derived from the 
 Saxon loaf-mass, because probably on that 
 day' an offering was made of bread baked 
 from new corn. 
 
 Lampadary, lampah-dary. An officer 
 in the ancient church of Constantinople, so 
 called from his employment, which was to' 
 take care of the lamps, and carry a taper 
 before the emperor or patriarch when the\" 
 went to chixrch or walked in procession. 
 
 Lampass, lam-pass (French, lampas). 
 A disease in the palate of a horse's mouth, 
 consisting of a fleshy lump situated behind 
 the fore teeth. 
 
 Lamp-black, a colour procured from 
 the soot of a lamp ; or more properly 
 speaking, a fine soot formed by the con- 
 densation of the smoke of burning pitch, or 
 some resinous substance, in a chimney 
 terminating in a cone of cloth. 
 
170 
 
 LAM 
 
 LAP 
 
 Lampoon, lam-poon. A personal 
 Batire ; abuse ; generally directed to a 
 person's peculiarities, or failings. The 
 word is supposed to be derived from the 
 French lampons, a drunken song. 
 
 Lancer, lan-ser. A soldier who carries 
 a lance ; originally a Polish soldier, but 
 now introduced in England. 
 
 Lanciforni,lansy-fawrm. Having the 
 form of a lance. 
 
 Lancinate, lansy-nate (Latin, lancino). 
 To tear ; to cut ; to lacerate. 
 
 Landamman, land -am -man. The 
 name given in Switzerland to the president 
 of the Helvetian republic ; also the highest 
 magistrate of the ten cantons. 
 
 Landau, lan-dau. A four-wheeled 
 carriage, the top of which may be thrown 
 back. It is so called from having been 
 first made at Landmi, a town in Ger- 
 many. 
 
 Land-breeze. A cm'reufc of air setting 
 from the land towards the sea. 
 
 Land-fall. Among seamen, the first 
 sight of, or the making of land, after being 
 out at sea. 
 
 Land-force. A military force ; an 
 army serving on land, as disting-uished 
 from a naval force. 
 
 Land-grave (German, land, earth; 
 graf, judge or count). A title in Germany 
 corresponding to earl in England, and 
 count in France. It is now a title of 
 certain princes who possess estates or 
 territories, called landgraviates. 
 
 Landreeve, land-reev. An assistant 
 to the steward of an estate. 
 
 Landscape, land-skape (Swedish, 
 landskap). A portion of country which 
 the eye can comprehend in a single view. 
 Landsca'pe gardening, that particular art 
 ■which succeeds, by due study of natural 
 beauties in landscape, to combine the best 
 of their peculiarities in an artificial way. 
 Landscape painting, the art of deline- 
 ating purely natural scenes, and their 
 proper atmospheric effects. 
 
 Landslip, land-slip. A sliding down 
 of a considerable portion of land from a 
 mountain, cliff, or other elevated place. 
 
 Landsman. A nautical term for one 
 who lives or serves on land. 
 
 Landwehr, land-wer (German, land- 
 gaard). The militia of Prussia and 
 Austria. 
 
 Langrage, lang-graje. ) A particular 
 Langrel, lang-gril. j kind of shot 
 used at sea for tearing sails and destroy- 
 ing rigging. It is formed of bolts, nails, 
 and other pieces of iron tied together, but 
 is seldom "used except by privateers and 
 merchantmen. 
 
 Lang syne. A Scotch term, signifying 
 long ago ; in the olden time. 
 
 Languente, langu-enty (Italian). In 
 music, a direction signifying that the part 
 is to be performed softly or languishingly. 
 
 Languid, lang-wid (Latin, langiieo, to 
 languish). Faint ; weak ; indisposed to 
 exertion through feebleness and exhaus- 
 tion ; without animation or activity. 
 
 Languor, lang-gwur (Latin, langueo, 
 to languish). Faintness ; feebleness ; 
 lassitude of body ; exhaustion of streng-th. 
 
 Laniard, Ian-yard (French, laniere, a 
 strap). Short pieces of rope or line 
 fastened to several things in a ship, to 
 secure them in their places, or to manage 
 them more conveniently. The name is 
 more especially given to the cords or 
 braces which serve to extend the shrouds 
 and stays of the masts by their commu- 
 nication with the dead eyes. 
 
 Lank (Saxon, hlanca). Long or 
 lengthened to excess ; slender ; spare ; 
 meagre ; loose or lax, and yielding easily 
 to pressure. 
 
 Lansquenet, lansky - net (German, 
 lanz-hieclct). A German foot soldier; the 
 name of a game of cards of French origin. 
 
 Lantern, lant-urn. In architecture, 
 this term is applied to a small tm-ret raised 
 above the roof of a building, having 
 windows all round it, 
 
 Laocoon, lay-okko-on. In fabulous 
 history, the priest of Apollo or Neptune, 
 during the Trojan war, who, while engaged 
 in sacrificing a bull, was, with his two sons, 
 crushed to death by an enormous serpent. 
 The subject forms one of the most ex- 
 quisite groups of sculpture in ancient art. 
 
 Laodicean, layo-deesy-an. An epithe 
 applied to persons who are lukewarm 
 religion, like the Christians of Laodicea. 
 
 Lapel, lah-pel. That part of a coat] 
 which laps over the facing. 
 
 Lapidary, lappid-ary (Latin, hqns, a 
 stone). One who polishes and engraves 
 stones and gems ; a virtuoso skilled in the 
 nature, ■ kinds, and values of precious 
 
 its 
 
LAP 
 
 stones ; a dealer in precious stones. 
 Lapidary style denotes that which is pro- 
 per for monumental or other inscriptions. 
 
 Lapidific, lappy-diffik (Latin, lapis, a 
 stone ; facio, to make). Forming or con- 
 verting into stone. 
 
 Lappet, lap-pet. Part of a garment 
 hanging loose. 
 
 Lapse, laps (Latin, lapsus). A gliding, 
 slipping, or passing away ; a fault com- 
 mitted through inadvertence ; a deviation 
 from rectitude. In ecclesiastical law, the 
 omission of a patron to present to a 
 benefice within six months. 
 
 Lap-sided, lap-si-ded. The state of 
 a ship when built in such a manner as to 
 leave one of the sides heavier than the other, 
 and by consequence to retain a constant 
 heel or inchnation to the heavier side. 
 
 Lapsus linguaB, lap-sus ling-gwe 
 (Latin). A slip of the tongtie ; something 
 inadvertently said ; a mistake in uttering 
 a word. 
 
 Larboard, lar-borde. The name given 
 by seamen to the left-hand side of the ship 
 when the face is tiu-ned towards the stem 
 or head. Larboard tack, is when the ship 
 is close-hauled, with the wind blowing on 
 her larboard side. Larboard ^oatch, is the 
 division of a ship's company on duty when 
 the other is relieved from it. 
 
 Larceny, larsen-ny (French, larcin). 
 In law, the crime of theft. The steaUng 
 of anjiihing below the value of twelve pence 
 is petty larceny; above that value, grand 
 larceny. 
 
 Larder, lar-dur (old French, lardier, 
 from Latin, lardum, the fat or lard of 
 swine). A place or room where meat is 
 kept ; a store-room. 
 
 Lares, lay-res (Latin). The household 
 deities of the Romans, which the family 
 believed to be souls of their deceased 
 ancestors, and which they honoured as 
 their protectors. They were represented 
 by images of wood, stone, or metal, and 
 generally stood upon the hearth in a kind 
 of shrine. 
 
 Largess, lar-jes (French, largesse). A 
 gift or donation ; proceeding from the 
 largeness of the donor's bounty. In an- 
 tiquity, a free donation of corn, provisions, 
 or clothes, which was made to the Roman 
 people. 
 
 Larghetto, lar-getto (Italian). In 
 music, a diminutive of largo, slow, but less 
 sic w than largo. 
 
 LAT 
 
 m 
 
 Largo, lar-go (ItaUan). In music, a 
 term for a slow movement, one degree 
 quicker than adagio. 
 
 Larum, lar-um (German, lilrm, noise, 
 bustle). A noise giving notice of danger. 
 
 Larva, lar-va (Latin, a visor or mask). 
 In entomology, the grub or caterpillar state 
 of an insect. 
 
 Larynx, lar-inks (Greek). The wind- 
 pipe ; the organ of voice ; a cartilage form- 
 ing the protuberance in the throat, and 
 vulgarly called Adam's apple. 
 
 Lascar, las-kar. The name given to 
 the native sailors of India. 
 
 Lascivious, las-siwy-us (Latin, las- 
 civios). Luxurious ; wanton ; lustful ; lewd. 
 
 Lassitude, lassy-tude (Latin, lassiis, 
 weaiy). Weariness ; fatigaie ; weakness ; 
 languor of body or mind. 
 
 Lasso, las-so. A rope or cord with a 
 noose, used for catching wild horses, kc. 
 
 Latent, lay-tent (Latin, lateo, to be 
 hid). Lying hidden or concealed ; secret ; 
 remote from view. Latent heat, that which 
 is insensible to the thermometer, upon 
 which the liquid and aerifoi-m state of bo- 
 dies depend, and which becomes sensible 
 during the conversion of the vapours into 
 liquids, and the liquids into solids. 
 
 Lateral, lattur-al (Latin, latiis, the 
 side). Of or pertaining to the side ; be- 
 longing to or proceeding from the side ; 
 placed or acting in a du-ection perpendicu- 
 lar to the horizon. 
 
 Later an, latter-an. Originally the 
 name of a person, from whom it descended 
 to the ancient palace in Rome, and to the 
 buildings since erected in its place, parti- 
 cularly a chvirch called St. John of Lateran. 
 Councils of the Lateran, those held in the 
 basilica of the Lateran. Canons regidar of 
 the congregation of the Lateran is a congre- 
 gation of regular canons, of which that 
 church is the principal seat. 
 
 Lathe, lathe. The machine of a turner, 
 the implement by which pieces of wood, 
 ivory, metal, &c., are turned or cut into a 
 smooth, round form. 
 
 Latlireve, lath-reev. ) An officer 
 Leidgreve, lede-greev. j under the 
 
 Saxon Government, who had authority over 
 
 a third part of the country. 
 
 Latin, lat-in. Pertaining to the Roman 
 language, or languag-e spoken by the people 
 of Latium, in Italy. 
 
172 
 
 LAT 
 
 Iiatinize, lattin-ize. To givo to foreign 
 words Latin terminationSj and make them 
 Latin. 
 
 Latitat, latty-tat (Latin, he lies hid). 
 In law, a wi-it which pre-supposes that the 
 defendant lies concealed, and cannot be 
 found in the county of Middlesex, but is 
 gone to some other county, to the sheriff 
 whereof the writ is directed. 
 
 Xiatitude, latty-tude (Latin, 
 breadth). In geography, the distance of 
 any place on the globe north or south of 
 the ec[uator ; a particular degree, reckoned 
 from the equator north or south. The 
 small circles parallel to the equator are 
 hence called parallels of latitude, and show 
 the latitude of places by their intersections 
 with the meridians. The difference of lati- 
 tude is an arc of the meridian, or the near- 
 est distance between the parallels of lati- 
 tude of two places. 
 
 Latitudinarians, latty-tewdy-nary- 
 ans. In ecclesiastical history, a sect of di- 
 vines, in the time of Charles II., opposed 
 equally to High Chm-chmen and Dissen- 
 ters. The term is now applied to those who 
 do not adopt the more rigid interpretation 
 of Scripture, or merely as a party term. 
 
 Latria, lay-treah. In the Roman Ca- 
 tholic Church, the highest form of worship, 
 or that paid to God, in distinction to that 
 paid to saints. 
 
 Latten, lat-ten (French, laiton). A 
 name sometimes given to tin plates, or iron 
 plates tinned over, of which canisters are 
 made. 
 
 Lattice, lat-tis (French, latte, a lath). A 
 window fitted with cross-bars of wood or 
 iron, crossing each 'other at smaU distances. 
 
 Laudable, lawdah-bl. (Latin, laiis, 
 praise). Praiseworthy; commendable. 
 
 LaTidanum, loddah-num (Latin, 
 laudo, to praise). An extract or prepara- 
 tion of opium, so called from its praise- 
 worthy efficacy. 
 
 Launch, lahnch. Literally, to hurl a 
 lance ; hence, to propel with velocity, as a 
 ship into the water. 
 
 Laureate, lawry-ate (Latin, laurea, 
 a laurel). To adorn, to deck, or crown with 
 laurel. Poet laureate was formerly an 
 officer of the royal household, whose busi- 
 ness it was to compose a birthday ode for 
 the monarch, and another for the new year. 
 These obhgations have been dispensed 
 with, and the honour of the laureateship, 
 with the salary, is now given as the reward 
 of poetic excellence. 
 
 LAZ 
 
 Lava, lav-all (Latin, lavo, to wash 
 away). The matter which flows in a melted 
 state from a volcano, but which hardens 
 when cool. 
 
 Lavatory, la-vah-turry (Latin, lavo, tc 
 wash away). A place for washing ; a wash 
 or lotion for some diseased part. 
 
 Lave (Latin, lavo, to wash away). Tc 
 wash ; to bathe ; to cleanse or purify with 
 water. 
 
 Lavish, lav-ish. Prodigal ; wasteful ; 
 expending or bestowing with profusion ; 
 liberal to a fault ; unrestrained. 
 
 Lawsuit, law-sute. A process in law, 
 instituted by one party to compel anothei' 
 to do him justice, or for the recovery of a 
 supposed right. 
 
 Lax (Latin, lax^is). Loose ; unconfined ; 
 unrestrained ; inexact ; not strict. 
 
 Laxative, laksah-tiv (Latin, laxus). 
 Having the power of loosening; in medi- 
 cine, an aperient. 
 
 Lay brothers. Persons received into 
 convents of monks under the" three vows, 
 but not in holy orders. 
 
 Lay-days. In maritime affairs, the 
 number of days stipulated in a charter- 
 party, or allowed by custom for shipping 
 or discharging a cargo. 
 
 Lay elders. In Presbyterian churches, 
 persons who assist the pastor of each 
 congregation, but not ordained as clergy- 
 men. 
 
 Layer, lay-yur (Saxon, lecgan). A 
 stratum ; a bed ; one body spread over 
 another ; one surface laid on the top of a 
 preceding one ; a shoot or twig of a plant,, 
 laid under ground for growth or propaga- 
 tion. 
 
 Lay figure. Among artists, a wooden 
 figure with free joints, contrived for the 
 study of drapery. 
 
 Layman (Greek, laos, the people). 
 One who is not a clergyman. 
 
 Lazar, lay-zar (from Lazarus). A per- 
 son infected with a loathsome disease. 
 
 Lazaretto, lazer-etto (Spanish, lazar- 
 eto). A pest-house for diseased persons ; 
 a hospital for quarantine. 
 
 Lazaroni, latzah-ro-ne. A name given 
 in Italy to the poor who live by begging, 
 or have no permanent habitation. They 
 are divided into regularly organised bands, 
 have chiefs belonging to them, and are 
 capable of working considerable mischief 
 when acting in concert. 
 
LEA 
 
 Ijea^ lee (Saxon, ley). Plain, or pastxiro 
 land. In agricultui-e, a term applied to 
 lands which are kept under grass or pas- 
 tiirage for a short period. For example, 
 in a rotation of fallow, wheat, clover, and 
 rye-grass, for three years, the ground, 
 when under the clover and rye-grass, is 
 said by agriculturists to be in lea. 
 
 Leading Strings. Strings which, are 
 used for supporting children when learning 
 to walk ; hence figuratively, a person is 
 said to be in leading strings who places 
 himself entirely under the guidance and 
 direction of another. 
 
 Leaflet, leef-let. A small leaf formed 
 by the petiole of a leaf branching out and 
 separating the cellular tissue of the lamina 
 into more distinct portions than one. 
 
 League, leeg (Latin, ligo, to bind). A 
 confederacy ; an alliance ; a combination ; 
 union for mutual interest or friendship. 
 
 League, leeg (Welsh, llec). A distance 
 of three miles. 
 
 Lean-to, leen-too. In architecture, a 
 low building, the roof of which slants down 
 from a higher one. 
 
 Lease, leess (Saxon, lesan). A contract 
 for a temporary possession of houses or 
 lands. A deed or instrument by which 
 any lands or tenements are let. Meta- 
 phorically applied to any time or tei-m 
 granted, as a lease of a person's life. Lessor, 
 is the party letting the lands, &c. Lessee, 
 the pai'ty to whom such are let. 
 
 Leasll, leesh (Italian, lassa). A lash 
 or thong of leather ; among sportsmen, a 
 brace and a half ; three. To leash dogs 
 is to tie or fasten them together. 
 
 Leaven, lev-vn (Latin, levis, light). To 
 raise or lighten by the intermixture of 
 another ingredient, especially as applied to 
 the mixtiire of yeast with bread. Meta- 
 phorically, to intermix with a substance of 
 less purity ; to savour or season, stain, 
 tinge, or imbue. 
 
 Lecherous, letsher-us. Addicted to 
 lewdness ; lustful. 
 
 Lection, lek-shun (Latin, lego, to 
 read). A reading ; a difference or variety 
 in copies of a manuscript or book ; a les- 
 son or portion of Scripture read in Divine 
 service. 
 
 Led Captain. A term of reproach 
 applied to a humble attendant ; a favourite 
 that fo-Uows as if led by a string. 
 
 Ledger, lej-jur. In book-keeping, the 
 principal record of commercial trarisac- 
 
 LEG 
 
 173 
 
 tions ; the book into which the accoimts, 
 of the journal are carried in a summary 
 form. 
 
 Lee. In nautical language, the side op- 
 posite to the wind. The lee-shore is that 
 on which the wind blows. A lee-tide runs 
 in the same direction as the wind blows. 
 
 Leer, leer (Saxon, hlear). An oblique 
 look ; an affected expression of the coun- 
 tenance. 
 
 Lees, leez (French, lie). Dregs ; sedi- 
 ment ; the grosser parts of a liquid which 
 settle at the bottom of a vessel. 
 
 Leet, leet (Saxon, leth). An assembly ; 
 a court ; a convention. The court leet is a 
 court of record ordained for punishing of- 
 fences against the Crown, and said to be 
 the oldest in the land. 
 
 Legate, leg-ate (Latin, lego, to send). 
 A deputy ; any one sent to act for or ac- 
 cording to the directions of another ; an 
 ambassador, especially appliedto the Pope's 
 ambassador to a foreign prince or state. 
 
 Legatee, leggah-tee. One to whom a 
 particular thing or certain sum of money is 
 bequeathed. 
 
 Legend, le-jend (Latin, lego, to read). 
 A narrative or relation ; a record or regis- 
 ter ; anything told ; chronicle of the lives 
 of saints, and from the abuse of ti'uth in 
 these last, the term is applied to any ficti- 
 tious and incredible story. Also, specially 
 used in numismatics for the inscription 
 placed on the edge of a coin or medal. 
 
 Leger, lej-ur (Dutch, leggeii). That 
 which lies by or at hand ; anything that 
 lies in a place. .Leger amlassador, one sent 
 to remain or continue. Leger-line, in music, 
 a line added to the staff of five lines, when 
 more than that number is wanted, to de- 
 signate ascending or descending notes. 
 
 Legerdemain, lejjur-de-mane (Fr., 
 %er, light; tZemawz., olf-hand). Sleight of 
 hand ; juggle ; trick ; X->o"^er of deceiving 
 the eye by dexterity of hand. 
 
 Legibility, lejjy-billit-te (Latin, lego, 
 to read). The quality or state of being 
 legible, or easy to be read. 
 
 Legion, le-jun (Latin, legio). Among 
 the ancient Romans, a body of infantry, 
 consisting of different numbers at different 
 times ; it is now \ised in a general sense to 
 express a vast number. Legion of Honour, 
 an order of merit in France instituted by 
 Napoleon Buonaparte, as a recompense for 
 military and civil services. 
 
174 
 
 LEG 
 
 Legislature, lejjis-lay-ttire (Latin, lex, 
 law ; latum, to enact). Tho body of per- 
 sons in a state or kingdom invested with 
 power to make and repeal laws; the su- 
 preme power of a state. 
 
 Legitimate, le-jittim-ate (Latin, legi- 
 timus). Born in marriage ; lawfully be- 
 gotten ; lawful ; according to law or esta- 
 blished usage ; genuine ; real ; proceeding 
 from a pure source. 
 
 Leguminous, le-gewmin-us (Latin, 
 legumen, a pod). Pertaining to pulse, as 
 beans, peas, &c. , 
 
 Leman, le-man (Saxon, leofman). Any 
 one loved ; generally applied to one loved 
 illicitly, or with mere gallantry. 
 
 Lem.m.a, lem-ma (Greek, lemma, a 
 thing taken or assumed). In mathematics, 
 a preparatory proposition borrowed from 
 another subject, or from another part of 
 the same subject, and introduced at the 
 point where it becomes indispensable. 
 
 Lenient, leany-ent(Lat., lenis, gentle). 
 Having or noting the quality of gentleness, 
 softness, or mildness. Mitigating ; mild ; 
 soothing. 
 
 Lenitive, lenny-tiv (Latin, lenis, soft). 
 Softening ; mitigating ; emollient ; an 
 emollient medicine ; anything medicinally 
 applied to heal pain. 
 
 Lens, lenz (Latin, lens, a bean or lentil). 
 Literally, a pulse, and from the shape of 
 its seed, somewhat couA-ex on both sides, a 
 glass so formed, for a telescope or burning 
 glass, is thus named. 
 
 Lent (Dutch, lenten, to dissolve, because 
 the severity r' ^e winter is then dis- 
 solved). The luTlj days' fast, commencing 
 on Ash- Wednesday. 
 
 Lenten, len-tn. Pertaining to Lent; 
 used in Lent ; abstemious ; sparing. 
 
 Lentiform (Latin, lens, a bean; forma, 
 form). Of the form of a lens. 
 
 Lentil, len-t'.. i^Latin, lens, a bean). A 
 plant resembling a bean. 
 
 Lento, len-to. In music, an Italian 
 word meaning slow, and used to denote a 
 movement between largo and grave. 
 
 Leo, le-o (Latin). The lion ; in astro- 
 nomy, the fifth sign of the Zodiac. 
 
 Leod, le-od (Saxon). The people; a 
 nation, or country. 
 
 Leonine, le-o-nine (Latin, leoninus). 
 Having the qualities of a lion ; resembling 
 a lion. Leonine verses,^ a certain species of 
 verse having a word in the middle which 
 
 LE\ 
 
 rhymes with a word at the end ; so oaLed 
 from Leo X. 
 
 Leprosy, lepproh-se (Greek. 
 A loathsome disease, which generally con- 
 sists of a universal cancer of the whole 
 body, and having dry, white, sciirfy scales. 
 
 Le roi le vent (French). The sove- 
 reign wills it. The form of royal assent to 
 the passing of bills in parliament, pro- 
 nounced by the clerk. 
 
 Lese Majesty, le-se majjes-te. Any 
 crime committed against the sovereign 
 power in a state. 
 
 Lethargy, leth-arjy (Greek, lethe, for- 
 getfulness ; argos, idle). Morbid drowsi- 
 ness ; dulness ; a sluggish forgetfulness ; 
 sleepiness to excess. 
 
 Letlie, le-the (Greek, lethe, forgetful- 
 ness). Oblivion ; causing forgetfulness ; 
 death. In Greek m\i:hology, Lethe was the 
 river Oblivion, the waters of which were 
 fabled to possess the quality of making 
 those who drank them forget the whole of 
 their former existence. 
 
 Letterpress. Print ; letters and words 
 impressed on paper, or other material, by 
 types. 
 
 Lettre de Cachet, letr'd'-kashay 
 (French, a sealed letter). Formerly, in 
 France, an arbitrary warrant of imprison- 
 ment, without accusation or trial. 
 
 Levant, le-vant (French, levant, rising). 
 The east; a wind coming from the east; 
 the eastern part of the Mediterranean ; 
 called levant, because there the sun rises. 
 
 Levee, lev-ee (French, lever, to rise). 
 An assembly of visitors at or soon after the 
 time of rising ; the ceremonial visits which 
 distinguished personages receive in the 
 morning. It is now specially applied in 
 this country to the stated public occasions 
 on which the sovereign receives visits from 
 such persons as are entitled by rank, fame, 
 or fortune, to that honour. 
 
 Levee en Masse, leway-ong-mass 
 (French). A military expression for the 
 patriotic rising of a whole peo})le, including 
 all capable of bearing arms, who are not 
 otherwise engaged in the regular seiwice ; 
 and which is the most formidable obstacle 
 an enemy can encounter. 
 
 Leveller, lewel-ur. One who levels 
 or destroys distinctions. 
 
 Levelling, le-i-\^el-ling. The finding of 
 a line parallel to the horizon, at one or 
 more stations, to determine the height or 
 
 \. 
 
LEV 
 
 depth of one place in relation to another ; 
 asually performed by means of an in- 
 strument called a level, with levelling 
 staffs, &c. 
 
 Lever, le-vur (Latin, levo, to raise). In 
 mechanics, a bar of metal, wood, or other 
 flexible substance, turning on a fulcrum 
 or prop, and usually regarded as one of the 
 simple mechanical powers. 
 
 Leveret, lev-vur-it (French, lievre, a 
 hare^. A hare in the first year of her age. 
 
 Leviathan, le-viah-than. A Hebrew 
 word, signifying a great fish, or sea animal ; 
 it is metaphorically applied to anything 
 of gigantic proportions. 
 
 Levigate, lewy-gate (Latin, Icevigo, to 
 make smooth). To reduce to a fine 
 powder ; to make smooth ; to polish. 
 
 Levitation, lewy-tayshun (Latin, 
 levis, light). Lightness ; buoyancy ; act 
 of making light. 
 
 Levitical, le-vitty-kal. Belonging to 
 the Levites or tribe of Levi ; making part 
 of the religion of the Jews ; pertaining to 
 the priesthood. 
 
 Leviticus, le-vitty-kus. A canonical 
 book in the Old Testament, so called from 
 its containing the laws and regiilations 
 relating to the priests, Levites, and sac- 
 rifices. 
 
 Levity, lewit-e (Latin, levis, light). 
 Lightness ; the want of weight in a body 
 compared with another which is heavier ; 
 hence, lightness of character; frivolity; 
 fickleness ; inconstancy. 
 
 Levy, lev-e (French, lever, to raise). 
 To raise ; to collect ; to gather, as to levy 
 an army, to levy a tax. 
 
 > Lewd, lude ("Welsh, llodig). Given to 
 the indulgence of lust ; licentious ; sensual ; 
 impure. 
 
 Lexicographer, leksy-kograh-fur 
 (Greek, lexicon, a dictionary ; grapho, to 
 write). The writer or compiler of a dic- 
 tionary. 
 
 Lexicology, leksy-kollo-je (Greek, 
 lexicon; logos, &treaX\?,e), The science of 
 words ; that branch of learning which 
 treats of the proper signification and just 
 application of words. 
 
 Lexicon, leksy-kon (Greek). A dic- 
 tionary ; a book in which words are 
 explained ; the term lexicon is retained 
 with us as relating to the Greek dictionary. 
 
 Lex non scripta, leks non skrip-ta 
 (Latin). The unwritten law ; custom long 
 
 LIB 
 
 175 
 
 established. The lex own scripta means 
 especially the ancient common law of 
 England, which existed in full force for 
 centuries, without ever having been 
 written. The lex scripta means the 
 statute laws of England. 
 
 Lex talionis, Isx taly-onis (Latin). 
 The law of retaliation or requital in kind, 
 such as is alluded to in the Scripture, — 
 *'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." 
 
 Ley, lay (Latin, lexivium). The liquor 
 in which saline and soluble particles of the 
 residues of distillation and combustion are 
 dissolved ; the solution made by levigating 
 ashes which contain alkali. 
 
 Leyden jar, lyden jar. A jar used for 
 accumulating electricity, and employed in 
 electrical experiments ; it was the inven- 
 tion of M. Vanleigh, of Leyden. 
 
 Liaison, le-ah-zong (French). Bond 
 of union ; illicit connection. 
 
 Libation, li-bayshun (Latin, liho, to 
 pour out). The act of poimng out wine in 
 honour of some deity ; the wine so poured. 
 
 Libel, li-bel (Latin, lilcllus, a little 
 book). A defamatory writing ; any book, 
 pamphlet, waiting, or picture, containing 
 misrepresentations, maliciously made or 
 published, tending to bring a person into 
 contempt, or expose him to public hatred 
 and derision ; also, a writ, citation, or pro- 
 cess, containing the substance of the suit 
 upon any action ; also a bill, certificate, 
 request, or supplication in wilting. 
 
 Liberal, libber-al (Latin, liheralis). 
 Free ; generous ; ready to give or bestow; 
 bounteous ; munificent. In politics, one 
 who professes enlarged views for thepubUc 
 good, and who advocates the bestowal of 
 the greatest number of privileges upon the 
 people. Liberal arts, those arts which de- 
 pend more on intellectual exertion and re- 
 fined taste, as distinguished from those 
 which require great mechanical labour. 
 
 Liberate, libber-ate (Latin, libera). To 
 release from confinement; to set free; to 
 emancipate from bondage. 
 
 Libertine, libber-tin (Latin, Uberiimis). 
 Literally, a free man; hence, in an evil 
 sense, one free from restraint ; licentious ; 
 immoral; irreligious. 
 
 Libidinous, lib-iddin-us (Latin, libido, 
 desire). Lewd; lustful. 
 
 Libra, li-brah (Latin). The balance; 
 the seventh sign of the Zodiac. It denotes 
 the first month of spring, and extends 
 from the 20th of March to the 2Uth of 
 
176 
 
 LIB 
 
 LIM 
 
 April. This month answers to the vernal 
 equinox, and the equahty, or balance, of 
 the days and nights. 
 
 Librarian, li-brary-an (Latin, liber, a 
 book). One who has the care of a library ; 
 the keeper of a library. 
 
 liibration, h-brayshun (Latin, libra, a 
 balance). The act of poising or balancing ; 
 equipoise ; the apparent oscillatory motion 
 of the moon, which brings into view at one 
 time small portions of its surface, which 
 are at other times invisible. 
 
 Libratory, libray-tury. Balancing ; 
 moving like a balance, as it tends to an 
 equipoise or level. 
 
 License, H-sens (Latin, licet, it is per- 
 mitted). A right, authority, or permis- 
 sion; excess of liberty; abuse of freedom. 
 
 Licentiate, li-senshy-ate (Latin, H- 
 centia). One who has a license to practice 
 any art or faculty. Licentiate in Medicine 
 is a physician who has a licence to practice, 
 granted by the College of Physicians. 
 
 Liclien, li-ken or lik-en (Greek, leicJieii). 
 A plant ; rock-moss ; an order of plants of 
 the most simple organisation, requiring 
 free access to light and air, and forming 
 irregular patches upon the surface of stones, 
 trees, the earth, and other bodies. 
 
 Lic'tor, lik-tm-. The name of a Roman 
 oflficer, or beadle, who attended on the ma- 
 gisti-ates, and inflicted punishment on the 
 condemned. Each lictor carried on his 
 shoulder the fasces, or bundle of rods, with 
 an axe in the middle. 
 
 Lief, leef (Saxon, leof, loved). With 
 free consent ; gladly ; willingly. 
 
 Liege, leej (Lntin. Hgo, to bind). Bound 
 by feudal tenui-e ; subject ; obliged to be 
 loyal and faithful to a superior ; the word 
 is also applied as if the bond were only 
 to attach the people to the prince, and in 
 this sense liege is sovereign, or supreme 
 head or chief. 
 
 Lien, le-en. (Obsolete participle of lie). 
 A legal claim to property to satisfy a debt ; 
 the right by which a possessor of property 
 holds it against the o^mer, in satisfaction 
 of a demand. 
 
 Lieu, lu (French). Place ; room ; stead. 
 Used only with in, as iji lieu, instead. 
 
 Life-boat. A boat constructed so that 
 it cannot sink or be swamped ; used in 
 saving the lives of shipwrecked persons. 
 
 Ligament, liggah-ment (Latin, ligo, to 
 Dind). Anything that ties or binds one 
 thing to another. In anatomy, ligaments 
 
 are those insensible strings seated within 
 or near a joiiit, and which serve to hold 
 the various articulations of the animal body 
 together. 
 
 Lighter, li-tur. A large open flat- 
 bottomed vessel, which attends upon ships 
 of burden, and lightens them of their 
 lading. 
 
 Ligbtliouse, lite-hous. A building, 
 usually in the form of a tower, built upon 
 or adjacent to dangerous rocks, for the 
 purpose of warning ships of their situation ; 
 or along the sea-coast as landmarks, lights 
 of various descriptions being introduced 
 upon the top at night, 
 
 LigMs, lites. The lungs, so called 
 from theii- lightness ; being lighter in pro- 
 portion to theu- bulk than any other part 
 of the body. 
 
 Ligneous, lig-ne-us (Latin, ligmim, 
 wood). Woody or wooden; having the 
 substance of wood. 
 
 Lignum vitse, lig-num vi-te (Latin, 
 wood of bfe). The guaiacum or pockwood. 
 The common lignum vitte tree is a native 
 of the warm latitudes of America. It is a 
 large tree, and the wood is hard, ponderous, 
 very resinous, of a blackish-yeJlow colour 
 in the middle, and of a hot ai'omatic taste. 
 
 Lilliputian, lilly-pewshan. Anything 
 of very small proportions ; a pigmy ; so 
 called from the people of LiUiput mentioned 
 in " Gulliver's Travels," by Dean Swift. 
 
 Lilt, lilt. To sing or dance merrily and 
 with vivacity. 
 
 Limation, li-mayshun (Latin, Umo, tol 
 file). The act of filing or polishing. ^ 
 
 Limber, lim-bm- (Danish, Umper). 
 Flexible ; easily bent ; pliant ; yielding. 
 
 Limbo, lim-bo (Latin, Umhus, a hem or 
 edge). Thepurgatory of the Roman Catholio 
 Chm-ch, supposed to lie on the edge of the 
 neighbourhood of the infernal regions ; a 
 middle state, in which there is neither plea- 
 sure nor pain. Popularly, a place of con- 
 finement ; a prison. 
 
 Limit, lim-it (Latin, limes). A bound > 
 a border ; utmost reach ; the part or thing 
 which terminates. 
 
 Limited Liability. In commerce, 
 the Kability of a shareholder in a company, 
 or a partner in a firm, for a specified 
 amount, such as the amoimt of his shares, 
 and no more. It is a recent introduction 
 into England, and differs from the former 
 system, where, if a person had only one 
 
LIM 
 
 LIQ 
 
 177 
 
 share in a concern, he was held equally 
 liable with the rest. 
 
 Limner, lim-nur (French, enlumiiieur). 
 A painter ; a painter who works chiefly in 
 water-colours. 
 
 lilmpid, lim-pid (Latin, limpidus). 
 Clear ; transparent ; pure ; characteris«d 
 by clearness or transparency. 
 
 Xiinclipin, linsh -pin (Saxon, lynis). A 
 pin used to prevent the wheel of a carriage 
 sliding off the axle-tree. 
 
 Ijine (Latin, linea). In geometry, any- 
 thing extended in length without breadth 
 or thickness. Lines are either curves or 
 right lines. In fortification, whatever is 
 drawn on the ground of the field, as a 
 trench or a row of gabions, &c. 
 
 liine of battle. The disposition of an 
 army, which is usually drawn up in three 
 lines— the vanguard, main body, and rear- 
 guard. Line of march signifies any dis- 
 tance of ground over which armed bodies 
 move in regular succession. Line of de- 
 marcation, a hne which is drawn by the 
 consent of the pai'ties interested to ascer- 
 tain the limits of certain lands and terri- 
 tories belonging to different powers. In 
 navigation the word is used in dilferent 
 senses, as a ship of the line, any vessel of 
 war large enough to be drawn up in the 
 line of battle ; deep-sea line, a long line 
 marked at every five fathoms ; iddte line, 
 that which has not been tarred, in distinc- 
 tion from the tarred line. 
 
 Lineage, linny-aje (Latin, linea, a 
 line). Family, line, or race ; either ascend- 
 ing or descending ; genealogy. 
 
 Lineal, linny-al (Latin, linea, a line). 
 Composed of lines ; in the direction of a 
 line ; descending in a direct line from an 
 ancestor ; allied by direct descent. 
 
 Lineament, linny-a-ment (Latin, 
 linea, a line). Feature ; form ; outline ; 
 any mark either in the face or form, which 
 distinguishes one person from another. 
 
 Linear, hn-yeer (Latin, linearis, strap- 
 shaped). Pertaining to a Une ; consisting 
 of lines ; like a line ; in a straight direc- 
 tion. Linear eq-uatioiis, in the integral cal- 
 culus, are those in which the unknown 
 quantity is only of the first degree. Linear 
 perspective is that which regards only the 
 positions, magnitudes, and forms of 
 objects. 
 
 Liners. A name given to packet ships 
 r»v«!liS'ly trading to and from certain far 
 'distant ports beyond seas. 
 
 Lines of grovsrth. Ilioso concentric 
 lines or markings in a shell, trunk of a 
 tree, &c., which denote the growth of the 
 individual, are thus named. 
 
 Ling. A termination of Saxon origin ; 
 it was customarj' to subjoin it to the name 
 of the father, as Eadmund, Eadmon-ling ; 
 it was further subjoined to designate off- 
 spring, or progeny, as duck, dvxkVmg. It 
 always denotes belonging or pertaining to ; 
 and is frequently used to express the added 
 circumstances, or connection with or de- 
 pendence upon. 
 
 Linguadental, ling-gwa-dental. Ut- 
 tered by the joint action of the tongue aiid 
 teeth. 
 
 Lingua Franca, Ung-gwa frang-ka. 
 A species of corrupt Italian, spoken chiefiy 
 on the coasts of the Mediterranean. 
 
 Lingual, ling-gwal (Latin, lingua, a 
 tongue). Pertaining to the tongue. 
 
 Linguist, ling-gwist (Latin, lingua, a 
 tongfue). A person skilled in languages. 
 
 Liniment, linny-ment (Latin, lino, to 
 anoint). An ointment to be spread or 
 smeared over sores ; a remedy for external 
 use by means of friction. 
 
 Link, link (German, lenhen, to bend). 
 The parts by which a chain is extended in 
 its length ; the parts of which a chain is 
 formed ; anything connecting ; hence me- 
 taphorically, the links in a chain of evi- 
 dence, the links of society. 
 
 Linnsean, lin-neean. Pertaining to 
 Linnseus, the naturalist, or his system, 
 which consisted of a scientific arrangement 
 of all natural objects, as animals, plants, 
 and minerals, into three kingdoms, sub- 
 divided into classes, orders, genera, species, 
 and varieties, with a description of their 
 generic and specific characters. 
 
 Linstock, Un-stok. A staff with a 
 match at the end, used in firing a cannon. 
 
 Lintel, Hn-tel (Spanish, lintel). The 
 horizontal or head-piece which covers the 
 opening of a door or window ; the part of 
 the frame which lies on the side pieces. 
 
 Lipogram, lippo-gram (Greek, leipo, 
 to leave ; gramma, a letter). A writing in 
 which a particular letter is wholly omitteMd. 
 
 Liquefaction, Hkwe-fakshun (Latin, 
 ligiceo, to melt). The act of melting ; the 
 conversion of a solid into a hquid; tho 
 state of being melted. 
 
 Liqueur, le-kure (French). Tha 
 French name for any liquor. Appliec^ 
 
178 
 
 LIQ 
 
 most commonly to a spirituous compound, 
 or to medicated, aromatised liquors. 
 
 Liquidate, likwid-ate (Latin, liqueo, 
 to melt). Literally, to clear away by 
 making liquid ; hence, to pay off as a 
 debt ; to settle or adjust accounts. 
 
 Liripoop, lirry-poop (French, {Uri- 
 pipion). A graduate's hood. 
 
 Iiissome, lis-sum (Saxon, lesan, to 
 loose). Limber ; supple ; relaxed ; loose ; 
 free. 
 
 List (French, liste). Originally a long, 
 narrow strip, as on the outer edge of cloth ; 
 hence, a roll or collection, as a list of names, 
 a list of books. In nautical language, an 
 inclination to one side ; also, to heai-ken ; 
 'to attend ; contracted from liste7i. 
 
 Iiistless, list -less (Saxon, lysian). 
 Indifferent ; heedless ; careless ; without 
 any inclination or determination to one 
 thing more than another. 
 
 Litany, littah-ny (Greek, litaneyo, to 
 beseech). A form of prayer and suppli- 
 cation used in divine worship, to appease 
 God's anger, to avert evils, and to request 
 those blessings and virtues which are most 
 needed. 
 
 Literal, litter-al (Latin, litera, a letter). 
 According to the letter ; the primary and 
 obvious sense of a thing, opposed to 
 .figurative; following the letter, or word 
 for word, as a literal translation. 
 
 Literary, litter-aiy (Latin, litera, a 
 letter). Eelating to letters and learning ; 
 devoted to learning ; pursuing learned 
 studies ; derived from erudition ; versed in 
 letters. 
 
 Literati, litter-ay-te. The learned; 
 men of learning ; literary men as a body. 
 
 Literatim, litter -aytim (Latin). 
 Literally ; letter for letter. 
 
 Literature, litterah-ture. Learning ; 
 skUl in letters ; acquaintance with letters 
 or books ; literary compositions. 
 
 Lith.arge, lith-arj (Greek, lithos, a 
 stone ; arguros, silver). A scum usually 
 produced in the purification of silver from 
 lead, and the refining of gold and silver by 
 means of this metal. 
 
 Lithe, lyth (Welsh, llyth). Flexible; 
 easily bent ; soft ; gentle ; compliant. 
 
 Lithesome, lyth-suia. Pliant ; limber ; 
 nimble. 
 
 Lithography, Hth-oggrah-fe (Greek, 
 liihos, Sk stone ; grapho, to write). The 
 
 LIV 
 
 art of taking impress ons upon paper of 
 writing and figures previously traced upon 
 a stone. The ink with which the lines are 
 traced is essentially composed of some 
 fatty matter, and firmly adhering to the 
 smoothly polished surface of the stone, 
 attracts the printing-ink from the roller as 
 it passes over the surface. 
 
 Lithology, lith-ollo-je (Greek, lithos, 
 a stone ; logos, a treatise). The science or 
 natural history of stones ; a treatise on 
 stones found in the body. 
 
 Lithotomy, lith-otto-me (Greek, 
 lithos, a stone ; temno, to cut). The opera- 
 tion of cutting into the bladder, in order to 
 extract a stone. 
 
 Lithotritty, lith - ottry - ty (Greek, 
 lithos, a stone ; Latin, tero, to break). The 
 operation of breaking a stone in the bladder. 
 
 Litigation, litty-gayshun (Latin, lis, 
 strife). Judicial contention ; a contest 
 carried oh by suit at law for the recovery 
 of a right or claim. 
 
 Litigious, le-tijus (Latin, lis, strife). 
 Inclined to law-suits ; fond of going to law ; 
 quarrelsome ; contentious. 
 
 Litmus, lit-mus. A blue pigment 
 formed from archil, a kind of lichen. 
 
 Litre, leetr. A French measure of 
 capacity equal to one thirty-fifth of an 
 English bushel. 
 
 Litter, lit-tur (Latin, lectus, a bed). A 
 bed or couch on wMch persons are canned ; 
 straw laid under animals ; a brood of young ; 
 untidiness ; disarrangement ; disorder. 
 
 Litterateur, littay-rah-tur (French). 
 A literary man ; a man of letters ; a dabbler 
 in literature. 
 
 Liturgy, littur-je (Greek, leitos, public; 
 ergon, work). A term applied in the Chris- 
 tian Church to a form of public devotion ; 
 a form of prayer and thanksgiving, to be 
 ministered in public. The English liturgy 
 was first composed, confirmed, and ap- 
 proved in Parliament in the year 1548, the 
 offices for the morning and evening prayer 
 being then in the same order as they stand 
 at present, excepting that there was no 
 confession and absolution, the office be- 
 ginning with the Lord's prayer. 
 
 Livery, liver-e (French, livrer, to de- 
 liver). This word formerly denoted the 
 clothes, food, kc, delivered and distributed 
 by masters to their servants ; now to the 
 clothes, or mai'ks upon the clothes, by 
 which the servants of one master may be 
 known from those of another. 
 
 I 
 
LIV 
 
 Livery of Seisin. In law, a delivery 
 •f possessions to one who is entitled to 
 thera, 
 
 Iiiveryman. A term especially ap- 
 plied to certain citizens of London, who are 
 chosen from among the freemen of each 
 company. Out of this body, the common 
 council, sheriffs, and other superior ofl&cers 
 are elected. 
 
 Live Stock. Cattle, horses, and other 
 animals. 
 
 LOG 
 
 119 
 
 Livid, liv-id (Latin, lividus). Black 
 and blue ; discoloured as with a blow ; a 
 dead, earthy, leaden hue. 
 
 Livraison, leevray-zong (French). A 
 part or a number of a work published 
 serially. 
 
 Livre, le-vur. A French money of 
 account formerly used, equal to about 
 ninepence-halfpenny sterling ; also, the 
 French name for a pound weight. 
 
 Lixivial, liks-siwy-al (Latin, lixivium, 
 lye). Made from lye ; impregnated with 
 salts ; having the quality of alkaline salts 
 from wood ashes. 
 
 LL.D. Letters standing for the Latin, 
 Legimi Doctor ; that is. Doctor of Laws. 
 
 Lloyd's. LloycCs List is a London peri- 
 odical, in which the shipping news received 
 at Lloyd's Rooms is regularly published. 
 These rooms form a part of the Eoyal Ex- 
 change, and are under the management of 
 a committee, for the convenience of under- 
 writers and other subscribers interested in 
 shipping. Agents, commonly styled Lloyd's 
 Agents, are appointed to all the principal 
 ports of the world, who forward regularly 
 to Lloyd's, accounts of the departures from 
 and arrivals at their ports, as well as of 
 losses and other casualties, and all such 
 information as may be supposed of impor- 
 tance towards guiding the judgment of the 
 underwriters. 
 
 Load-star. The leading star ; the pole- 
 star. 
 
 Loadstone (corruption of lode-stone. — 
 See Lode). A native magnet ; a magnetic 
 iron, which is black, with a slight me- 
 tallic lustre. It is so called because it is 
 capable of attracting or leading iron or 
 steel. 
 
 Loafer, lofur (German, laufen). An 
 indolent person, who lounges about with 
 no settled employment. 
 
 Loam, iome (Saxon, liman, to stick or 
 bind together). Earth of an adhesive and 
 tenacious quality ; any soil which does not 
 
 cohere so strongly as clay, but more intt-l 
 mately than chalk, is designated loam ; a 
 mixture of sand and clay. 
 
 Loan, lone (Saxon, Icen). Anything 
 lent ; anything intrusted or transferred 
 to another on condition of return or repay- 
 ment ; permission to use ; grant of use. 
 
 Loathe, lothe (Saxon, lathian, to de- 
 test). To hate ; to hold in hatred ; . to 
 detest ; to abhor ; to feel disgust, dislike, 
 or reluctance at or towards ; to be back- 
 ward or unwilling. 
 
 Lobe, lobe (Greek, lotos). A division ; 
 a distinct part ; the lower part of the ear ; 
 a part of the lungs ; a division of a simple 
 leaf. 
 
 Loblolly, lob-lolly. Among seamen, 
 spoon- victuals. Loblolly-hoy, the surgeon's 
 attendant on ship-board. 
 
 Lobule, lob-ule (Spanish, lohulo). A 
 little lobe. 
 
 Local, lo-kal (Latin, localis). Kelating 
 to a limited portion, and not the whole, as 
 a local disease, custom, &c. Local colours 
 are such as are natural and proper for par- 
 ticular portions of a pictm-e. Local medi- 
 cines are designed to act on particular 
 parts. Local aeiions must be brought 
 in a particular county. Local militia are 
 exercised within prescribed limits of the 
 country. 
 
 Locate, lo-kate (Latin, locatus). To 
 set or place in a particular spot or position ; 
 to settle in a place. 
 
 Loc. eit., lok-sit (Latin, contraction of 
 loco citato). A term signifying in the pas- 
 sage before quoted. 
 
 Loch, lok (Gaelic). A lake ; a bay or 
 arm of the sea. 
 
 Lock, lok (Saxon, loc). The barrier or 
 works of a canal, which confines the water 
 where a change of level takes place, and 
 facilitates the passage of boats from one 
 level to another. 
 
 Loco foco, lo-ko fo-ko, A name given 
 in the United States of America to an 
 ultra-democrat. 
 
 Locomotion, loko-mo-sliun (Latin^ 
 locus, a place ; motio, a moving). The 
 power of changing place ; the act of moving 
 from place to place. 
 
 Locomotive, lo-ko-mo-tiv (Latin, 
 locus, a place ; motio, a moving). Changing 
 place. Locomotive engine, a steam-engine, 
 usually constructed on the high-pressure 
 principle, employed in land-carriage, 
 chiefly on railways. Locomotive poioer is 
 U2 
 
180 
 
 LOG 
 
 LON 
 
 any power applied directly to the transport 
 of goods, in distinction from stationary 
 power. 
 
 Loco parentis, loko pay-rentis (Latin). 
 In the place, or position, of a parent. 
 
 IiOCUm tenens, lokum teenens (Lat.). 
 A substitute ; a deputy ; a person acting 
 in the place of another. 
 
 Locus in quo, lo-kus in kwo (Latin). 
 The place in question ; the spot mentioned. 
 
 Locus Standi, lo-kus stan-di (Latin). 
 Recognised position ; acknowledged right 
 or claim. 
 
 Locution, lo-kewshun (Latin, hculiim). 
 Speech ; mode or manner of speech. 
 
 Lode, lode (Saxon, loedan, to lead). In 
 mining, a vein of ore. The term is used 
 to signify a regular vein or course, whether 
 metallio or not ; but most commonly it is 
 applied to a metallic vein. 
 
 Lodgement, loj-ment. In fortifica- 
 tion, a work raised with earth, gabions, 
 fascines, &c., to cover the besiegers from 
 the enemy's fire, and enable them the 
 better to hold a position which they have 
 taken. 
 
 Log, log (Saxon, Iscgav, to lay). A 
 bulky piece of wood ; an instrament for 
 measuring the velocity of a ship through 
 the water. 
 
 Logarithms, loggah-rlthumz (Greek, 
 logos, a ratio ; ai-iihmos, number). A series 
 of numbers adapted in a certain way to a 
 series of natural numbers, to facilitate the 
 processes of numerical computation. A 
 simple idea of this system may be acquired 
 by taking a set of numbers, as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 
 having for their common difference the first 
 number of the series ; and placing under 
 them another set of numbers, which pro- 
 ceed by continued multiplication by the 
 first number of the series, as 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 
 64. The former set are the logarithms of 
 the latter, which are called natural numbers. 
 
 Log-book. In nautical affairs, a journal 
 kept by the chief mate or first officer, in 
 which the situation of the ship from time 
 to time, the winds, weather, courses, and 
 distances, the misconduct or desertion of 
 any of the crew, and everything of impor- 
 tance, are carefully noted down. 
 
 Loggerhead, log-gur-hed. Literally, 
 ahead hard and thick as a log; to fall to 
 loggei'Jieads, or go to loggerlieofls, to scuffle ; 
 to come to blows ; to fight without weapons. 
 
 IiOgie, loj-ik (Greek, logos, a word, or 
 Tn^dom}. A term which, in its most ex- 
 
 tensive application, means the science an 
 well as the art of reasoning'. So far as it 
 institutes an analysis of the process of tho 
 mind in reasoning, it is strictly a science ; 
 while, so far as it investigates the prin- 
 ciples on which argumentation is conducted 
 and fmuishes tnles to secure the mind 
 from error in its deductions, it may be 
 called the art of reasoning ; the use of 
 words in the art of reasoning ; the art of 
 reasoning justly in the investigation of 
 truth. 
 
 Logician, lo-jishan. One skilled in 
 the art of logic. 
 
 Log-line, log -line. A line or cord 
 fastened to a piece of boai-d, and wovmd 
 upon a reel ; used to accertain the rate at 
 which a ship is sailing. 
 
 Logography, lo-gograh-fe (Greek, 
 logos, a word ; grapho, to write). A method 
 of printing in which a type represents a 
 word, instead of forming a letter. 
 
 Logy. A termination in constant use 
 for the formation of scientific terms ; 
 derived from the Greek word, logoi, a 
 discourse. 
 
 Lollards, lol-lards. A sect of early 
 refoi-mers in Germany and England, the 
 followers of Wickliffe. The name was at 
 that time applied to them as one of infamy, 
 the Romish Church treating them as the 
 vilest heretics. 
 
 Lombard, lum-bard (Latin, longa 
 harba, long beard). An ancient name in 
 England for a banker, because the people 
 of Lombardy first followed this branch of 
 commerce. Hence the name of Lonibard- 
 street, so long noted for its numerous 
 banking-houses. 
 
 Longboat. The largest boat belonging 
 to a ship ; built full, flat, and high, so as 
 to carry a great weight ; it is also called the 
 launch. 
 
 Longevity, lon-jewy-ty (Latin, longus, 
 long ; cevum, age). Length or duration of 
 life ; great length of Ufe. 
 
 Longimetry, Ion jimmy-tre (Latin, 
 longus, long ; Greek, metron, a measui'e). 
 The aii; or practice of measuring distances 
 or heights. 
 
 Longitude, lonjy-tude (Latin, Icngi- 
 tudo, length). In geography and naviga- 
 tion, the measure of the angle included 
 between the meridian of any place, the 
 longitude of which is required, and a cer- 
 tain fixed meridian, from which the longi- 
 tude is reckoned ; or it is the number of 
 degrees, minutes, &c., intercepted Lotvveen 
 
ION 
 
 LUG 
 
 181 
 
 a certain fixed point of tlie equator and the 
 intersection of the meridian of the place 
 \vith the same circle. It is usual to reckon 
 longitude from the first meridian, whether 
 eastward or westward, until we reach the 
 •opposite meridian ; therefore the longitude 
 of a place in either hemisphere can never 
 exceed 180 degrees. The longitude of a 
 celestial body is an arc of the ecliptic con- 
 tained between the vernal equinoctial point, 
 and a circle of longitude passing through 
 the centre of the body. 
 
 Longitudinal, lonjy-tewdin-al. Ec- 
 lating to longitude or length ; running in 
 the longest direction, as distinguished 
 from transverse or across; measured by 
 the length. 
 
 XtOOm, loom (Saxon, leoman, to shine). 
 To appear large above the surface; to 
 appear larger than natiu-al. 
 
 Looming, loom-Ing. The indistinct 
 and magnified appearance of objects seen 
 in particular states of the atmosphere. 
 
 Loon (Saxon, lun, needy). A rascal ; 
 a scoundrel ; a sorry fellow ; an ill -con- 
 ditioned person. 
 
 Loquacity, lo-kwassy-te (Latin, lo- 
 quor, to speak). Talkativeness ; freedom 
 of speech ; the habit of talking continually 
 or immoderately. 
 
 Lord. A title of courtesy given to all 
 Bishops and Irish noblemen, from the 
 baron upwards ; to the eldest sons of earls ; 
 to all the sons of marquesses and dukes ; 
 and as an honorary title, to certain 
 official characters. The title is from 
 Saxon, Jdeford, usually derived from klaf, 
 loaf, and /ore?, or afford, to give ; and hence 
 lord is interpreted a bread-giver. A lord, 
 in law, is one who possesses a fee or 
 manor. 
 
 Lore, lore (Saxon, lar). Learning ; 
 doctrine ; instruction. 
 
 Loricate, lawry-kate (Latin, lorica, a 
 coat of mail). To plate or cover over ; to 
 protect as with a breast-plate. 
 
 Lorn, lawm (Saxon, kn'en, to lose). 
 Utterly lost ; deserted ; forsaken ; desti- 
 tute ; solitary. 
 
 Losel, loz-el (from the root of loose). 
 A wasteful, worthless fellow. 
 
 IiOUis d'or, looy-dore. A French gold 
 coin, first struck in 1640, in the reign of 
 Louis the Thirteenth ; value, twenty-five 
 shillings sterling. 
 
 Louver, loo-vur (French, Vouvert). An 
 opening for the emission of smoke. 
 
 Love Feasts. Religious festivals, 
 celebrated periodically by certain sects. 
 
 Lo'Wins:, lo-ing (Saxon, hlowan, to 
 bellow). The bellowing or cry of cattle. 
 
 Loyalty, iojryal-te (French, leal). Fi- 
 delity to a prince, lady, or lover ; firm and 
 faithful devotion to a cause. 
 
 Lozenge, loz-enj (French, losange). A 
 rhomb; a four-cornered figure. In her- 
 aldry, a figure on which is represented 
 the coats of arms of maidens and widows. 
 In confectionary, a small cake of preserved 
 fruit or of sugar, so called from its original 
 rhomboidal form. 
 
 Lubricate, lewbry-kate (Latin, Ivltri- 
 cus, slippery). To make smooth or 
 slippery. 
 
 Lucid, lu-sid (Latin, hicidus, from luz, 
 light). Shining ; bright ; clear ; bright 
 with the radiance of intellect ; without any 
 darkness or disorder of the mind. 
 
 Lucifer, lewsif-ur (Latin, lux, light; 
 fero, to bring). The planet Venus ; also, 
 a name given to Satan. 
 
 Luctmeter, lu-simmy-tur (Latin, lux, 
 light ; Greek, metron, measure). An appa- 
 ratus for measuring the intensity of Ught 
 proceeding from dififerent bodies. 
 
 Lucrative, lewkrah-tiv (French, Zttcw- 
 tif). Profitable ; tending to increase 
 wealth ; productive of gain or emolu- 
 ment. 
 
 Lucre, lu-kur (Latin, liicrum). Gain ; 
 profit ; emolument, or advantage ; gene- 
 rally applied in an ill sense, and denounced 
 a& filthy lucre. 
 
 Lucubration, lu-ku-brayshun (Latin, 
 lucubro, to study or work by candle-light). 
 Study by lamp or candle-light ; any^ing 
 composed by night or ia retirement ; ap- 
 plied in a general sense to meditation, 
 reflection, study. 
 
 Luculent, lu-ku-lent (Latin, IneU' 
 lentus). Enlightening; bright; clear; full 
 of light. 
 
 Ludicrous lewdy-krus (Latin, ludo, 
 to sport). Playful ; sportive ; tending to 
 excite laughter; burlesque. 
 
 Luff, luf. In nautical language, the 
 order to th,e helmsman to put the rudder 
 towai'ds the lee-side of the ship, in order 
 to make it sail nearer in the direction of 
 the wind. 
 
 Lugger, lug-gur (Dutch, loger). A 
 small vessel carrying either two or three 
 masts, with a i"anning bowsprit, upon 
 
182 
 
 LUG 
 
 LUT 
 
 whicii are set lug-sails, and occasionally 
 with topsails adapted to them. 
 
 Lugubrious, lu-gewbry-us (Latin, 
 lugeo, to mourn). Doleful; sorroTvful; 
 mournful. 
 
 Lukewarm, luke-warm (Saxon, wlaco 
 wearm). Moderately warm ; indifferent; 
 without fervour, ardour, or zeal. 
 
 Lull, lul (Dutch, lullen). To soothe ; 
 to compose ; to assuage ; to calm ; to be- 
 come tranquil ; to subside. 
 
 Lullaby, lullah-bi (Dutch, lullen). A 
 song to lull asleep, especially infants ; that 
 which quiets. 
 
 Lumbago, lum-baygo, (Latin, lumhi, 
 the loins). A troublesome fixed pain about 
 the loins and ligaments of the back 
 
 Lumbar, lum-bar. In anatomy, per- 
 taining to the loins. 
 
 Lumber, lum-bur (German, lumpen). 
 Anything useless or cumbersome ; articles 
 of furniture not in use or orderly arrange- 
 ment, thi'own together in a lump ; any- 
 thing of more bulk than value. 
 
 Luminary, lewmin-ary (Latin, lumen, 
 light). Any orb or body which gives light ; 
 any one who illustrates a subject, or en- 
 lightens mankind. 
 
 Lumpers, lum-purz. A name given to 
 labourers employed to load and imload 
 merchant ships when in harbour ; more 
 particularly applicable to such as contract 
 to do work by the lump. 
 
 Lunacy, lewnah-se (Latin, luna, the 
 moon). Mental derangement; madness; 
 insanity of the mind ; so called because it 
 is popularly supposed to be influenced by 
 the moon, or periodical in the month. 
 
 Lunar, lu-nar (Latin, luna, the moon). 
 Relating to the moon; resembling the 
 moon ; vmder the influence of the moon. 
 Lunar caustic, fused nitrate of silver. 
 Lunar observation, an observation of the 
 moon's distance from a star for the purpose 
 of finding the longitude. Lunar rainhoio, 
 a rainbow caused by the reflection of the 
 light of the moon. 
 
 Lunar Month. The interval in which 
 the moon completes a revolution about the 
 •arth. 
 
 Lunar Year. The period of twelve 
 Siinar months, or about three hundred and 
 Sour days and one-third. 
 
 Lunette, lu-net (French, lunette). In 
 fortification, the name of small works on 
 each side of a ravehn to strengthen it. 
 
 In optics, a species of glasses ; also, a j 
 small window in a concave ceiling. 
 
 Lurch, lurtsh (Welsh, Here). In naur- 
 tical language, the sudden jerk or roUtng 
 of a ship on either side, caused by a heavy 
 wave striking either upon the rudder or 
 quarter ; a lea h(,rch, a rolling or heaving 
 to leeward when a heavy sea strikes the 
 ship on the weather-side ; to leave in the 
 lurch, to abandon in a difficult or embar- 
 rassing condition. 
 
 Lurcher, lurtsh-ur. A sporting dog 
 that watches for his game. , 
 
 Lure, lure (French, leurre). An entice- 
 ment ; a temptation ; a snare ; to induce 
 or attract by some inducement. 
 
 Lurid, lu-rid (Latin, luHdm). Gloomy ; 
 dismal ; ghastly pale ; ghostlike. 
 
 Luscious, lush-us (Saxon, leu-ish, full 
 of juice). Sweet to excess ; swollen with 
 juice ; sweet or rich, so as to clog or nau- 
 seate ; pleasing ; delightful ; grateful to 
 the taste. 
 
 Lustral, lus-tral (Latin, IvMro, to pu- 
 rify). Used in purification, or pertaining 
 to it. 
 
 Lustrum., lus-trum. In ancient Rome, 
 a period of five years, at the beginning of 
 which the Romans paid the tribute laid on 
 them by the censors. 
 
 Lusty, lust-e (Danish, lustig). Stout ; 
 vigorous ; healthy ; able of body ; robust ; 
 sturdy. 
 
 Lusus Naturae, lu-sus na-tewry (Lat. ) 
 Freak of Nature ; deformed production, as 
 a sheep bom with two heads, a dog with five 
 legs, &c. 
 
 Lutarious, lu-tary-us (Latin, lutarius). 
 Pertaining to mud ; of the colour of mud. 
 
 Lutation, lu-tayshun. The act of 
 luting, or cementing chemical vessels close 
 together. 
 
 Lute, lute. A stringed musical instru- 
 ment, containing at first five rows of strings, 
 to which were afterwards added six more, 
 with nine or ten stops 
 
 Lutheran, lewther-an. A disciple or 
 
 follower of Luther, the Gei-man reformer, 
 
 who separated from the Church of Rome 
 
 in the year 1517, and took the lead in what 
 
 I is now called the Reformation. 
 
 Luting, lu-ting (Latin, lutum). A 
 composition of soft clay and other sub- 
 stances, employed in stopping the poiLiwS 
 of apparatus, and coating vessels whlcQ 
 are exposed to the action of fire. 
 
LUX 
 
 Luxate, lux-ate (Latin, lv.xo). To put 
 out of joint; to disjoint; to dislocate. 
 
 Lyceum, li-seeum (Greek, hileion). 
 In Greece, a place where Aristotle taught ; 
 a place appropriated to instruction by lec- 
 tures and disquisitions ; a literary asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Lydian, liddy-an. Noting a kind of 
 soft, slow, and flowing air in music, used 
 first by the natives of Lydia. 
 
 Lye, li. Solution of an alkali in water, 
 particularly applied to dissolved potash. 
 
 Lying-to. In nautical language, the 
 situation of a ship when she is retarded in 
 her course, by arranging the sails in such 
 a manner as to counteract each other with 
 nearly equal effect. 
 
 Lymph, limf (Latin, lymplia). A co- 
 lourless fluid in animal bodies. 
 
 Ljrnell-la^W, lintsh-law. The infliction 
 of pimishment without the forms of a regu- 
 larly constituted tribunal ; punishment or 
 putting to death by the mob. 
 
 Lynx-eyed, links-ide. , Having sharp 
 and keen sight, such as the lynx is fabled 
 to possess. 
 
 Lyre, lire (Latin, lyra). A stringed 
 musical instrument, somewhat resembling 
 the harp ; much used by the ancients. 
 
 Lyric, lir-ik. Pertaining to a lyre, to 
 poetry sung to a lyre. Lyric 2^oetry con- 
 sists chiefly of songs, odes, and verse of 
 the lighter kind. 
 
 M. 
 
 Mac, mak. A prefix in Scotch and 
 Irish names, signifying son. 
 
 Macadamize, ma-kaddam-ize. To 
 cover a roadway or path with small broken 
 stones of a uniform size. The name is de- 
 rived from the projector, Ilacadam ; and 
 the principle is, that the pulverised stones, 
 when laid on the surface and subjected to 
 the pressure caused by ordinary traffic, bind 
 with the earth, and thus form a solid mass. 
 
 Macaroni, makkah-rony. A kind of 
 edible paste dl•a^vn into long hollow tubes ; 
 also applied to a droll or fool ; a conceited 
 fop ; a frivolous pretender. 
 
 Macaronic, makkah-ronik. Eesem- 
 bling macaroni ; a mixture ; a confused 
 heap ; hence Macaronic verses, a kind of 
 burlesque poetiy, consisting of a jumble of 
 words, of different languages with words 
 of the vulgar tongue, mixed up with Greek 
 and Latin Avords or terminations. 
 
 MAG 
 
 183 
 
 Maccabees, makkah-beez. The name 
 of two apocryphal books of Scripture, 
 containing the history of Judas and his 
 brothers, and their wars against the Syrian 
 kings in defence of their religion and 
 liberties. 
 
 Mace, mase (Italian, mazza). A spice ; 
 the middle bark of the nutmeg. 
 
 Mace, mase (Flemish, masse). An en- 
 sign of authority borne before mayors, 
 magistrates, and other official persons by 
 a mace bearer. Originally it was a club 
 or instrument of war, made of iron, and 
 used by cavaky. 
 
 Macedonian, massy-dony-an. A na- 
 tive of Macedonia, a country of Greece. 
 In ecclesiastical history, one of a sect of 
 Christians who sprung up in the fourth 
 century, denominated after a bishop of 
 Constantinople, who denied the existence 
 of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 Macerate, massy-rate (Latin, macer, 
 lean). To make lean ; to mortify ; to 
 weaken or bring down ; to harass with 
 bodily hardships ; to steep almost to solu- 
 tion. 
 
 Machiavelian, mak-eah-vel-yun. Ac- 
 cording to the principles of Machiavel; 
 cunning ; crafty ; subtle. 
 
 Machiavelism, mak-eah-vel-izm. 
 The principles inculcated by Machiavel, 
 an Italian writer on politics ; in ordinary 
 practice, seeking to accomplish a design 
 by stratagem and artifice, and without any 
 regard to the welfare of others, or the dic- 
 tates of honour and honesty. 
 
 Machination, makky-nayshun (Gr., 
 nuchane, a contrivance). An artifice ; a 
 plot ; a malicious scheme ; an evil purpose 
 formed with dehberation. 
 
 Machine, ma-sheen (Latin, machina). 
 Any complicated work ; an instrument of 
 force; an instrument contributing to or 
 producing motion ; an engine. 
 
 Machinist, ma-sheenist. A constructor 
 of machines ; an inventor of engines ; one 
 versed in the principles of mechanics. 
 
 Mackintosh. A name given to water- 
 proof clothing, from its inventor. 
 
 Macrocosm, makro-kozm. (Greek, 
 makros, great; hosmos, the world). The 
 whole world, or visible system, in oppo- 
 sition to the microcosm, or the world of 
 man. 
 
 Macrology, ma-krol-ojy (Greek, 
 raakros, long ; logos, a discourse). Length- 
 ened and tedious discourse ; superfluous, 
 
184 
 
 MAC 
 
 illustration of a subject ; redundant copi- 
 ousness, or accumulation of words without 
 meaning. 
 
 Maerometer, ma-krommy-tur. (Gr., 
 viaJcroSf great; metron, measure). An in- 
 strument for measuring objects that are 
 inaccessible. 
 
 Mactation, mak-tayshun. (Latin, 
 macto, to kill). The act of killing for 
 sacrifice. 
 
 Maculate, makku-late (Latin, macula, 
 a spot). To spot, or stain with spots ; to 
 taint. 
 
 Madam, mad-um ' (French ma, my ; 
 dame, lady). A complimentary title, or 
 style of address, generally applied to elderly 
 or to married ladies. 
 
 Madcap, mad-kap {mad, and Latin, 
 caput, the head). A rash, hot-headed 
 person ; a madman. 
 
 Madder, mad-der (Dutch, meeden, to 
 dye, to tinge). A plant, the root of which 
 affords a fine scarlet colour for dyeing, 
 calico printing, &e. It is also used in 
 medicine. 
 
 Madefaction, maddy-fakshun (Latin, 
 onadefacio, to moisten). The act of making 
 wet. 
 
 Madeira, ma-deer-rah. A wine made 
 in Madeira. 
 
 Mademoiselle, mad-mwaw-zel (Fr.). 
 An appellative given to a young woman, 
 or unmarried lady; a term of address 
 equivalent to miss. 
 
 Madonna, ma-donnah (Italian). A 
 name given to pictorial representations of 
 the Virgin Mary; a term of address, " My 
 lady ; " called also madona. 
 
 Madrigal, maddry-gal (Spanish). Ori- 
 ginally a pastoral song ; now applied to a 
 short amorous poem of a certain number of 
 unequal verses ; also a vocal composition 
 in five or six parts. 
 
 Maelstrom, mahl-strom. A most re- 
 markable and very dangerous whirlpool on 
 the coast of Norway ; it carries away ships, 
 trees, and everything within its reach ; and 
 when it is most boisterous, it is dangerous 
 to come within a mile of it. 
 
 Maestoso, mah-es-to-zo. An Italian 
 word, signifying majestic, and used in music 
 as a direction to play the part with force 
 and grandeur. 
 
 Magazine, mag-gah-zeen (Arabic, 
 ffrazana, to store). A store of arms, am- 
 munition, provisions, &c. ; also the building 
 or place so appropriated ; a periodical pub- I 
 
 MAG 
 
 lication, containing miscellaneous papers 
 or compositions. 
 
 Maggiore, mad-je-ory. An Italian 
 musical term, implying greater. 
 
 Magi, may-ji. An ancient religious 
 sect in Persia and other Eastern countries, 
 taking its rise from the wise men or philo- 
 sophers of the East. The priests of the 
 magi were the most skilful mathematicians 
 and philosophers of their day ; hence they 
 were able to produce effects so astonishing 
 to the ignorant, as to be thought super- 
 natural. 
 
 Magian, majee-an. Relating to the 
 magi or philosophers of the East. 
 
 Magic, maj-ik. Originally a term syno- 
 nymous with the more sublime part of 
 philosophy, but latterly a kind of science 
 of producing wonderful effects through the 
 supposed agency of supernatural beings ; 
 sorcery; enchantment. 
 
 Magister, majis-tur. An appellation 
 given in the Middle Ages to those j>ersons 
 who had obtained some degi-ee of literary 
 or scientific eminence ; contracted to 
 Mister or Mr. 
 
 Magisterial, majjis-teery-al (Latin, 
 magister, a master). Literally, belonging 
 to a master, and hence to a magistrate ; 
 arrogant ; dogmatic ; proud. 
 
 Magistrate, majjis-trate (Latin, ma- 
 gister, a master.) A public civil officer; 
 a person judicially empowered to adminis- 
 ter the law. 
 
 Magna Charta, mag-nah kar-tah 
 (Latin). The great charter of EngUsh 
 libei-ty, so called. It was obtained by 
 the English barons from King John, in 
 1215. 
 
 Magnanimity, magna - nimmy - ty 
 (Latin, magnus, gi*eat ; aimmis, the mind). 
 Greatness of mind ; loftiness of feeling, 
 thought, or sentiment; despising mean 
 considerations. 
 
 Magnate, mag-nate (Latin, magnatus). 
 A person of rank; a distinguished indi- 
 vidual. 
 
 Magnet, magnet (Greek, magiies). The 
 loadstone, so called from Magnesia, a coun- 
 try in Lydia. The native magnet is a 
 mineral, consisting of protoxide and 
 peroxide of iron in equal proportions, i] 
 It possesses the peculiar property of .1 
 attracting metallic iron; of assuming a »l 
 determinate position with regard to the 
 axis of the earth, when freely suspended ; 
 and of communicating these properties to 
 iron by contact. • The artificial magnet 
 
 
MAG 
 
 MAL 
 
 185 
 
 consists of a bar of steel to wMch these 
 properties have been communicated. 
 
 Magnificat, mag-niffy-kat (Latin). 
 A term applied to the song of the Virgin 
 Mary. 
 
 Magnificence, mag - niffy - sense 
 (Latin, magnus, great ; facto, to make). 
 Grandeur ; splendour ; richness of appear- 
 ance, in buildings, clothes, or furniture. 
 
 Magnifico, mag-niffy ko. The title 
 given by courtesy to a nobleman of Venice. 
 
 Magniloquence, mag - nillo - kwence 
 (Latin, magnus, great ; loquens, speaking). 
 A lofty manner of speaking ; a pompous 
 style of address. 
 
 Magnum Bonum, mag num bo-num. 
 A Latin term applied to certain articles, 
 to imply that they possess rare advan- 
 tages, and excellent qualities. 
 
 Mahometan. See Mohammedan. 
 
 Maiden Assize. In law, an assize in 
 which there are no persons to be brought 
 to trial. 
 
 Mail, male (French, maille). Literally, 
 net work, or meshes ; but applied to the 
 coat formed of meshes collectively. 
 
 Mail, male (French, malle). A bag or 
 case for conveying letters by post ; postal 
 conveyance ; a carriage for conveying the 
 mail. 
 
 Maim, mame (Greek, maitan, to cut off). 
 To wound so as to disfigure ; to disable 
 from use ; to deprive of any necessary 
 part ; to cripple by loss of a limb ; to 
 mutilate. 
 
 Main, mane (Saxon, mcegn). Chief ; prin- 
 cipal ; firet in size, i-ank, or importance ; 
 powerful ; containing the gi'oss bulk or 
 chief part. The 7nain sea, or highway of the 
 ocean, is elliptically termed the main. 
 Main-land, the principal land, the conti- 
 nent. Main-keel, the principal keel of a 
 ship, as distinguished from the false keel. 
 Main-mast, the principal mast in a ship. 
 Main-tojp, the top of the main-mast of a ship 
 or brig. Main-sail, the principal sail of a 
 ship. Main-deck, the deck next below the 
 spar deck, in frigates. Alain-yard, the 
 yard of the main-mast. Main cluince, the 
 chief object to be regarded, or provided for. 
 
 Mainprize, mane-prize (French, main, 
 the hand ; pris, taken). In law, a writ 
 directed to the sheriff, commanding him to 
 take svireties for the prisoner's appearance, 
 and to let him go at large. 
 
 Maintenance, mainty-nans (French, 
 ,main, the hand ; tenir, to hold). Means of 
 
 subsistence; support; preservation; se>* 
 curity. 
 
 Maitre d*Hotel, maytr - dote - el 
 (French). Steward.; house-steward; major- 
 domo. 
 
 Maize, maze. Indian com or wheat ; 
 the native com of America. 
 
 Majesty, maj-esty (Latin, majestas, 
 greatness). Dignity ; grandeur ; loftiness 
 of thought ; greatness of appearance ; the 
 quality or state of a person, or thing, 
 inspiring reverence or awe in the beholder ; 
 a title given to sovereigns. 
 
 Major, may-jur (Latin, mcy'o)-, greater). 
 Greater in number, quantity, or extent; 
 elder ; superior. In logic, the predicate 
 of the conclusion, so called because it is 
 generally of larger extension than the 
 minor term. In music, an epithet for the 
 modes, in which the third is four semi- 
 tones above the key-note. In military 
 affairs, an officer next in rank above a 
 captain, and the lowest field officer. In 
 law, a person of full age to manage his or- 
 her own affairs. 
 
 Major-Domo, mayjur-do-mo (Latin), 
 A master of a house or steward. 
 
 Majority, ma-jorry-ty (French, ma- 
 jorite). The gi-eater number; the state of 
 being greater ; in elections or parliamentary 
 divisions, the greater number of votes ; 
 full age ; the office, rank, or commission of. 
 a major, 
 
 Makevireight, make - wate. That 
 which is thrown into a scale to make up 
 weight ; figuratively, anything added op 
 allowed, as a balance to either superior or 
 inferior qualities. 
 
 Mai ) (Latin, mains, evil). In corn- 
 Mail ) position, a prefix denoting ill, or 
 evU. 
 
 Mal-administration, mallad-minis- 
 trayshun (Latin, mains, bad ; ad, to ; min- 
 ister). Bad management of affairs ; 
 vicious or defective conduct in adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 Maladroit, mallah - droyt (French), 
 Awkward ; wanting in dexterity. 
 
 Malady, mallah -dy (French, maladie). 
 Illness ; disease ; sickness ; a lingering or 
 deep-seated disorder ; mental disorder. 
 
 Mala fides, mayla - fydez (Latin). 
 "Want of good faith ; want of integrity. 
 
 Malapert, mallah-pert {mal and ;>«•<). 
 Saucy ; presumptuous ; quick with impu- 
 dence ; exceedingly pert. 
 
186 
 
 MAT i 
 
 MAN 
 
 Mal-apropos, mallah-propo (Frencli). 
 Unreasonable ; ill-timed ; out of place. 
 
 Malar, may-lar(Latin, mala, the cheek), 
 PtelatiQg to the cheek. 
 
 Malaria, mal-ary-ah (Italian, mat' aria, 
 bad air). The exhalation of marshy dis- 
 tricts, which produces intermittent fevers. 
 
 Malaxation, mal-aks-ayshun (Greek, 
 nialasso, to soften). The act of blending 
 or beating together ; the act of softening 
 or kneading into softness ; the process of 
 forming a plastic composition of various 
 ingredients. 
 
 Malcontent, malkon-tent (French). 
 Dissatisfied with existing government ; one 
 who is discontented with the laws or their 
 administration. 
 
 Malediction, mally-dikshim (Latin, 
 malv.s, evn ; dico, to speak). A curse ; 
 execration ; the act of denouncing or 
 wishing evil to a person. 
 
 Malefactor, mally-faktur (Latin, 
 mains, bad ; facio, to do). An offender 
 against the law ; an evildoer ; a criminal. 
 
 Malevolence, ma-lewo-lens (Latin, 
 mains, ill ; volo, to wish).* lU-will ; evil 
 disposition ; inclination to harm. 
 
 Malfeasance, mal-feezans (French). 
 Evil doing ; illegal deed. 
 
 Mal-formation, malfui- - mayshim. 
 Defective fonnation ; irregular or anoma- 
 lous structure of parts. 
 
 Malic, may-lik (Latin, malum, an apple). 
 An acid obtained from the juice of apples 
 is called malic acid ; pei*taining to apples. 
 
 Malign, ma-Une (Latin, malus, evU). 
 Ill-disposed ; pernicious ; determined upon 
 doing another a mischief ; to regard with 
 malice ; to defame ; to hui-t. 
 
 Malignant, ma-hg-nant (Latin, malus, 
 •evil). Malicious; revengeful; exerting 
 pernicious influence ; in a medical sense, 
 infectious ; vinilent ; hurtful to the body. 
 
 Malignity, ma-lig-ny-ty (Latin, mahis, 
 evil). Malice ; ill-will ; evil intention ; 
 extreme enmity, or malevolent disposition 
 evinced towards another. 
 
 Malla,rd, mal-lard. The di-ake of the 
 wild duck. 
 
 Malleable, mal-leah-bl (Latin, malleus, 
 a hammer). That may be beaten or ham- 
 mered out ; capable of being di-awn out or 
 extended by beating. 
 
 Mal-practice, mal-praktis. Illegal 
 practice ; evil or immoral conduct ; prac- 
 tice contrary to equity or established rules. 
 
 Malthusian, mal-thewzy-an. Accord- 
 ing to the political doctrines of Malthus, 
 as laid down in his " Essay on the Principles 
 of Population." 
 
 Mal-treatment. Ill-treatment ; rough 
 or unkindly usage. 
 
 Malum in se, maylum in se (Latin). 
 In law, a term distinguishing an evil in 
 itself, from malum 2yrohibitum. 
 
 Malum prohibitum, maylum pro- 
 hibbit-um (Latin). In law, that which 
 is wrong because it is forbidden. 
 
 Malversation, malver-sayshun (Latin, 
 mal, ill ; versor, to behave). Improper 
 conduct or behaviour ; fraud, especially ia 
 office ; mean artifices ; fraudulent tricks. 
 
 Mamalukes, mamma-lewks. The 
 former military force of Egypt. The 
 Mamalukes were originally Tm-kish and 
 Circassian slaves, but afterwards masters 
 of the country. Their power was annihi- 
 lated by Mehemet Ali, in 1811. 
 
 Mamma, mam-mah. A familiar word 
 for mother. The word is derived from the 
 Latin mamma, a breast. The word mam, 
 or mamma, may also be said to be formed 
 by Nature herself, since most infants begin 
 to speak with this word. 
 
 Mammalia, ma - may - lyah (Latin, 
 mamma, a teat). The first gi-and division 
 of the animal kingdom, including all that 
 suckle their young. 
 
 Mammifer, mammy-fer (Latin, mam- 
 ma, a breast ; fero, to bear). An animal 
 having breasts, and which suckles its 
 young. 
 
 Mammon, mam-mun(Syriac). Riches; 
 wealth ; the god of riches. 
 
 Manacle, mannah-kl (Latin, manus, 
 the hand). An iron instrument for bind- 
 ing fast the hands ; to shackle ; to confine 
 the hands, by means of an iron instiimient, 
 or other fastening. 
 
 Manciple, mansy-pl (Latin, manus, 
 the hand ; capio, to take). The steward 
 of a community ; a piu-veyor, particularly 
 of a college, or inn of court. 
 
 Mandamus, man-daymus (Latin, 
 mando, to order). In law, a writ issuei/ 
 by the Court of Queen's Bench, command- 
 ing the perfonnance of something; and so 
 named from the initial word of the wi-it. 
 
 Mandarin, mandah-rin. The general 
 name given to magistrates, governors, and 
 chief officers in China. They are chosen 
 from among the most leai'ned men of every 
 part of the empire, who, having obtained 
 
 I 
 
MAN 
 
 MAE 
 
 187 
 
 their degrees, and passed their examina- 
 tion, have their names inscribed, and kept 
 in a court of record for that purposs. 
 
 Mandate, man-date (Latin, incmdo, to 
 bid). A command ; a charge or order 
 given. In canon law, a rescript of the 
 Pope, commanding an ordinary collator to 
 put the person therein named in posses- 
 sion of the first vacant benefice in his 
 collation. 
 
 Mandible, mandy-bl .(Latin, onandi- 
 hulum, a jaw). The upper jaw of an insect. 
 
 Mandoline, mando-lin. A musical 
 instrument of the lute kind, having four 
 strings, which are tuned as those of the 
 violin. 
 
 Manege, man-ayzh (French). A place 
 where horses are trained, or horseman- 
 ship taught ; a riding school. 
 
 Manes, may-nez (Latin). In the Pagan 
 system of theology, this term included 
 the souls of deceased persons. It was 
 usual to erect altars and offer libations to 
 the manes of deceased friends aaid rela- 
 tions, with a view of propitiating them. 
 Also when it was not known whether a 
 corpse was buried or not, a cenotaph was 
 erected, and the manes solemnly invited to 
 enter there, so that they might be spared 
 the pain of wandering about the world in 
 search of the body which they once inha- 
 bited. 
 
 Mangel-"wurzel, mang-gul wm--zel 
 (German, mangold wiorzel, scarcity root). 
 The field beet, a plant extensively culti- 
 vated in England as a food for cattle. 
 
 Manheim gold, man-Iiim golde. An 
 alloy, consisting of three parts copper and 
 one of zinc. 
 
 Mania, mane-yah (Greek, mania). Mad- 
 ness ; an excessive passion for anything. 
 
 Manichees, mani-kees, A sect of 
 Christian heretics, of the thii'd century, 
 the followers of Mani, a person who gave 
 himself out to be a second Christ. 
 
 Manifest, manny-fest. An inventory 
 of the whole cargo of a merchant-ship. 
 
 Manifesto, manny-festo (Latin, mani- 
 festus). A public declaration made by a 
 prince or sovereign, of his intentions, 
 opinions, or motives, in reference to some 
 public question. 
 
 Manifold, manny-fold. Of different 
 kinds ; many in number ; complicated. 
 
 Manipulate, man - ippu - late (Latin, 
 ma7ius, the hand). To operate, or work 
 with the hands; to execute a design. 
 
 Manna, mannah (Arabic, .manna,, to 
 provide). A substance with which the 
 children of Israel were fed in the wilderness, 
 and which is supposed to have been a kind 
 of honey-dew ; also a peculiar saccharine 
 matter, which exudes from many plants, 
 but especially the concrete juice of a 
 species of ash, which grows in the south- 
 ern parts of Europe. 
 
 Mannerism, manner-izm. Uniformity 
 of manner ; adherence to the same, as in 
 acting or speaking. 
 
 Manor, mannur (Norman, manoir, a 
 habitation). A district of ground held by 
 a lord or nobleman in his own possession, 
 for the direct use of his family ; his 
 other lands being distributed among his 
 tenants. 
 
 Manor-house. The house of the 
 lord or owner of the manor. 
 
 Manse, mans (Latin, mando, from 
 maneo, to remain). A parsonage-house ; 
 farm and land. 
 
 Manslaughter, man-slawtur. In its 
 primary signification, murder, or the 
 destruction of the human species. In law, 
 the killing a person without malice pre- 
 pense, as in a sudden quarrel. 
 
 Mantology, man-tollo-je (Greek, m.an- 
 teia, divination; logos, a discourse). The 
 act or art of divination. 
 
 Manual, mannu-al (Latin, manus, the 
 Performed by the hand; used by 
 the hand ; a hand-book, or small book such 
 as may be carried in the hand. 
 
 Manumission, mannu-mishun (Lat., 
 manus, the hand ; viiito, to send). The 
 act of giving liberty to slaves. 
 
 Manumotive, mannu-mo-tiv (Latin, 
 manus, the hand ; moveo, to move). Mov- 
 able by the hand. 
 
 Manuscript, mannu-skript (Latin, 
 manus, the hand ; sa-iptus, written). A 
 written book or copy, generally ap- 
 plied to such books as have not been 
 printed. 
 
 Mar (Saxon, men^ran). To injure by 
 cutting off a part, or by wounding and 
 making defective ; to hurt ; to impair the 
 strength and purity of. 
 
 Maranatha, marrah-naytha (Syriac). 
 A form of anathematising among the Jews, 
 signifying " the Lord will come ;" that is, 
 to take vengeance. 
 
 Marauding, ma - rawding (French, 
 maraud). Roving in quest of plunder; 
 robbing; destroying. 
 
183 
 
 MAB 
 
 Maravedi, raara-veedy. A small 
 Spanish copper coiu, worth about half a 
 farthing English. 
 
 Marbles, mar-blz. A generic term for 
 a collection of sculpture and statuary, as 
 the Elgin marbles, the Arundel marbles, &c. 
 
 Marches, martsh-iz (French). Bor- 
 ders ; limits ; confines between one country 
 or district and another. 
 
 Marchioness, marshun-ees. The 
 wife or widow of a marquis, or a female 
 having the same rank as a marquis. 
 
 Margin, mar-jin (Latin, mar go, the 
 brink). The brink, border, or edge ; the 
 verge ; the edge of a leaf, or page of a book ; 
 figuratively, extent, beyond certain defined 
 limits. 
 
 Margrave, mar-grave (German, marJc- 
 graf, from mark, a march, or border ; 
 gruff, a count, or earl). Originally, a keeper 
 of the marches ; now a title of nobility in 
 Germany. 
 
 Margravine, margrah- vine. The wife 
 of a margrave. 
 
 Marigenous, ma-rijjy-nus. (Latin, 
 raare. the sea ; gigno, to bring forth). Pro- 
 duced in or by the sea. 
 
 Marine, ma-reen (Latin, mare, the sea). 
 Belonging to the sea ; transacted at sea ; 
 doing duty on the sea ; a marine is a 
 soldier who serves on board ship, in naval 
 engagements ; the manne is a general 
 name for the navy of a kingdom or state, 
 and the whole economy of naval affau-^. 
 
 Mariner, marrin-er (Latin, Diare, the 
 sea). A seaman ; a sailor. 
 
 Marital, marrit-al (Latin, maritus, a 
 husband). Pertaining to a husband ; inci- 
 dent to the state of a husband. 
 
 Maritime, marrit-ime (Latin, mare, 
 the sea). Relating to the sea or 
 ocean ; bordering on the sea ; performed 
 at sea; having a navy and commerce by 
 sea. 
 
 Marjoram, marjur-am. A fragrant 
 plant. 
 
 Marksm.an, marks-mam One who 
 can hit a mark with precision ; one expert 
 in the use of the gun or the rifle. 
 
 Marl (Welsh). A mixed earthy sub- 
 stance of calcareous earth, clay, and sili- 
 ceous sand, in very variable proj>ortions. 
 According to the preponderance of the one 
 or the other of the three principal ingre- 
 dients, marls are calcareous, clayey, or 
 sandy. 
 
 MAH 
 
 Marline, mar-lin. In nautical afifairs, 
 a small line, composed of two strands, 
 slightly twisted, and either tarred or 
 white, used for winding round ropes, to 
 prevent their being fretted by the blocks, 
 &c. 
 
 Marmorean, mar-mory-an (Latin, 
 7)iarm(y); marble). Made of marble ; 
 relating to marble. 
 
 Maronites, man-o-nitse. A commu- 
 nity of Greek Christians, who inhabit 
 a district of country about Mount Lebanon. 
 They are said to derive their name 
 from Johi Maroii, or Maro, who called 
 himself patriarch of Antioch, in the sixth 
 century. 
 
 Maroon, ma-roon. The name given 
 to revolted negroes in the "West Indies, 
 and in some parts of South America. 
 
 Marque, mark (French). Letters of 
 marque constitute a power, licence, or 
 extraordinary commission, granted by a 
 state to its subjects, to make reprisals on 
 the subject of another, for damages sus- 
 tained at sea ; the ship commissioned for 
 making reprisals is also called a letter of 
 marque. The word is said to be derived 
 from the same root as march, a limit,, 
 literally denoting a license to pass the limits 
 of a jiu-isdiction on land, for the purpose of 
 obtaining satisfaction for theft. 
 
 Marquee, mar-kee (French). A field- 
 tent for an officer ; a large tent erected at 
 fancy fairs, and other out-of-door celebra- 
 tions. 
 
 Marquetry, market-ry (French, mar- 
 quetene). A nanae given to inlaid work of 
 wood, shells, &c. 
 
 Marquis, mark-wis (French, marquis). 
 A title of honour of the second order of 
 nobility, next in rank to a duke. 
 
 Marquisate, markwy - zate. The 
 seniority, dignity, or lordship of a 
 marquis. 
 
 Marshal, mar-shal (French, marechal). 
 The chief officer of arms, whose duty it 
 formerly was to regulate combats in the 
 lists ; one who regulates rank and order at 
 a feast, or any other assembly ; one who 
 goes before a prince, to declare his coming, 
 and provide for his reception. * 
 
 Marshalling, marshal-ling. The dis- 
 posing or reviewing of troops ; the putting 
 of soldiers into position. 
 
 Mart, mart (contracted from market). 
 A place of public traffic ; to buy or sell ; 
 bargain ; purchase and sale. 
 
MAB 
 
 MAT 
 
 189 
 
 Martello, mar-tello (from Ifurtello 
 Bay, Coi'sica). An epithet applied to 
 certain circular towers, erected along dif- 
 ferent parts of the English coast, at the 
 commencement of the present century, as 
 a defence against invasion. 
 
 Martial, mar-shal (Latin, Mars, the 
 god of war). Warlike ; pertaining to 
 war ; military ; courageous ; not civS, or 
 according to the laws of peaceable govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Martial-law, marshal law. The law 
 of arms, which depends entirely upon the 
 regulations which the sovereign, or those 
 deiegfated with authority, may consider it 
 necessary to issue ; it is virtually an en- 
 forcement of the articles of war. 
 
 Martinet, martin-et. In military 
 language, a punctilious observer and 
 rigid enforcer of discipline ; so called 
 from a French officer of that name, men- 
 tioned by Voltaire. 
 
 Martingale, martin-gal (French, mar- 
 tiiigaU). A strap fastened to the girth of 
 the saddle, under the horse's belly. 
 
 Martinmas, martin-mas {Martin and 
 mass). The feast of St. Martin; the 
 lltb of November. 
 
 Martlet, mart-let. In heraldry, a bird 
 without legs or beak, added to the family 
 arms, by the fourth of the junior bi-anches 
 of a family, as the mark of theu* cadency. 
 
 Martyr, mar-tui- (Greek, martur, a 
 witness). One who by his death bears 
 witness of the tinith ; one who suffei*s death 
 in defence of any cause. 
 
 Marvel, mar-vel , (French, merveille). 
 Anything astonishing'; a wonder ; that 
 which arrests the attention, and causes a 
 person to pause and gaze. 
 
 Masculine, masku-lin (Latin, mas, a 
 male). Male ; of the male gender ; having 
 the qualities of a man ; strong ; robust ; 
 bold. 
 
 Masked Battery. A battery so con- 
 structed in external appearance as to mis- 
 lead and lull the suspicions of a recon- 
 noitring or approaching enemy. 
 
 Masonic, ma-sonnik. Relating to the 
 fraternity of Freemasons. 
 
 Masquerade, maskur - ade (Italian, 
 inasclierata). An assembly of i)ersons 
 wearing masks ; a disguise. 
 
 Mass (Saxon, mxesse). In the Church 
 of Rome, the office or prayers used at the 
 celebration of the eucharist. High mass, 
 or grand mass, is that sung by choristers^ 
 
 and celebrated with 'the assistance of a 
 deacon and sub-deacon ; low mass, that 
 wherein the prayers are. simply rehearsed 
 without singing. 
 
 Massacre, massah - kur (French). 
 Murder ; slaughter ; especially applied to 
 indiscriminate carnage and brutality per- 
 petrated on defenceless persons. 
 
 Mass meeting. A large concourse of 
 people specially harangued on some public 
 occasion. 
 
 Mast (Saxon, mcBst): In navigation, 
 the beam or pole set up in a ship, to sup- 
 port or carry the sails. Masts are of 
 several kinds : the main-viasl is the prin- 
 cipal mast of the ship ; the fore-viast is 
 that which stands near the stem, and is 
 next in size to the main-mast; the mizen- 
 mast is the smallest mast, and stands half- 
 way between the main-mast and the stem ; 
 there are also the lower-mast, the top-iiutsi, 
 and the top-gallant mast. 
 
 Mast (Saxon, moeste). The fruit of 
 certain trees, as the oak, beech, &;c. 
 
 Mastic, mas-tik (Greek, masiihc, a 
 species of gum). A resin which exudes 
 from the mastic-tree, used chiefly as var- 
 nish. In architecture, a cement employed 
 in plastering walls. 
 
 Masticate, masty-kate (Latin, mastico, 
 to chew). To chew ; to grind food with 
 the teeth ; to prepare food for digestion. 
 
 Mastodon, masto-don (Greek, inastos, 
 the breast; odous, a tooth.) An animal 
 resembling the elephant, now extinct. 
 Its remains are found in a high . state of 
 preservation, and in great abundance, 
 throughout North America. The name 
 has been given on account of certain cha- 
 racteristic pi-ojections of the teeth. 
 
 Matadore,' mattah - dore (Spanish, 
 matador). The name given to a man pitted 
 against the btdl at bull- tights ; also, one of 
 the three principal cards at the games of 
 ombre and quadrille. 
 
 Matchlock, matsh - lok. Formerly 
 the lock of a musket, which was fired by a 
 raatch. 
 
 Matclimaker. One who contrives or 
 effects a union by marriage ; one who 
 endeavours to match unmarried persons. 
 
 Mate, mate (Dutch, maet). One of a 
 pair ; husband or wife ; a companion ; an 
 officer in a ship, whose duty it is to assist 
 the captain. 
 
 Mater, may-tor (Latin, muter, mother). 
 A name given to two membranes of the 
 
190 
 
 MAT 
 
 MAU 
 
 brain, which are thus named from an old 
 notion that all the other membranes of 
 the body were derived from them, or 
 from their protecting the brain. 
 
 Materia Medica,ma-teery-ahmeddy- 
 ka (Latin). A term including- aU those 
 substances selected from the animal, vege- 
 table, and mineral kingdoms, which are 
 used in the cure of diseases ; a catalogue 
 of remedies. 
 
 Material, ma-teery-al (Latin, materia, 
 matter). Consisting of matter ; corporeal ; 
 not spiritual ; important ; essential ; having 
 influence or effect. 
 
 Material, mah-teery-el (French). A 
 tei-m denoting those material objects which 
 are employed in any design. 
 
 Materialism, ma-teeryal-izm (Latin, 
 materia^ matter). The doctrine of material- 
 ists; the opinion of those who maintain 
 that the soul of man is not a spiritual sub- 
 stance, distinct from matter, but that it is 
 the result or effect of the organisation of 
 matter in the body. 
 
 Maternal, ma-tumal (Latin, mater, 
 mother). Motherly ; befitting or pertain- 
 ing to a mother. 
 
 Math, math (Saxon, mceih). A mow- 
 ing ; used in composition, as an after math, 
 latter math. 
 
 Matlierriatics,matthy-mattiks(Greek, 
 mathesis, learning). The science which 
 considers quantity, either as computable 
 or measurable ; it is divided into pure and 
 onired. The pure determines quantity in 
 the abstract, that is, without any relation 
 to another ; and the mixed as subsisting 
 in material objects, as length on a I'oad, 
 &c. 
 
 Matin, mat-in (French, matin). The 
 morning ; used in or belonging to the 
 morning. 
 
 Matins, mat-inz. Morning worship or 
 service ; morning prayers or songs ; time 
 of morning service. 
 
 Matralia, may-traly-ah. A Eoman 
 festival, celebrated by the matrons, in 
 honour of the goddess Mater Matula, on 
 the thu'd of the ides of June. 
 
 Matrass, mat-rass (French, matras'). 
 A chemical vessel, in the shape of an egg, 
 or with a tapering neck, open at the top. 
 
 Matrice, mat-riss ) (Latin, matrix). 
 
 Matrix, mat-riks S The womb ; a 
 mould or form, in which printers' types 
 ar3 cast ; the mould used in coining. 
 
 Matricide, mat-re-side (Latin, mdt«r, 
 mother ; coedo, to kill). The murdering of 
 a mother ; the murderer of a mother. 
 
 Matriculate, ma-trikku-late (Latin, 
 mater, ^ mother). To enter or admit, by 
 enrolling the name in a register ; particu- 
 larly at a college or university, where the 
 scholars are said to be matriculated when 
 they are sworn and registered into the 
 society of th-evc foster-mother of learning at 
 the University. 
 
 Matronalia, matron - ayleah (Latin). 
 A Roman festival, celebrated in the kalends 
 of March, in honour of Mars ; so called from 
 being particularly observed by matrons. 
 
 Mattamore, mattah-more. A name 
 given in the East to a subterranean reposi- 
 tory for wheat. 
 
 Matter, mat-tur (Latin, materia^ In 
 a general sense, the substance of which all 
 bodies are constituted; metaphorically, a 
 subject, an object ; object in view, pxir- 
 sued, or followed, contemplated or consi- 
 dered ; business ; importance ; pus. 
 
 Maturation, mattu-rayshun (Latin, 
 maturo, to ripen). The act of ripening ; 
 the state of growing ripe. 
 
 Mature, ma-ture (Latin, maturo, to 
 ripen). Perfected by time ; ripe ; com- 
 plete ; well-digested. 
 
 Matutinal, mattu - tynal (French, 
 matin, morning). Relating to the morn- 
 ing ; performed in the morning. 
 
 Maudlin, mawd-lin. Approaching to 
 or in a state of intoxication ; sottishness ; 
 weakness of mind. This word is a corrup- m 
 tion of Magdalen, who is depicted with a ■ 
 disordered appearance, and eyes swollen ■ 
 with tears. 
 
 Maugre, maw-gr (French, malgrS). 
 Notwithstanding; despite of; in opposi- 
 tion to. 
 
 Maunday Thursday, mawn - day 
 thurz-day. The Thursday preceding Easter, 
 or next before Good Friday. The word is 
 supposed by some to be derived from the 
 Saxon mand, a basket, because on this 
 day it was and is stiU the custom for 
 princes to bestow alms from or in baskets ; 
 others think that it is derived from the 
 command which Christ gave to his disciples 
 for the commemoration of his last supper. 
 
 Mausoleum, mawso - le - yum. A ■ 
 pompous tomb or monument, erected in 
 honour of the dead ; so called from Mau- 
 solas, King of Caria, to whose memory 
 Artemisia, his widow, erected a stately 
 
 I 
 
MAU 
 
 MED 
 
 191 
 
 monument, one of the wonders of the 
 ■vrorld. 
 
 Mauvaise Honte, movay - za'vvnt 
 (French). Bashfulness ; sheepishness ; 
 want of self-possession. 
 
 Mauvais Ton, movay-tong' (French). 
 Vulgarity; ill-manners; want of good 
 breeding. 
 
 Mavis, may-vis. Another name for 
 the throstle or song-thrush. 
 
 Maw, maw (German, magen). The 
 craw of fowls ; the stomach of a beast ; 
 figuratively applied to a rapacious or 
 greedy person. 
 
 Mawkish, maw - kish. Tasteless; 
 insipid ; disgusting ; apt to cause satiety 
 or loathing. 
 
 Mawworm, maw-wurm. A worm 
 that infests the stomach ; applied in con- 
 tempt to one who has morbid tastes, or 
 affects asceticism. 
 
 Maxillary, maks-Ular-ry (Latin, max- 
 illaris). Pertaining to or situated in the 
 jaw. 
 
 Maxim, maks-im (French, maxime). 
 A general principle ; an axiom ; a leading 
 truth. 
 
 Maximum, maksy-mum (Latin) . The 
 greatest number or quantity ; the ex- 
 treme or highest sum, amount, or degree. 
 In analysis and geometry, the greatest 
 and the least quantities of a variable 
 quantity. 
 
 May. The fifth month of our year, 
 but the third of the Koman. It derived 
 its name from Maia, the mother of Mer- 
 cuiy. 
 
 Mazarine, mazah-reen. A deep blue 
 colour. 
 
 Maze, maze^(Saxon, missian, to miss, to 
 err). A labyrinth, or place with passages 
 so intricate, that it is difficult to get out 
 of them ; perplexity ; confusion of thought ; 
 uncertainty. 
 
 M.A. An abbreviature for magister 
 artium, or Master bf Arts. 
 
 M.B. An abbreviature for medicince 
 lac'calaureus, or Bachelor of Medicine. 
 
 ' M.D. An abbreviature for unedicince 
 doctor, or Doctor of Medicine. 
 
 MP. An fitt^reyiature f or Member of 
 ParHament. 
 
 MS. An abbreviature of "manuscript," 
 And MSS. of ''^ manuscripts." M.S. on 
 monuments, means memorice sacrum, or, 
 sacred to the memory. 
 
 Meagre, me-gur (Saxon, mcegre,.lesLX!i.), 
 Lean ; thin ; without flesh or fleshy sub- 
 stance ; without nutriment or fertility ;. 
 wanting in fulness ; insufficient ; in literary 
 composition, void of strength or diction, 
 or profusion of ideas or imagery. 
 
 Mealy mouthed, meely- mowthd. 
 Fair-spoken ; with words mild and soft a» 
 meal ; concealing the real intention; 
 speaking hypocritically. 
 
 Mean, meen (Latin, medius, middle). 
 The middle between two extremes ; being 
 or lying at equal distance between the 
 beginning and end ; intervening time ; 
 mediocrity ; medium. 
 
 Meander, me-andm' (the name of a 
 winding river in Phrygia). A maze ; a 
 labyrinth ; a winding course ; to wind ; to 
 turn round ; to trace a winding or intricate 
 course. 
 
 Mease, mees. In some localities, used 
 to express the number of 500, as a mease of 
 herrings. 
 
 Meatus, me-aytus (Latin, meo, to flow). 
 In anatomy, a passage, such as that lead- 
 ing to the ear. 
 
 Mechanic, me-kannik ) (Greek, 
 
 Mechanical, me-kanny-kal ) meclianey 
 art). Pertaining to machines ; con- 
 structed or performed according to the 
 laws of mechanics ; acting by physical 
 power ; pertaining to artisans ; performed 
 without design or intelligence. 
 
 Mechanic, me-kannik. One skilled 
 or employed in mechanical pursuits; an 
 artisan ; an artificer. 
 
 Mechanically, me - kannik - ally. 
 According to mechanics ; by physical laws- 
 of force ; by force of habit. 
 
 Mechanician, mekka-nisshan. One 
 skilled in mechanics ; one who constructs 
 machines or machinery. 
 
 Mechanics, me-kanniks. A branch 
 of practical mathematics, which treats of 
 forces and powers, and their actions on 
 bodies, either directly or by the interven- 
 tion of machinery ; a science which treats 
 of the laws of equilibrium and motion. 
 
 Mechanism, mekkan-izm. The con- 
 struction and adaptation of the several 
 parts of a machine, so as to- produce uni- 
 form action and impelling power, accord- 
 ing to the laws of mechanics. 
 
 Mechlin lace, mek-lin lase. A lace 
 first manufactured at MecJdin. 
 
 Medal, med-al (Spanish, medalla). A 
 piece of metal stamped in honour of com© 
 
192 
 
 MED 
 
 person, oi* in commemoration of some 
 levent. 
 
 Medallion, me-dal-yun (French, me- 
 daillon), A large antique stamp or medal. 
 In architecture, any circular tablet, on 
 which figures are sometimes sculptured. 
 
 Medallurgy, med-allur-je (medal, and 
 Greek, ergon, work). The art of striking 
 medals and other coins. 
 
 Mediaeval, meedy-eeval (Latin, mediusy 
 the middle ; cevum, an age). Relating to 
 the Middle Ages. A term specially applied 
 to works of ait execute<i during the period 
 between the taking of Rome by the bar- 
 barians and the sacking of Constantinople 
 by Mahomet the Second, in 1453. 
 
 Mediant, me-de-unt. In music, the 
 "third above the key-note. 
 
 Mediate, meedy-ate (Latin, medhis, 
 middle). Interposed; intervening; be- 
 tween two extremes ; to interpose as a 
 friend between parties ; to effect by media- 
 tion. 
 
 Medicament, me-dikka-ment (Latin, 
 medeor, to cure). Anything used in heal- 
 ing ; an application for the cure of disease ; 
 a medicine. 
 
 Medicinal, me-dissinal (Latin, m^di- 
 einalis). Having the power of healing ; 
 adapted to cure disease, or alleviate bodily 
 ^sorders ; pertaining to medicine. 
 
 Medicine, meddy-sin (Latin, medicina). 
 A drug administered to cure a disorder ; 
 physic ; a remedy. The science and iurt 
 which relate to the preservation of health, 
 and the alleviation or cure of disease. 
 
 Medietas Linguas, meedi-eetas lin- 
 gwy (Latin). In law, a jury one half of 
 which are natives and the other half fo- 
 reigners, empannelled in cases where the 
 party put on his trial is a foreigner. 
 
 Mediocrity, meedy-okkry ty (Latin, 
 medizis, middle). Moderate degree ; middle 
 state or rate ; neither excellent nor mean. 
 
 Mediterranean, meddit-er-rane-yan 
 {liSiim, medius, middle \ terra, land). In- 
 -elosed, or nearly inclosed with land, as the 
 Mcdlien'anean Ocean, which was so named 
 by the ancients because, according to their 
 limited knowledge, it was supposed to be 
 in the middle of the earth. 
 
 Medium, meed-yum (Latin). Anything 
 
 that intervenes or comes betweeu ; a 
 
 middle state ; the means or iiistmraent by 
 
 which anything is accomplished, conveyed, 
 
 i «r carried on. 
 
 MEL 
 
 Medley, med-le (French, meler). A 
 mixture ; a mingled mass ; a confused as- 
 semblage of ingredients. 
 
 Medullary, meddul - lary (Latin, 
 medulla, marrow). Pertaining to marrow ; 
 consisting of marrow, or resembling it. 
 
 Medusa, me-dewzah. In fabulous his- 
 tory, the chief of the Glorgons, whose head 
 in the shield of Minerva had power to 
 transform all who looked on it into stone. 
 
 Meed, meed (Saxon, med). Reward; 
 recompense ; that which is meet, or fitting, 
 as a reward for service done, or labour 
 performed ; a payment ; donation, or 
 bounty. 
 
 Meerschaum, meer-shawm (German, 
 sea-froth). A white mineral of an earthy- 
 appearance, always soft, but dry to the 
 t/)uch. From this substance the well-known 
 meerschaum pipes are made in Germany. 
 
 Meet, meet (Saxon, gemet). Fit ; suit- 
 able ; convenient ; becoming ; adapted for. 
 
 Megacosm, meggah - kozum (Greek, 
 megas, great ; kosmos, the world). The 
 gfreat world, as distinguished from micro- 
 cosm, or less. 
 
 Megarian, me-gary-an. | Belonging to 
 
 Megaric, me-garik. j Megara, as 
 the Megarian school, to which a majority 
 of the disciples of Socrates retired after his 
 death. 
 
 Megascope, meggah - skope (Greek, 
 megas, great ; skopeo, to view). A modifi- 
 cation of the solar microscope, used for the 
 examination of bodies of considerable 
 dimensions. 
 
 Megatherium, meggah - theory - um 
 (Greek, megas, great ; Uterion, a breast). 
 An extinct animal of enormous size, the 
 bones of which are found in a fossil state, 
 chiefly in South America. It has been 
 termed the giant sloth, as it unites the 
 generic character of the sloth tribe vrith] 
 that of the armadilloes, while its size must 
 have been equal to that of the rhinoceros. 
 
 Megrim, me-grim (Greek, erai, half ; 
 kranion, the skull). A violent intermitting 
 pain, affecting one side of the head ; me- 
 grims implies morbid fancies or whims. 
 
 Melange, me-launj (French). A mix^ 
 ture ; a medley. 
 
 Melee, mel ay (French). A confused 
 fight or scuffle; an indiscriminate on- 
 slaught. 
 
 Meliorate, meely-orate ( Latin, melior, 
 better). To make better ; to render more 
 desirable ; to improve. 
 
 I 
 
MEL 
 
 Mellifluent, mel-lifflu-ent (Latin, mel, 
 honey ; fluo, to flow). Flowing smoothly 
 and with sweetness ; flowing with honey. 
 
 ilVCelodious, me-lode-yus (Greek, melos, 
 a song). Musical ; agreeable to the ear, by 
 a sweet succession of sounds. 
 
 Melodrama, mello-drammah \ (Greek, 
 Melodrame, mello-dram j melos, 
 a song ; and drama). Strictly, a dramatic 
 performance, in which music is intermixed. 
 It differs from opera, inasmuch as the 
 actors do not sing, but declaim ; the music 
 filling up the pauses only with strains suit- 
 able to the subject. The term melodramatic, 
 or melodrama, is, however, applied to such 
 piece as cannot be called either a comedy 
 or tragedy, partaking of the character- 
 istics of both, and especially charged with 
 romantic incidents. 
 
 Member, mem-bur (Latin, memhrum). 
 A limb of the body ; a clause ; a part of 
 a discourse ; an individual of a commu- 
 nity or society; a subordinate part of a 
 buUding. 
 
 Membrane, mem-brane (Latin, mem- 
 Irana). A thin skin of expansive proper- 
 ties formed by fibres interwoven. The 
 membranes of animals consist of concrete 
 gelatine, and are convertible into leather 
 by tanning. The term is also extended by 
 analogy to parts of vegetables of a mem- 
 branaceous texture, as the substance be- 
 tween the tree and the bark. 
 
 Memento, me-mento (Latin). A hint 
 or suggestion to awaken' memory ; that 
 ■which reminds. Memento niori means, 
 literally, " remember to die ;" that is, bear 
 in mind that you must one day die, 
 
 Memnon, mem-non. A celebrated 
 statue at Thebes, in Upper Egypt, which 
 possessed the real or imaginary property 
 of emitting a soxind like a harp at sun- 
 rise. 
 
 Memoir, mem-wawr (French, memoire, 
 memory). A species of history describing 
 transactions and events in which some 
 particular person has a principal share, 
 ■written either by the person himself or by 
 some other person. 
 
 Memorabilia, memo-ray-billeah ( Lat). 
 Circumstances remarkable and worthy to 
 be remembered. 
 
 Memorandum, memmur - andum 
 (Latin). A note to help the memory : 
 plural, memoranda. 
 
 Memorial, me-mory-al (Latin, wemo- 
 rialis). Preeervative of memory ; con- 
 
 MEN 
 
 193 
 
 tained in memory ; any note or hint to 
 assist the memory ; a written representation 
 of facts made to a legislature or other body, 
 as the ground of a petition, or such a detail 
 of facts, accompanied with a petition. 
 
 Memoriter, me-morrit-ur (Latin). 
 By memory. 
 
 Memphian, memf-yan. Kelating to 
 Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt; 
 very dark. 
 
 Menace, men-ase (French, menacer). 
 To threaten ; to show the probability or 
 appearance of any future evil or danger to. 
 
 Menage, men-azh. A collection of 
 animals ; a place in which horses are ren- 
 dered manageable, or tractable to the 
 rider or driver. 
 
 Menagerie, me-nazhur-ry. A collec- 
 tion of wild animals ; the place where ■wild 
 animals are kept. 
 
 Mendacity, men - dassy - ty (Latin, 
 mendax, false). Falsehood ; habitual lying ; 
 want of veracity. 
 
 Mendicant, mendy-kant (Latin, men- 
 dico, to beg). A beggar; one who exists 
 upon alms ; also, a religious sect subsisting 
 by alms, acquired by begging. 
 
 Mendicity, men - dissy - ty (Latin, 
 mendicitas). The state of begging ; ■fche life 
 
 Menial, meen-yal (Norman, meynaV). 
 Relating to servants, or domestic servants ; 
 being low or mean. 
 
 Menology, me-noUo je (Greek, men, 
 a month ; logos, a treatise). A register of 
 months. In the Greek Church, martyr- 
 ology, or a brief calendar of the lives of the 
 saints for each day in the year. 
 
 Menstruum, men - stru - um (Latin, 
 mensis, a month). In chemistry, a term 
 applied to all liquids, which are used as 
 dissolvents, infusions, decoctions, &c. The 
 most common is water. The term was 
 used by the old chemists for a prepara- 
 tion or drug which could only operate at 
 a particular period of the trwon, or month. 
 
 Mensuration, mensu-rayshun (Latin, 
 menstcra, measure). Measurement ; that 
 branch of practical geometry which 
 teaches the methods of calculating the 
 dimensions and areas of figures, the 
 volumes of solids, &c., from the measure- 
 ment of certain lines and angles, which 
 supply the requisite data. 
 
 Ment. A termination commou ttr 
 many words in the English languagt.> 
 
194 
 
 MEN 
 
 signifying to mean, or mind, or have in 
 mind ; to intend, to design, to wish, or 
 will. 
 
 Mental, men-tal (Latin, me^is, the 
 mind). Eelating to the mind; intellectual. 
 
 Menticultlire, menty-kulture (Latin, 
 vims, the mind ; cuUo, to cultivate). Cul- 
 tivation of the mental faculties; exercise 
 of the mind. 
 
 Mentor, men-tor. A wise and faithful 
 counsellor ; a friendly adviser ; so called 
 from Mentor, the friend and adviser of 
 
 Menu, \ me-noo. In Hindoo mytho- 
 MenoUjjlogy, the son of Brahma, 
 
 whose institutes are the great code of 
 
 Indian civil and religious law. 
 
 lijiephitie, me-fitik (Latin, mepliitis, an 
 ill smell). Offensive to the smell ; noxious. 
 Formerly carbonic acid was termed mephi- 
 tic acid, and nitrogen mephiti^ air. 
 
 Mercantile, merkan -tile (Latin, mer- 
 cor, to buy). Pertaining >%6 merchandise, 
 or the buying and selUpg of goods and 
 commodities dealt in-bymierchants ; com- 
 mercial; trading. a.v*i 
 
 Mercator's '^^C^iart, mer - kayturz 
 tschart. A ch^irt in which the parallels of 
 latitude and ^%meridians are represented 
 by straight lines, invented by Gerard Mer- 
 cator. . 
 
 "Merce^Q^iry, mersen - ary (French, 
 fnercenaire). Hired ; sold for money ; 
 greedy of gain ; a hired soldier ; a hireling ; 
 one wriql,cts or works for the sake of reward 
 or gaifi^ 
 
 ;MprcIiantnian, mertshant-man. A 
 trading ship employed in importing and 
 exporting goods to and from foreign coun- 
 t5rads. 
 
 Mercurial, mer-kewry-al (Latin, Mer- 
 cwntts, Mercury). Literally, bom under 
 the planet, or formed under the influence 
 of Me)'cur7j ; hence, active ; sprightly ; vola- 
 tile ; full of vigour or fire ; also crafty, 
 subtle, and deceitful. 
 
 Mercury, merku-ry. In Eoman 
 mythology, a deity who was employed as 
 the messenger of the gods ; and was also 
 the patron of trade, and of theft and fraud. 
 In astronomy, the name of a planet ; in 
 chemistry, quicksilver. 
 
 Mere, meer (Saxon, mere). A pool or 
 lake ; a boundary or division. 
 
 Merely, meer-ly. Simply; solely; 
 thus, and no other way ; for this, and for 
 ZM> t>th©r end or purpose.- ' ■ 
 
 lilES 
 
 Meretricious, merry-trisshus. Allur- 
 ing by false show; false; gaudy; not 
 genuine ; of no real merit or value. 
 
 Merge, murj (Latin, mergo, to plunge). 
 To sink ; to immerse ; to incorporate with 
 something else, so as to lose its individu- 
 ality, and merely beccme part of a whole. 
 
 Meridian, me-riddy-an (Latin, meri- 
 dies, mid-day). Noon ; mid-day ; the 
 line supposed to be drawn through the 
 poles, which the sun crosses at noon ; the 
 highest point; the particular or distin- 
 guishing place. 
 
 Mermaid, mur-mayd (Latin, mer, the 
 sea ; and maid). A fabulous sea-monster, 
 supposed to have a woman's face and shape, 
 but a fish's taU. Masculine, merman. 
 
 Merry Andrew. A buffoon ; a droll ; 
 one whose business it is to ma,ke sport by 
 grotesque and ludicrous antics. 
 
 Merrythought, merry-thawt. The 
 forked bone in the breast of a fowl. 
 
 Mesh, mesh (German, masche). The 
 space between the threads of a net. 
 
 Mesmerism, mezmer-izm. Another 
 name for animal magnetism under certain 
 conditions ; that is, the power of commu- 
 nicating at will certain influences to the 
 mind of the person affected, or put to sleep, 
 in which questions are answered, revela- 
 tions made, and certain events detennined 
 on. It derives its name from Antony 
 Mesmer, who wrote on the subject in 
 1770. 
 
 Mesne, mean (Old French). In law, 
 middle ; intervening as a me5?i€ lord, that is, 
 a lord who holds land of a superior, but 
 grants it to another person. Mesne process, 
 is that part of the proceedings of a suit 
 which intervenes between the original pro- 
 cess or writ, and the final issue, and which 
 issues pending the suit, on the collateral 
 matter. 
 
 Mess, mess (Gothic, ones). A dish of 
 food ; a quantity of food prepared and set 
 on the table at one time ; in the army and 
 navy, a number of persons who .eat to- 
 gether. 
 
 Messiah, mes-siah (Hebrew, the An- 
 ointed). The title given by way of emi- 
 nence to our Saviour, alluding to the 
 authority which Christ had to assume the 
 characters of Prophet, Priest, and King of 
 his Church. 
 
 Messieurs, mes-yerz (French, plural of 
 monsieur). Sirs ; gentlemei:. 
 
MES 
 
 MET 
 
 195 
 
 Messmate, mes-mate. Literally, an 
 associate in eating; one who eats at the 
 same table ; hence, a term of familiarity 
 and companionship among seamen. 
 
 Messuage, mes-saje (Old French, me- 
 sonage, a house). In law, a dwelling-house 
 and adjoining land, appropriated to the 
 use of the household. 
 
 Mestizo, mes-teezo. An epithet for 
 the child of a Spaniard, and a native 
 Indian. 
 
 Meta. In composition, a prefix, signi- 
 fying with, together with, into, towards, in 
 addition to, in accordance, in exchange icith, 
 amongst, from, Ityond, &c. 
 
 Metabasis, mettah-basis (Greek, tneta, 
 from ; haino, to go). In rhetoric, a figure 
 by which the orator passes from one sub- 
 ject to another. 
 
 Metabolians, mettah - bole - yans 
 (Greek, metabole, change). Insects which 
 xmdergo a metamorphosis, and which are 
 usually fitted with wings in their final 
 state. 
 
 Metacarpus, mettah-karpus (Greek, 
 meta, beyond ; Jcarpos, the wrist). That 
 part of the hand which is between the 
 wrist and the fingers. 
 
 Metachronism, me - takro - nizm 
 (Greek, meta, beyond ; chronos, time). An 
 error in chronology, made by placing an 
 event after its real time. 
 
 Metallic, me-tallik (Greek, metallon, 
 metal). Pertaining to metal ; containing 
 metal ; consisting of metal ; like a metal. 
 
 Metallography, mettal - oggrah - f e 
 (■Greek, metallon, metal ; grapho, to de- 
 scribe). A treatise on or description of 
 metals. 
 
 Metallurgy, met - tallur - jy (Greek, 
 metallon, a metal ; ergon, work). A term 
 comprehending the whole art of working 
 metals from the state of ore to the utensil ; 
 but technically, it includes only the opera- 
 tions followed in separating metals from 
 their ores. 
 
 Metamorphosis, mettah-maurfo-sis 
 (Greek, oneta, change ; morphe, shape). 
 Change of shape or form ; transformation ; 
 the taking of another form ; the change 
 which an animal undergoes, both in its 
 formation and growth ; the various shapes 
 which some insects assume in the different 
 stages of their existence. 
 
 Metaphor, metta-fur (Greek, meta, 
 over; phei'o, to carry). Literally, the 
 transferring from one subject to another ; 
 
 in rhetoric, transferring the application oi 
 a word in its literal meaning from on© 
 object to another, founded upon some 
 similarity, analogy, or resemblance; a 
 metaphor thus becomes a simile or com- 
 parison expressed in words, as. She bridle 
 her anger ; He deadens the sound. 
 
 Metaphorical, me1-«i-forry-kal. Per- 
 taining to metaphor ; figurative ; not 
 Hteral. 
 
 Metaphrase^ mettah-fraze (Greek, 
 meta, change ; phrasis, a speaking). A 
 verbal translation from one language to 
 another ; a close interpretation. 
 
 Metaphysics, mettah- fizziks (Greek, 
 m£ta, after ; physis, natui'e). The science 
 of mind and intelligence ; the science of 
 the principles and causes of all things 
 existing. 
 
 Metaplasm., mettah-plazm (Greek, 
 m£ta, charge ; plasso, to form). In gram- 
 mar, the changing or transposing a syllable 
 or letter in a word. In rhetoric, the plac- 
 ing of words, syllables, or letters contrary 
 to their natural order. 
 
 Metastasis, meetas - taysis (Greek, 
 meta, change ; stasis, a standing, or place). 
 Translation, or removal; transition of a 
 disease from one part of the body to 
 another. 
 
 Metatarsus, mettah-tarsus (Greek, 
 meta, beyond ; tarsos, the sole of the foot). 
 The middle of the foot, or that part be- 
 tween the ankle and the toes. 
 
 Metathesis, metath-eesis (Greek, m^ta, 
 change ; thesis, position). A transposition 
 of letters or syllables ; in rhetoric, a figure 
 of speech, in which words are transposed, 
 so as to convey a suitable meaning ; as, 
 " We should not live to eat, but eat to hve." 
 
 Mete, meet (Saxon, metan'). To mea- 
 sure ; to ascertain quantity, dimensions, or 
 capacity by any rule or standard. 
 
 Metempsychosis, me-tempsy-kosis 
 (Greek, meta, change ; empsucho, to ani- 
 mate). The doctrine of transmigration of 
 souls, after death, from one body to 
 another. 
 
 Meteor, meety-ur (Greek, m^teonw, 
 subhme). A luminous body floating in 
 the atmosphere, or any luminous body 
 whichhasasud kii and uncertain appear- 
 ance, and with more or less motion in tho 
 atmosphere. 
 
 Meteoric, meety-orik. Relating to 
 meteors. Metem-ic stones are peculiar solid 
 compoimds of earthy and metallic matters, 
 H 2 
 
196 
 
 MET 
 
 MID 
 
 of singular aspect, which occasionally 
 descend from the atmosphere, usually from 
 a luminovis meteor. Meteoric iron is a 
 mineral of a pale steel-gray colour, occur- 
 ring inmeteoric stones. 
 
 Meteorology, meet-yo-rollo-je (Greek, 
 meteors, aerial; logos, a discourse). The 
 science of the atmosphere and its pheno- 
 mena, particularly in its relation to heat 
 and moisture, and its changes with respect 
 to weight and electricity, giving rise to 
 the various states of the weather. 
 
 Metheglen, me-theglin (Welsh, med~ 
 dyglyn). A beverage made of honey and 
 water, fermented with yeast. 
 
 iiyCetllod, methud (Greek, meta; hodos, a 
 ■way). An orderly or regular course ; a 
 natviral disposition of ideas, or regular 
 placing of things, best adapted to attain 
 some given end ; classification ; arrange- 
 ment ; way ; manner of doing things. 
 
 Methodists, mettho-dists. A sect of 
 Christians founded by John and Charles 
 Wesley, and the Rev. George Whitfield. 
 They were named Methodists from the 
 scrupulous regularity of their lives, and the 
 strictness of their principles and rules ; 
 also, because by the same principles they 
 essayed to reduce religion to exact 
 rules and axioms, in which they were com- 
 ared to the methodical physicians at 
 
 
 Metonsnny, me - tonny - me (Greek, 
 meta, change ; onovai, a name). In rhe- 
 toric, a figure by which one word is put for 
 another, as the effect for the cause, the 
 thing containing for the substance con- 
 tained. Thus we say, " The kettle boils," 
 meaning the water contained in the 
 kettle. 
 
 Metre, mee-tur (Saxon, mete)-)'. Liter- 
 ally, measure ; in poetry, a collection of 
 words disposed in lines of a certain num- 
 ber, so as to sound harmonious to the ear ; 
 the name of a French measure of length 
 equal to 39| English inches. 
 
 Metrical, mettry-kal (Latin, metricus). 
 Pertaining to metre or numbers ; consist- 
 ing of verses. 
 
 Metronome, met-ronno-me (Greek, 
 metron, a measm-e ; nomas, a law). An 
 instrument for measuring time in music. 
 
 Metropolis, me - troppo - lis (Greek, 
 meter, a mother ; pofis, a city). The chief 
 city of any country or state. London, on 
 account of its wealth, industry, and high 
 state of civilisation, is said to be the Tnetro- 
 polia of the world. 
 
 Metropolitan, mettro - pollit - tau 
 (Greek, meter, a mother; polis, a city). 
 Pertaining to a metropolis ; a bishop of a 
 mother church, or the chief church in the 
 chief city ; an archbishop. 
 
 Mettle, met-tl (a corruption from 
 metal). Spirit ; courage ; sprightliness ; 
 constitutional ardour ; a temperament 
 susceptible of high excitement. 
 
 Meum and Tuum, me-um and tu-um 
 (Latin). Mine and thine ; that which 
 belongs to others, and that which belongs 
 to ourselves. 
 
 Mezzo, met-zo. In music, an Italian 
 word, signifying kalf. Thus mezzo-forte, 
 mezzo-piano, mezzo-voce imply a middle 
 degree of piano and soft. Mezzo-soprano 
 signifies a pitch of voice between the 
 soprano and treble, and counter-tenor. 
 
 Mezzo Relievo, met - zo re - leevo 
 (Italian). An art-term signifying middle 
 relief, or that degree of projection of 
 figures in sculpture between the propor- 
 tion of those in alto and basso-relievo. 
 
 Mezzo Tinto, met-zo tin-to. An en- 
 graving on copper, in imitation of painting 
 in Indian-ink. 
 
 Miasma, mi-asmah (Greek, miaino, to 
 pollute). Noxious exhalation ; infectious 
 substance, or particles or atoms from off 
 putrefying bodies floating in the air, and 
 considered deleterious to health. 
 
 Michaelmas, mikkel-mas. The feast 
 of the Archangel Michael, celebrated on 
 the 29th of September. 
 
 Mickle, mik-kl. A Scotch word signi- 
 fying much, great. 
 
 Microcosm, mikro - kozm (Greek, 
 mikros, small; /tosmos, the world). Literally, 
 a little world, or world in miniature ; and 
 hence applied by some philosophers to 
 man, as the epitome of everything admir- 
 able in the universe or great world. 
 
 Microscope, mikro - skope (Greek, 
 mikros, small; skapeo, to view). A well- 
 known optical instrument arranged to give 
 to the eye an enlarged image of objects 
 wldch are too minute to be examined with- 
 out artificiai aid. 
 
 Middle Ages. A term which, in an 
 historical sense, denotes that period which 
 begins with the final destruction of the 
 Roman Empire, and entls with the revival 
 of i-stters in Europe. See Mediaeval. 
 
MID 
 
 MIM 
 
 197 
 
 Middle distance. In paintings and 
 drawings, the central portion of a landscape, 
 sometimes termed middle-ground. 
 
 Midland, mid-land. Remote from the 
 sea-coast ; in the interior of the country, as 
 the midland counties in England, so-called. 
 
 Midnight, mid-nite. The middle of 
 the night ; usually reckoned as twelve 
 o'clock. 
 
 Midriff, mid-riff. The diaphragm. 
 
 Midshipman, midship-man. A naval 
 cadet, whose general duties are comprised 
 in seconding the orders of his superior 
 oflBcers, and who in this capacity serves a 
 kind of apprenticeship, so as to fit him for 
 command hereafter. 
 
 Mien, meen (French, mine). Air ; look ; 
 manner; external appearance ; personal 
 carriage. 
 
 Migrate, mi-grate (Latin, migro). To 
 remove from one place to another; to 
 change residence or habitation. 
 
 Migration, mi-grayshun (Latin, mi- 
 gratia). The act of changing residence or 
 habitation ; in zoology, the transit of a 
 species of animals from one locality to 
 another. 
 
 Mileh, milsh (Saxon, melee). Giving 
 milk ; a milch cow is a cow kept and nurtured 
 for the purpose of producing milk. 
 
 Mildew, mil-dew (Saxon, mildeawe). 
 A disease which attacks both living and 
 •dead vegetable matter, vulgarly believed to 
 be caused by the falling of the vapour or 
 dew. 
 
 ]V[ileage, mile-aje. Pees allowed for 
 travelling expenses at a certain rate per 
 mile. 
 
 Miliary, milly-ary (Latin, milium, 
 millet). Resembling millet seeds ; accom- 
 panied with an eruption like millet-seeds ; 
 very small. 
 
 Militant, milly-tant (Latin, miles, a 
 soldier). Fighting, or acting in the charac- 
 ter of a soldier. In divinity, Church militant 
 means the Christian Church on earth, which 
 is supposed to be engaged in a constant 
 warfare against its enemies. 
 
 Militate, millit-ate (Latin, miles, a 
 soldier). To oppose, to operate against; 
 to injiu-e. 
 
 Militia, mil-lishah (Latin, miles, a 
 soldier). A body of soldiers regularly 
 enrolled and trained, though not in con- 
 stant service in time of peace, and thereby 
 differing from regular troops. 
 
 Milky- way. See Galaxy. 
 
 Milldam, mill-dam. A dam or mound 
 by which water is collected and retained at 
 a proper height for working a mill. 
 
 Millenarian, miUy-nary-an. One who 
 believes in the doctrine of the millennium. 
 
 Millenary, milly-nary (Latin, mille, a 
 thousand ; annus, a year). Consisting of a 
 thousand years; the space of a thousand 
 
 Millennium, mil-lenny-um (Latin, 
 mille, a thousand ; annus, a year. ) A thou- 
 sand years ; the term is especially used to 
 denote the thousand years mentioned in 
 Rev. XX., during which Satan shall be 
 bound, and Christ shall reign on earth 
 with his saints. 
 
 Millepede, milly-peed (Latin, mille, a 
 thousand ; pes, a foot). A general name 
 given to insects possessing a great many 
 feet, as the wood-louse. 
 
 Millesimal, mil-lessy-mal (Latin, mille, 
 Sk thousand). Thousandth; consisting of 
 thousandth parts. 
 
 Milligram, > milly - gram. In 
 
 Milligramme,) French weights and 
 
 measures, the thousandth part of a gramme. 
 
 MiUilLter,) milly- leetur. A French 
 Millilitre,) measure of capacity, the 
 thousandth part of a litre. 
 
 Millimeter, ) milly-metur. A French. 
 Millimetre, j lineal measure, the 
 thousandth part of a metre. 
 
 Milling, mil-ling. The act or employ- 
 ment of passing gram through a mill ; the 
 raised impression on the edges of coin, &c. 
 
 Million, mil-yun (Italian, milione). Ten 
 hundred thousand; proverbially, a very 
 great number. 
 
 Millionaire, mil-yun-aii (French). 
 Literally, a person worth a million, but 
 generally implying one possessed of great 
 wealth. 
 
 Mill-pond, mill-pond. A reservoir of 
 water raised for driving a miU- wheel. 
 
 Milt, milt (Saxon, milt). In anatomy, 
 the spleen; applied to the soft roe of 
 fish. 
 
 Mime, mime (Greek, mimos, an imi- 
 tator). Originally, a poem or dramatic 
 performance imitating any action to stir 
 up laughter ; a buffoon ; a mimic. 
 
 Mimetic, me-mettik (Greek, mimos, an 
 imitator). Imitative ; given to imitation. 
 
198 
 
 MIM 
 
 Mimic, mim-ik (Greek, mimos, an imi- 
 tetor). One who imitates or copies the 
 actions and gestures of persons, to render 
 them ridiculous and excite laughter ; a 
 mean or servile imitator. 
 
 Minaret, minnah-ret. A small orna- 
 mental spire or steeple in Saracen archi- 
 tecture; a taU spire above the roof of a 
 "building. 
 
 Minatory* minnah - tuny (Latin, 
 nniiuyi', to thi'eaten). Threatening; contain- 
 ing threats or menaces. 
 
 Mince, minse (Saxon, ininisian, to cut 
 into very small pieces). To separate by 
 cutting into small or minute parts ; to 
 cHp the words in speaking ; to cut short 
 the steps in walking ; to do or say anything 
 with nicety, and with slow or small grada- 
 tions. 
 
 Mineral, minner-al (Xow Latin, vuTiare, 
 to lead). A name given to the solid pro- 
 ducts of chemical afBnity, such as stones, 
 ores, salts, &c. , existing in or on the earth ; 
 anything which may be extracted by 
 miniTig. 
 
 Mineral Kingdom. That depart- 
 ment of Nature which includes minerals or 
 inorganic bodies. 
 
 Mineralogy, minnui'-allo-je (Greek, 
 mineral, and Greek, logos, a science). The 
 science which treats of minerals, their pro- 
 perties, relations, &c., and enables to dis- 
 tinguish, aiTange, and describe them. 
 
 Mineral Waters. Waters which hold 
 some metal, eai-th, or salt in solution. 
 
 Minerva, me-nervah. In mythology, 
 the goddess of wisdom and of the liberal 
 arts. 
 
 Minever, mi-neevur. A name given in 
 the Middle Ages to a species of squirrel, the 
 fur of which was held in high repute. 
 
 Miniature, minnit-yure (Latin, minium, 
 TermiUion). A small likeness ; a picture or 
 representation in a small compass, or less 
 than the reality ; a red letter ; rubric dis- 
 tinction. 
 
 Minim, miu-im (Latin, viinimum, the 
 least). In music, a note equal to half a 
 semibreve. In pharmacy, the one-sixtieth 
 of a fluid drachm, answering to the ordinary 
 drop, taking water as the standard. 
 
 Minimum, minny-mum (Latin). The 
 least quantity; the smallest as distinguished 
 from the greatest, vuucimum. 
 
 Minion, min-yun (French, mignon). 
 Originally used as the term for favourite or 
 
 MIN 
 
 darling, now- applied in contempt to one 
 who gains favour by obseqmousness or 
 flattery, or who conciliates another by 
 servile compliance. 
 
 Ministerial, minis - teery- al (Latin, 
 minister, a servant). Attendant ; done 
 under authority ; sacerdotal ; relating to a 
 ministry. 
 
 Minor, mi-nur (Latin). Petty or in- 
 considerable ; less ; smaller. In law, one 
 who is not of fuU age. In music, less, in 
 opposition to viajor, used to distinguish the 
 mode or key, which takes a minor third. 
 In logic, minor tei-m is the subject of the 
 conclusion ; the minor premise contains the 
 minor term. | 
 
 Minority, mi-norry-te (Latin, miTvor, f 
 less, smaller). Used in opposition to 
 majority. Applied especially to the lesser 
 number of persons in an assembly, voting - 
 upon some question. In law, the state of 
 an individual who is under age, beicg 
 thereby disqualified from the exercise of 
 certain civil rights, and from being an 
 inheritor of property. 
 
 Minotaur, minno-tawr. A fabulous 
 monster, supposed by the ancients to be 
 half man and half beast ; so named from 
 Minos, an ancient king of Crete, and taurus, 
 abuU. 
 
 Minster, min-stur (Saxon, mynster). 
 The church of a monastery, or a cathedral 
 church ; as Westminster, York Minster. 
 
 Minstrel, minstrU (French, menetrier). 
 Literally, ministers of song, music, or 
 poetry ; a singer, or a performer on musical 
 instruments. 
 
 Mint, mint (Saxon, myneiian, to coin 
 money). The place established by public 
 authority for the coining of money ; figura- 
 tively, a place of fabrication or invention ; 
 a source of abundant wealth. 
 
 Minuet, minnu-et (Spanish, minueto). 
 A slow, regular, and graceful dance ; per- 
 formed generally by two persons, and the 
 figure of which resembles a capital Z. 
 
 Minus, mi-nus (Latin). A term in 
 algebra, denoting subtraction; it is also 
 used for decrease or diminution. 
 
 Minute, my-nute (Latin, minwtus). 
 Very small ; little ; slender ; trifling ; 
 critical. 
 
 Minute, min-it (Latin, minutim). The 
 sixtieth pari of an hour ; any small space 
 of time ; the first draught of any agree- 
 ment, or other subject taken in writing ; a 
 note to preserve the memory of anything. 
 
MTN 
 
 MIS 
 
 199 
 
 Miivite gun, a gun fired at sea every 
 minute as a signal of distress, and also in 
 mourning for the death of distinguished 
 persons. Minute of an arc, the sixtieth 
 part of a degree, marked thus ('), and 
 comprehending sixty seconds. 
 
 MinutiaB, me-nu-she-e (Latin). The 
 -least particulars, the smallest things. 
 
 Minx', minks. A North American ani- 
 mal, known to farmers by the name of 
 white vision; also, a term applied to a pert, 
 forward, wanton, or affected girl, 
 
 Mirabile Dietu, me-rabby-le dik-tu 
 (Latin), Wonderful to be told ; a phrase 
 used to express astonishment at any cir- 
 cumstance. 
 
 Mirage, me-razh (French), The name 
 given to an optical illusion, presenting an 
 image of water in sandy deserts, or eleva- 
 ting objects in the air, 
 
 Mirroi% mir-rur (French, miroir). A 
 looking-glass; any polished substance 
 which reflects the images of objects ; 
 figuratively, an example or pattern ; a re- 
 flected image, by which persons may order 
 and regulate their actions and behaviour. 
 
 Mis (Saxon, from missian, to err, or go 
 wrong), A prefix entering into the com- 
 position of words, to denote error, defect, 
 or dissimilitude, wrongful or wrongfully, 
 different, adverse to, &c. 
 
 Misadventure, mis-ad- venture. An 
 unlucky accident ; mischance ; misfortune. 
 In law, manslaughter, or the killing a 
 person by accident. 
 
 Misanthrope, missan - thrope } 
 
 Misanthropist, me - santhro - pist j" 
 (Greek, miseo, to hate ; anthropos, a man). 
 A hater of mankind ; one who shuns the 
 society of mankind, from a rooted feeling 
 of discontent. 
 
 Misapprehension, mis -appry- hen- 
 shun (Saxon, mis ; Latin, ad prehendo, to 
 take to). A mistake ; a thing taken in a 
 wrong sense. 
 
 Misappropriate, misap-pro-pree-ate. 
 To appropriate wrongfully ; to set apart 
 for one's use that which ought not to be 
 taken ; to apply to some purpose not 
 justified nor intended. 
 
 Misbecome, misby-kum (Saxon, mis; 
 lecuman, to happen). Not to become ; not 
 to suit or fit ; to be unseemly. 
 
 Misbegot, misby-got. ) Unlaw- 
 
 Misbegotten, misby-gott'n. | fully or 
 irregularly begotten. 
 
 Miscarriage, mis-karraje (Saxon, mia; 
 Latin, carries, a car). Unfortunate result 
 of an undertaking ; abortion, or the act of 
 bringing forth before due time ; failure ; ill- 
 conduct. 
 
 Miscellaneous, missel-any-us (Latin, 
 misceo, to mix). Composed of various 
 kinds; mingled; mixed. 
 
 Miscellany, mis-sellan-e (Latin, misceo, 
 to mix). A mass, or mixture of various 
 kinds ; a book or pamphlet, containing a 
 variety of compositions on various subjects. 
 
 Mischance. Misfortune ; mishap ; 
 disaster; accident; calamity. 
 
 Misconception, miskon - sepshun 
 (Saxon, mis; Latin, con, with ; capio, to take). 
 Wrong notion, or false understanding of 
 a thing. 
 
 Misconstrue, miskon- stru (Saxon, 
 mis. Latin, con, with ; strue, to pile up). 
 To interpret words or acts erroneously, 
 
 !BIiscreant, miskry-ant (French, me- 
 creant). An infidel ; a vile wretch ; hold- 
 ing wrong principles of religious faith ; 
 first applied by Christian Crusaders to 
 Mohammedan unbelievers in Christ. 
 
 Misdemeanour, misdy - meenur. 
 (Saxon, mis; Latin, de; French, mentr). 
 Bad behaviovu- ; evil conduct ; fault. In 
 law, an offence which does not amount to 
 a crime, and generally used in contradis- 
 tinction to felony. 
 
 Mise en scene, meez - ong - sane 
 (French). The getting up of a piece ; the 
 manner in which a piece is placed upon the 
 stage. 
 
 Miserere, mizzy-reery (Latin). In the 
 Eoman Catholic Chiurch, the fifty-first 
 Psalm, appointed for acts of penitence ; 
 the name of a seat in Eoman Catholic 
 churches, for the use of aged and infirm 
 ecclesiastics ; also, a mournful wailing, or 
 chant. 
 
 Misfeasance, mis - feezans (French, 
 mes, wrong ; faisance, from faire, to do). 
 In law, a misdeed, a trespass. 
 
 Misgiving, mis-giving (Saxon, mis; 
 gifan). Doubts ; mistrust ; relaxing 
 through doubt or fear of wrong or evil* 
 fearivdness ; timidity ; want of courage, 
 or confidence. 
 
 Misogamist, me-soggah-mist (Greek, 
 miseo, to hate ; gamos, marriage). A hater 
 of marriage. 
 
 Misogynist, me - sojjy- nist (Greek, 
 miseo, to hate ; gyne, a woman). A woman, 
 hater. 
 
200 
 
 MIS 
 
 MOD 
 
 Misprision, mis-prizhun (French, one- 
 pris, neglect or contempt). In law, any 
 high offence under the degree of capital, 
 but approaching thereto ; also, the know- 
 ledge and concealment of crime, without 
 assenting to it. 
 
 Missal, mis-sal. The Komish mass- 
 book, or collection of the several masses 
 which are said on particular days in the 
 Soman CathoUc Church. 
 
 Missile, mis-sil (Latin, mitto, to send). 
 Anything thrown by the hand, or dis- 
 charged from an engine. 
 
 Mission, mish-un (Latin, mitto, to 
 send). The state of being sent or em- 
 ployed by another ; any special pursuit 
 or employment; persons appointed by 
 authority to perform any service. 
 
 Missionary, mishun-ary (French, 
 missionaire). One sent to propagate 
 religion. 
 
 Missive, mis-siv (Latin, mitto, to send). 
 Such as may be sent or thrown ; a letter 
 sent ; a messenger. 
 
 Mister, mis-tur. The common title of 
 address to gentlemen, and to men of all 
 classes, expressed in writing by the abbre- 
 viation of Mr. See Magister. 
 
 Mistress, mis-tress (French, maitresse). 
 A woman who governs ; the female head 
 of a family ; the manager of a household ; 
 a keeper of servants ; a female who is 
 skilled in anything ; a woman teacher. 
 This word was anciently written maistress, 
 the feminine of master. 
 
 Mistura, mis-tewra (Latin, a mixture). 
 In pharmacy, a fluid composed of two or 
 more ingredients. It is mostly contracted 
 in prescriptions, thus, mis. e. g.—f. mis., 
 which means, *' let a mixture be made." 
 
 Mite, mite (Saxon, mite). A very 
 small insect ; a small piece of money ; 
 anything very small. 
 
 Mithridate, mithiy-date. An antidote 
 against poison ; named after Mithridates, 
 King of Pontus and Bithynia, who took a 
 portion of it every morning as a protection 
 against poison. At present, it is simply 
 an aromatic opiate, and is little used. 
 
 Mitigate, mitty-gate (Latin, mitis, 
 mild). To soften ; to lessen ; to temper ; 
 to assuage pain ; to soothe passion ; to 
 alleviate misery. 
 
 Mitre, mi-tur (Spanish, mitra). An 
 episcopal crown; an ornament for the 
 head ; figui-atively, the dignity of bishops 
 or abbots. 
 
 Mitten, mit-ten (French, mitaine). 
 Gloves for the hands, leaving the fingera 
 imcovered. 
 
 Mittimus, mitty-mus (Latin, mittimus, 
 we send). In law, a precept or command 
 in writing, under the name and seal of a 
 justice of the peace, or other proper officer, 
 directed to the gaoler or keeper of a 
 prison, for the safe keeping of an offender, 
 imtil he be delivered by due course of law. 
 
 Mizzen, miz-zn (Italian, mezzo, half). 
 In nautical langfuage, a term used to denote 
 the aftermost mast in any vessel which has 
 three masts, and all the sails, spars, and 
 rigging with which it is connected. 
 Sometimes spelt mizen. 
 
 Mizzle, miz-zl (from mist). To rain in 
 small drops, like a thick mist. 
 
 Mnemonics, ne - moniks (Greek, 
 mneme).. The art of memory. Precepts 
 and rules intended to teach the method of 
 assisting the memory. 
 
 Moat, mote (French, imtte). In fortifi- 
 cation, a deep trench or ditch, dug round 
 the ramparts of a fortified place, to pre- 
 vent surprises from the enemy. 
 
 Mob, mob (Latin, mohilis, movable). 
 Literally, the movable people or populace ; 
 a promiscuous crowd or multitude of 
 people ; a disorderly assembly. 
 
 Mobife, mo-beel (Latin, mohilis, mov- 
 able). That may be moved; susceptible 
 of motion. 
 
 Mobility, mo-billy-te (Latin, moveo, to 
 move). The power of being moved ; ac- 
 tivity ; fickleness ; conventionally applied 
 to the populace. 
 
 Mobilize, mobbil-ize (French). To call 
 into active service ; applied "to troops 
 which, though enrolled, were not pi-eviously 
 on the war establishment. 
 
 Moecason, mokkah-sun. A shoe or 
 cover for the feet, made of soft leather 
 and without a sole, worn by the native 
 Indians ; written also, moccasin. 
 
 Mode, mode (Latin, modus). Manner; 
 method ; form ; fashion ; state ; degree. 
 In logic, a proper disposition of the 
 several paits of a syllogism in respect to 
 quantity and quality. In metaphysics, 
 siviple mode is a variation or different com- 
 bination of the simple idea, without the 
 mixtiu-e of any other, as a dozen, a score. 
 
 Model, mod-el (French, modelle). A 
 pattern of something to be made or imi- 
 tated ' a form in miniature; something to 
 give shape to castings; that by which a 
 
MOD 
 
 thing is to be measured, copied, or imi- 
 tated. 
 
 Modem, mod-um (Spanish, inoderno). 
 Peiiaiaing to the present time, or time not 
 long past ; recent ; fresh ; opposed to 
 ancient. 
 
 Modernize, moddiim-ize. To render 
 modem ; to adapt ancient compositions to 
 modem persons or things ; to adopt the 
 ancient style, or idiom, or taste. 
 
 Moderns, mod-ums. A name given 
 generally to those who have distinguished 
 themselves since the revival of learning, as 
 compared with the ancients, and also 
 with those of the Middle Ages. 
 
 Modicum, moddy-kum (Latin). A 
 small portion or quantity ; a pittance. 
 
 Modify, moddy-fi (Latin, modus, a 
 measure ; facio, to make). To bring within 
 measure or measurable bounds ; to shape 
 or fashion ; to vary ; to limit ; to temper ; 
 to qualify. 
 
 Modo et forma. (Latin. ) In manner 
 and form. A phrase frequently employed 
 in legal pleadings. 
 
 Modulation, moddu-layshun (Latin, 
 modulus, a measure). The act of forming 
 anything to certain proportions ; the form- 
 ing of the sound of the voice to a certain 
 key ; diversified and appropriate change 
 of 'the key in conducting a melody ; sound 
 modulated ; melody. 
 
 Modus Operandi, modus opper-andi 
 (Latin). Mode of operating ; plan of exe- 
 cution ; the way ia which a thing is per- 
 formed. 
 
 Mogul, mo-gul. Formerly the title of 
 the Emperor of Hindostan. The Great 
 Mogul was the chief of the Mogul Empire, 
 which empire is now extinct. 
 
 Moliair, mo-hare (German, mohr). The 
 hair of a variety of the common goat, re- 
 markable for its fineness and beauty : it is 
 brought from Angora, in Asia Minor. 
 
 Mohammedan, mo-hammy-dan. Per- 
 taining to Mohammed, or Mahomet ; a 
 foUower of Mohammed, the founder of 
 the rehgion of Arabia and Persia ; it is 
 also written Mahometan. 
 
 Mohawk, mo-hawk. An appellation 
 given to certain wild rakes who infested 
 London in the last century, so called from 
 the savages of that name in America. 
 
 Moidore, moy-dore. A gold coin of 
 Portugal, valued at £1 7s. sterling. 
 
 Moiety, moy-e-te (French, vioitie). 
 The half ; one of two equal parts. 
 
 MON 
 
 201 
 
 Molar, mo-lar (Latin, molaris, grind- 
 ing). Having the power to grind; molar 
 teetk are those situated at the back of the 
 jaw, called double teeth, and employed in 
 crushing or grinding the food, to fit it for 
 reception into the stomach. 
 
 Molasses, mo-lasses (French, melasse). 
 The uncrystaUised syrup produced in the 
 manufacture of sugar, and which is suffered 
 to drain from casl^ into a cistern ; treacle. 
 
 Mole, mole (Latin, moles, a mound). A 
 massive work of large stones, erected for 
 the purpose of protecting the entrances 
 to harbours. 
 
 Molecule, molly-kule (Latin, molecula, 
 diminutive of moles, a mass). Molecules 
 are the smallest particles into which a mass 
 can be conceived to be divided. 
 
 Molestation, mo-les-tayshun (Latin, 
 molestus, troublesome). Disturbance ; in- 
 terference ; uneasiness caused by vexation. 
 
 Mollah, mol-lah. The title of the 
 higher order of judges in the Turkish 
 Empire. 
 
 Mollify, moUy-fi (Latin, mollio, to 
 soften). To soften ; to soothe ; to appease ; 
 to make pliant or supple ; to relax ; to 
 melt. 
 
 MoUusea, mol-luskah (Latin, mollis, 
 soft). A class of animals whose bodies 
 are soft and not jointed ; the pulmonary 
 circulation is double, the blood is of a 
 bluish white, the skin is very sensible, and 
 there is no visible organ of smell, 
 
 Moloch, mo-luk. The name of the 
 chief god of the Phoenicians. To this 
 deity it was customaiy to offer human 
 sacrifices, and for parents to pass their 
 children through the fire, in the valley of 
 Tophet, near Jerusalem. 
 
 Momentous, mo-mentus (Latin, mo- 
 raentum). Important ; weighty ; of conse-. 
 quence or importance. 
 
 Momentum, mo-mentum. That which 
 causes motion ; the quantity of motion 
 and amount of force in a moving body. 
 
 Momus, mo-mus (Greek, memos, de- 
 rision). The god of ridicule and raiUery. 
 
 Monachism, monnah-kizm (Greek, 
 monachos, solitary). State of monks ; 
 monastic life ; the practice of retiring 
 from the world for mortification or pious 
 contemplation. 
 
 Monad, mon-ad (Greek, monas). An 
 atom ; an indivisible particle ; a name 
 given to the simplest kind of minuto 
 animalcules. 
 
202 
 
 MON 
 
 MON 
 
 Monadic, mo-nadik. Having the na- 
 titre or character of a monad. 
 
 Monarcll, mon-ark (Greek, raonos, 
 alone; arc?ie, to rule). A ruler invested 
 ■with absolute cr undivided authority ; an 
 emperor; king, or prince; the supreme 
 governor of a nation, whose powers are in 
 some respects limited by the constitution 
 of the government. 
 
 Monastery, monas-tre (Greek, ononos, 
 alone). A house of religious retirement 
 for monks ; a seclusion from ordinaiy 
 temporal concerns. 
 
 Monetary, munny-tary. Periaining 
 to money, or money concerns. 
 
 Money Scrivener, munny skriv-nur. 
 One who raises money for others. 
 
 Monger, mung-gur (Saxon, raangene). 
 A trader ; a trafficker ; a dealer ; now 
 used only or chiefly in composition, as 
 ■^sh-monger, iron-monger. 
 
 Mongrel, mung-grel (Saxon, raengan, 
 to mix). Of a mixed breed ; mingled ; 
 mixed ; impure. 
 
 Monition, mo-nishun (Latin, moneo, 
 to admonish). Information ; hint ; in- 
 struction given by way of caution ; advice ; 
 warning. 
 
 Monitor, monny-tur (Latin). One 
 who wai-ns of faults or instructs in duty ; 
 in schools, a senior pupil appointed to teach 
 a division or class. 
 
 Monochord, monno - kawi-d (Greek, 
 'iiionos, one ; cTiorde, a string). An instru- 
 ment of one chord, chiefly used to demon- 
 etrato and ascei-tain the relative proportions 
 of musical sounds. 
 
 Monocliromatic, monno-kro-matik 
 (Greek, monos, one ; chroma, colour). 
 Consisting of one colour, or presenting rays 
 Df light of only one colour. 
 
 Monoerasy, mo - nokrah - se (Greek, 
 monos, one ; krateo, to govern). Govern- 
 ment by a single individual. 
 
 Monocular, mo - nokku - lar (Greek, 
 monos, one ; Latin, oculus, eye). Having 
 only one eye. 
 
 Monodram, monno - dram (Greek, 
 monos, one ; drama, an act). A dramatic 
 performance in which only one person is 
 engaged. 
 
 Monogamy, mo-noggah-me (Greek, 
 -inonos, one ; gamos, marriage). Marriage 
 of one wife, or the state of such as are 
 restrained ta a single wife, and disapprove 
 cf a second marriage. 
 
 Monogram, monno - gram (Greek, 
 moiios, one ; gramma, a letter). A character 
 or cypher composed of two or more letters 
 interwoven ; a lined picture. 
 
 Monograph., monno - graf (Greek, 
 monos, one ; grapho, to write). An 
 account or description of a single thing, or 
 class of things. 
 
 Monography, mo-noggrah-fe (Greek, 
 monos, one ; grapho, to write). A descrip- 
 tion di'awn in lines, without colours. 
 
 Monolith, monno-lith (Greek, monos, 
 one; litlios, a stone). Anything sculp- 
 tured from one soUd block of stone, or such 
 stone set up as a memorial, as shown in 
 ancient Druidic and other monuments. 
 
 Monologue, monno-log (Greek, monos, 
 alone ; logos, a discom-se). A soliloquy ; a 
 speech uttered by a person alone ; an en- 
 tertainment in which only one person speaks. 
 
 Monomania, monno-may-neah (Greek, 
 Tiionos, one ; mania, madness). Madness 
 upon some one point ; derangement of one 
 particular faculty of the mind, the others 
 not being affected. 
 
 Monopathy, mo-noppah-the (Greek, 
 monos, alone ; pathos, suffering). Solitary 
 suffering ; extreme sensibility. 
 
 Monopolize, mo-noppo-lize (Greek, 
 monos, alone ; poleo, to deal). To buy or 
 sell all, to the exclusion of others; in a 
 general sense, to engross the whole ; to 
 assert or enjoy an exclusive privilege ; to 
 take the largest share. 
 
 Monopoly, mo - noppo - le (Greek, 
 monos, alone ; poleo, to deal). The ex- 
 clusive privilege of selling anything ; the 
 sole power of making, dealing in, or being 
 otherwise interested in anything. 
 
 Monopolylogue, mono - poUy- log 
 (Greek, monos, one ; polys, many ; logos, a 
 discom-se). A theatrical entertainment in 
 which one performer sustains several cha- 
 racters. 
 
 Monostich, monno - stik (Greek, 
 monos, one ; stichos, a verse). A composi- 
 tion consisting of one verse only. 
 
 Monostrophie, monno-strofik (Greek, 
 monos, one ; strophe, a stanza). Having 
 only one strophe, not varied in measiu-e. 
 
 Monosyllable, monno - sillah - bl 
 (Greek, monos, one ; sullaUe, syllable). A 
 word of one syllable. 
 
 Monotheism, monno-the-izm (Greek, 
 monoSy one ; theos, God). Belief in the 
 existence of only one God. 
 
MON 
 
 Monotone, mormo-tone (Greek, t^otwb, 
 one ; Ixmos, a tone). Uniformity of sound, 
 want of cadence. 
 
 Monotony, mo-notto-ne (Greek, 
 Tiionos, one ; tonos, tone). Literally, 
 uniformity of tone or sound; applied 
 generally to sameness ; want of variety ; 
 irksomeness. 
 
 Monsieur, mo-sieu (French). Sir ; 
 Mr.; plural, messieurs. 
 
 Monsoon, mon-soon. A species of 
 trade wind in India, which for six months 
 blows constantly from the same quarter, 
 and the contrary way for the other six 
 months. 
 
 Monstrosity, mon-strossy-te (Latin, 
 Tiionstrum, a monster). The state of being 
 out of the ordinary order of Natm'e. 
 
 Montem, mon-tem. An ancient cus- 
 tom, formerly observed among the stu- 
 dents at Eton, near Windsor, which con- 
 sisted of their proceeding every year, on 
 Whit Tuesday, to a tumulus {ad montem), 
 near the Bath road, where they exacted 
 money for salt, as it is called, from all who 
 
 Montero, mon teero (Spanish, mon- 
 iera). A horseman's cap ; a sort of cap 
 worn by hunters and by seamen. 
 
 Monument, monnu-ment (Lat. , moMo, 
 to inform). Anything by which the 
 memory* of persons or events is preserved ; 
 a memorial ; a tomb ; a pUlar, 
 
 Mony. A termination of many words, 
 implying anything vieant, or intended to 
 testify ; also to nourish, support, maintain ; 
 as testi-jjiojtyy a^-mony, &c. 
 
 Mood, mood (Latin, modus, manner). 
 The general or particular temper or dis- 
 position of the mind ; the prevaihng dis- 
 position ; style in music. In grammai*, the 
 inflection of a vei'b, to express manner of 
 being or action. 
 
 Moody, moo-de (Saxon, modig). In- 
 fluenced by moods of_ feeling; angry ; 
 peevish ; out of humour. 
 
 Moonstruck, moon-struk. Supposed 
 to be affected by the influence of the moon; 
 deranged in intellect ; lunatic. 
 
 Moor, moor (Saxon, mor). A tract of 
 land overrun with heath ; a marsh ; a fen ; 
 a low-lying ground, covered with stagnant 
 water ; also, the name for a native of the 
 northern coast of Africa ; likewise, the 
 name generally given to the Arabs who sub- 
 dued Spain at the beginning of tlie eighth 
 
 MOE 203 
 
 century, and held it until the end of the 
 fifteenth. 
 
 Moorings, moor-ings. The anchors, 
 chains, &c., laid athwart the bottom of a 
 river or harbom*, to confine a ship within 
 certain limits. 
 
 Moot, moot (Saxon, motian). To de- 
 bate ; to discuss ; to argue or plead on a 
 supposed cause. Moot point, a point or 
 case to be debated. 
 
 Moral, mor-al (Latin, mos, a manner). 
 Relating to practice or manners in re- 
 ference to right or wrong ; reasoning or 
 instructing with regard to vice or virtue ; 
 virtuous ; jvist ; honest. The doctrine or 
 practice of the duties of life ; the doctrine 
 or duty inculcated by a story. 
 
 Moralist, moral-ist (French, moraliste). 
 One who teaches the duties of life ; one 
 who practises moral duties. 
 
 Moralize, moi*al-ize. To discourse en 
 moral subjects ; to apply to a. moral pur- 
 pose, or to explain in a moral sense. 
 
 Morass, mo-rass (Swedish, moras). A 
 tract of soft, wet groimd ; mai-sh land, 
 
 Moravian, mo-ravy-an. One of a 
 religious sect called the United Brethren, 
 and in Germany " Herranhiiter ; " they are 
 characterised by an extreme simplicity of 
 dress and manners. 
 
 Morbid, mawr-bid (Latin, moroidiis). 
 Diseased ; unhealthy ; not sound ; un- 
 wholesome ; in a technical sense, commonly 
 apphed to affections of prolonged dura- 
 tion, as a marbid condition of the nervous 
 system ; a moi'hid sensibility. 
 
 Morbific, mawr-biffik (French, mor- 
 hifique). Causing disease ; tending to pro- 
 duce disease ; generating a sickly state, 
 
 Morceau, mawr-so (French), A bit ; 
 a morsel ; a mouthful ; something selected 
 as choice and dehcate, Pku-al, vnorceatix. 
 
 Mordant, mawr-dant (Latin, ■tnordeo, 
 to bite). A substance which has an affinity 
 for particular colours ; it is employed by 
 dyers to incorporate the colour with the 
 fabric intended to be dyed, 
 
 Moresque, mo-resk. An epithet ap- 
 plied to a style of decoration founded on 
 that of the Moors or Arabs, which was first 
 introduced about the tenth century, and is 
 remarkable for the richness of its detail. 
 
 Morganatic, morgan - atik (Gothic, 
 mavfjjan, to shorten), Morgcuiatic, or left- 
 lutnd vian-iage, is applied to maiTiage con- 
 ti-acts made by German princes to aa 
 
204 
 
 MOH 
 
 MOS 
 
 inferior, in which the wife cannot enjoy 
 the rank of the husband, nor the children 
 inherit the possessions of their father. 
 
 Morgue, mawrg (French). A place in 
 French towns where are exposed, for re- 
 cognition, the bodies of such persons as 
 are found dead. 
 
 Moribund, morry-bund. In a dying 
 state ; a dying person ; figuratively applied 
 to the declining condition of an institution, 
 or anything which has previously existed. 
 
 Morion, morry-on (French). A kind 
 of helmet, or casque for the head. 
 
 Morisco, mo-rlsko. The Moorish lan- 
 guage ; a dance or a dancer of the morris 
 or Moorish dance ; done after the manner 
 of the Moors. 
 
 Mormon, mawr-mon. ) One of a 
 
 Mormonite, mawrman-ite. ) sect ; a 
 follower of a so - called prophet, Joseph 
 Smith, who claimed to have found a book 
 called the Golden Bible, written on golden 
 plates, and published under the title of 
 the "Book of the Mormon." 
 
 Morocco, mo-rokko. A kind of leather, 
 said to have been originally brought from 
 Morocco. 
 
 Morose, mo-rose (Latin, morosus). Ill- 
 humoured ; ill-tempered ; sullen ; surly. 
 
 Morosis, mo-rosis (Greek). A disease 
 among the Greeks, which answered to 
 what is called idiocy, or stupidity, in 
 English. 
 
 Morris Dance, mor-ris dans. A 
 peculiar kind of dance in imitation of the 
 Moors, practised in the Middle Ages, in 
 which bells were fixed to the feet of the 
 dancer, whose great art was to move the 
 feet so as to produce concord from the 
 various bells. 
 
 Mortal, mawr-tal (Latin, mortalis). 
 Subject to death ; destructive, or able to 
 destroy, to kill, or cause to die ; deadly ; 
 human. 
 
 Mortally, mawrtal-le. Irrecoverably ; 
 in a manner certain to cause death. 
 
 Mortar, mawr-tur (Latin, mortarium). 
 A vessel in which substances are pounded ; 
 a cannon for throwing bombs ; cement for 
 a building. 
 
 Mortgage, mawr-gayj (French, mort, 
 dead ; gage, a pledge). In law, a pledge 
 or pawn of lands or tenements, or other 
 property, to be the creditor's for ever, if 
 certain monies borrowed on such pledge 
 be not paid on the day agreed upon. 
 Mortgagee is the person to whom the 
 
 estate is mortgaged ; mortgagor, he who 
 assigns the estate as security for the 
 debt. 
 
 Mortification, mawrty - f e - kayshuu 
 (Latin, onors, death ; Jio, to become). In 
 medical practice, the putrefaction and 
 consequent death of one part of the animal 
 body while the rest is alive ; caused by 
 inflammation, injury, or debility of the 
 part. In a religious sense, the act of sub- 
 duing the passions by prayer, fasting, and 
 self-denial. In a general application, 
 humiliation ; vexation of spirit ; the state 
 of being humbled by anything which 
 wounds or abases pride. 
 
 Mortise, mawr-tis. In carpentry, the 
 junction of two pieces of wood or other 
 material, the cavity cut in one piece being 
 the receiving correspondent portion of the 
 wood of the other. 
 
 Mortmain, mawrt-mane (French, morf, 
 dead ; main, hand). In law, such a state 
 of possession as makes it inalienable, and, 
 therefore, said to be in dead hand, because 
 it cannot be restored to the donor, or to 
 any common or temporal use. 
 
 Mosaic, mo-zayik (Italian, mosaico). 
 In the fine arts, a word applied to any work 
 which exhibits a representation, on a plane ^ 
 surface, by the joining together of minute 
 pieces of hard, coloured substances, such as 
 marble, glass, or natural stones, united by 
 cement, and serving as walls, floors, and 
 the ornamental coverings of columns. 
 Mosaic gold, a mixture of copper and zinc, 
 used for cheap articles of jewellery, and 
 ornamental metal-work produced oy cast- 
 ing in a mould. 
 
 Mosaic, mo-zayik. Pertaining to 
 Moses, the leader of the children of Israel 
 out of Egypt; the law ot Moses; the 
 history of Moses. 
 
 Moslem, mos-lem. A Mohammedan, 
 
 or Mussulman. j 
 
 Mosque, mosk (Turkish, moschit). A 
 Mohammedan temple or place of worship. 
 They are distinguished by the number of 
 their cupolas and minarets. 
 
 Mosquito, mos-keeto (Spanish). The 
 name of a stinging fly, somewhat resem- 
 bling the gnat ; and pecuHarly troublesome 
 in warm climates. 
 
 Mosstrooper, mos-trooper. A robber ; 
 a bandit. An epithet applied formerly to 
 bands of marauders, who infested the 
 borders of England and Scotland, and 
 generally encamped on the mosses. 
 
MOT 
 
 MUD 
 
 205 
 
 Mote, mote (Saxon, mot). A small 
 particle of matter ; an atom ; anytliing 
 exceedingly small. 
 
 Mote, mote (Saxon, gemote). An old 
 Saxon word for an assembly, meeting, or 
 court ; as ward-mote, burgk-mote, &c. 
 
 Mother-of-Pearl. A name given to 
 the variegated internal coating of the large 
 Indian oyster. 
 
 Motion, mo-shun. In parliamentary 
 and other deliberative assemblies, the pro- 
 posing of any matter for the consideration 
 of those present. 
 
 Motive, mo-tiv (Latin, moveo, to move). 
 Literally, causing or having the power to 
 move ; hence, that which moves the will 
 or determines the choice ; that which in- 
 cites to act. Motive j)oiver, in mechanics, 
 is the whole power or force acting on a 
 body. 
 
 Motley, mot-le. Varied in colour ; 
 composed of different parts, kinds, quali- 
 ties, colours, characters, &c, ; dappled ; 
 spotted. 
 
 Motto, mot to (Italian). A sentence 
 or word added to a device, or prefixed to 
 an essay or discourse ; the word or sen- 
 tence used to mark the work of an artist ; 
 an inscription on the shield of a knight, 
 or the arms of a family. 
 
 Mould, molde (Spanish, molde). The 
 matrix in which anything is cast, or re- 
 ceives its form. 
 
 Moulder, mole-der (Saxon, molde). To 
 turn to dust ; to crumble away ; to decay ; 
 to decompose into mould or earth ; to perish 
 by decomposition into minute particles. 
 
 Mouldintif, mole-ding. An ornamental 
 cavity cut in wood or stone ; the small 
 projecting ornaments of columns, &c., the 
 forms and dimensions of which are regu- 
 lated by an instrument called a mould. 
 
 Moulting, mole-ting (Welsh, moel). 
 The shedding or changing of feathers, 
 horns, skin, &c. 
 
 Mound, mownd (Saxon, mund). A 
 bank of earth or stone, raised as a fence 
 or a defence ; a bank ; a rampart. 
 
 Mountaineer, mowntin-eer. A dweller 
 on a mountain ; a rustic ; a free-booter. 
 
 Mountainous, mown tin-US. Hilly, or 
 aboimding in mountains ; figfuratively, any- 
 thing huge, bulky, or of mountain-like 
 proportions. 
 
 Mountebank, mownty-bank (Italian, 
 mpiitaref to mount; banco, a bench). 
 
 Literally, one who vends nostrums in a 
 public place, and harangues the crowd 
 from a bench or stage ; hence, applied to 
 any vain pretender, charlatan, or quack. 
 
 Mounting, mown-ting. In an artistic 
 sense, the placing a drawing on paper or 
 cardboard in such a manner as to heighten 
 its general effect. 
 
 Mouthpiece, mowth-peese. That part 
 of a musical instrument which comes in 
 direct contact with the mouth ; collo- 
 quially, one who is made to give utterance 
 to the sentiments of others. 
 
 Movables, mowah-blz. A term applied 
 collectively to personal goods, furniture, 
 or any kind of property not fixed ; and 
 thus distinguished from houses and lands. 
 
 Movement, moov-ment (Latin, moveo, 
 to move). In military affairs, the regular 
 orderly motion of an army, for some par- 
 ticular purpose. In music, the progress 
 of sounds from grave to acute, or from 
 acute to grave. In political and social 
 economy, any undertaking set on foot by 
 co-operation and common consent. 
 
 Moxa, mox-ah. Primarily, the down 
 of a Chinese plant, used for curing certain 
 disorders, by burning it on the skin ; 
 hence, a surgical operation for transferring 
 internal inflammation to the surface. 
 
 Mucilage, mewsy-laje (Latin, mucus). 
 A slimy vegetable substance ; the liquor 
 which lubricates the ligaments and carti- 
 lages of the animal body ; gum-arabic. 
 
 Muck, muk. Moist vegetable matter ; 
 dung in a heap. To run a muck is a cor- 
 ruption of a Javanese word amok, to kill, 
 and means the act of rushing out and 
 attacking all who come in the way, whether 
 friend or foe, as is done by certain fanatics 
 in the East, when labouring under furious 
 excitement. 
 
 Mucous, mu-kus. Pertaining to mu- 
 cus ; slimy ; viscid ; secreting a slimy 
 substance. Mucous memhrane is the mem- 
 brane which lines the cavities of the body 
 exposed to the contact of air, or other in- 
 organic substances. 
 
 Mucus, mu-kus (Latin). A slimy fluid ; 
 the secretion of the mucous membrane, as 
 that of the nasal membrane. 
 
 Mudlark, mud lark. An epithet ap- 
 plied to a class of persons peculiar to 
 London, who grovel through the mud on 
 the banks of the Thames, at low water, 
 for the purpose of finding any articles 
 which may have been left on the mudbank 
 by the retiring tide. 
 
MUE 
 
 MITN 
 
 Muezzia, mu-ezzin. Among the Mo- 
 hammedans, the crier who announces the 
 hours of prayer from the minaret, and 
 reminds the faithful of their religious 
 duties. 
 
 Mufti, muf-te. A Mohammedan high 
 priest. In India, the name given to the 
 civilian dress of a naval or military officer 
 when off duty. 
 
 Mulatto, mu-latto (Spanish, mulato, 
 from mulo, a mule). The name given to a 
 person who is the offspring of a negress by 
 a white man, or of a wMte woman by a 
 negro. 
 
 Mulct, mulkt (Latin, mulcta). A fine ; 
 a pecimiary penalty; to impose a fin© or 
 penalty. 
 
 Mule, mule (Spanish, ranlo). An animal 
 generated between a he-ass and a mare, or 
 a horso and a she-ass. In botany, the 
 offr>, aing of two plants of different species ; 
 also, the name of a machine employed in 
 (^'.otton-^pinning. 
 
 Mulier, mu-lear (Latin). In law, 
 ie^ltimate issue bom in wedlock, though 
 L-egotten before. 
 
 Mull, mull {mollio, to soften). To 
 soften or dispirit ; as wine is by the ad- 
 raisture of sugar, and the application of 
 ^7armth. In Scotland, a geographical term 
 almost synonymous with cape, as the Mull 
 of Gall o way ; also, an obsolete name for a 
 Scotch snuff-box, made of the small end 
 of a aoru. 
 
 3il!.Uil:^at,a'WTiy, mully-gah-tawny. In 
 coo:=i^, }j _< tnd of highly-seasoned soup, 
 originally prepared at Coromandel ; it 
 takes its name from the Tamul words 
 mulagar, pepper, and tanee, water; the 
 dish containing no meat, being merely a 
 kind of decoction of pepper. 
 
 Mullion, mul-yun. In architecture, 
 the stone divisions in Gothic windows ; the 
 upright post or bar which divides the two 
 lights of a window. 
 
 Multifarious, multy-fary-us (Latin, 
 miUtus, many; fari, to speak). Having 
 great variety or multiplicity ; diversified ; 
 varied. 
 
 Multiform, multy-form (Latin, Mulitis, 
 many, and form). Having many forms or 
 shapes ; varying in form, shape, or ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 Multiparous, mvil-tippah-ms (Latin, 
 multics, many ; pario, to bring forth). 
 Bearing, or bringing forth many at a litter 
 or birth. 
 
 Multipartite, mul-tippar-tito (Latin, 
 multus, many ; partitus, divided). Divided 
 into many parts ; having several parts. 
 
 Multiple, multy-pl (Laitin, multus, 
 many; ■pLico, to fold). In arithmetic, a 
 number which contains another number 
 several times ; thus, 6 is the multiple of 2, 
 containing it three times. 
 
 Multiplicand, multy-pleekand (Latin, 
 multiplicandus). The number to be multi- 
 plied by another. 
 
 Multiplicator, multy-plee-kaytur. 
 The number by which another number is 
 multipled ; a multiplier. 
 
 Multiplicity, multy-plissy-te. Many 
 of the same kind ; state of being many. 
 
 Multiply, multy-pli. To increase in 
 number ; to increase a given number as 
 many times as there are units in another 
 given number. 
 
 Multitude, multy-tude (Latin, multus, 
 many). A great number ; a crowd ; the 
 populace. 
 
 Multum in Parvo, multum in parvo 
 (Latin). Much in little ; a great deal in a 
 small compass. 
 
 Mum-cliance. A provincialism for a 
 silent, stupid person ; a fool. It is pro- 
 bably derived from an old game of that 
 name, in which silence was an indispensable 
 requisite. 
 
 Mummery, mummer-e (Greek, ono- 
 mos, a buffoon). Masking ; sport in masks ; 
 farcical show ; foolery ; mimicry. 
 
 Mummy, mum-me (Arabic, mum, 
 wax). A dead body preserved by em- 
 balining and drying, after the manner of 
 the Egyptians. 
 
 Mundane, mund-dane (Latin, muTidus, 
 the world). Belonging to the world : 
 worldly. 
 
 Municipal, mu-nissy-pal (Latin, mu- 
 nus, a gift or right; capio, to take). A 
 term applied to the laws or customs 
 which prevail in any city or province ; be- 
 longing to a corporation. 
 
 Municipality, mu-nissy-pally-ty. A 
 certain district or division of the country ; 
 a district, its people or government. 
 
 Munificence, mu-mffy-sense (Latin, . 
 munus, a gift ; facio, to make). Liberality ; 
 bounty ; the act of bestowing bountifully, 
 or giving liberally from generous motives. 
 
 Muniment, mevmy - ment (Latin, 
 munio, to fortify). A fortification or 
 stronghold, support, or defence ; a writing 
 
MUN 
 
 MYS 
 
 ^7 
 
 by which claims and rights are defended 
 and maintained. Muniment house, a fire- 
 proof building or apartment, in which 
 evidences are kept, charters preserved, &c. 
 
 Munition, mu-nisshun (Latin, rmi- 
 nitio). Materials for war ; provisions of 
 a fortress or garrison, or for ships of war; 
 stores of all kinds for carrying on a war. 
 
 Mural, mu-ral (Latin, imirtis, a wall). 
 E.elating or belonging to a wall. Mtiral 
 crown, among the Romans, a crown given 
 to him who was the first to scale the walls 
 of a besieged city, and there plant a 
 standard. Mural fainting, a class of de- 
 coration employed during the Middle Ages, 
 which consisted in covering the walls of 
 sacred edifices with paintings, executed in 
 distemper colours. 
 
 Muriated, mewry-ayted (Latin, muria, 
 brine). Steeped in brine ; combined with 
 muriatic acid. 
 
 Muriatic, mewry-attik (Latin, muria, 
 brine). Having the nature of brine or 
 salt-water ; relating to sea salt ; called 
 also, hydrochloric acid. 
 
 Murky, mur-ke (Swedish, moric). Dark ; 
 obscure ; gloomy. 
 
 Murrain, mur-rin (Spanish, morriTia). 
 An infectious and fatal disease among 
 cattle, which prevails especially in hot and 
 dry seasons. 
 
 Murza, mxir-za. A title of hereditary 
 nobihty in Tartary. 
 
 Muse, muze (Latin, inusa). Literally, 
 to follow the Muses ; to be contemplative 
 and thoughtful, as one who follows the 
 Mu^es ; to meditate or dwell upon ; to 
 ponder over ; to weigh weU in the mind. 
 
 Muses, mu-zes. In heathen mythology, 
 the poetical deities who are supposed to 
 preside over the arts of poetry, music, and 
 the various branches of polite learning. 
 They are usually reckoned as nine in num- 
 ber; namely, CHo, to whom is ascribed 
 the invention of history ; Melpomene, of 
 tragedy ; Thalia, of comedy ; Euterpe, of 
 the use of the flute ; Terpsichore, of the 
 harp ; Erato, of the lyre and lute ; CaUiope, 
 of heroic verse ; Urania, of astronomy ; 
 and Polyhymnia, of rhetoric. 
 
 Museum, mu-zeeum (Greek, inouseion). 
 Originally, the name of a palace in Alexan- 
 dria ; now applied to a repository or 
 cabinet of curiosities. 
 
 Musnud, mus-nud. The name of a 
 throne or royal seat in Eastern countries. 
 
 Mussulman, mussul-man. A Mo- 
 hammedan. The term signifies " resigned 
 to Grod," and is the dual number of Moslem. 
 
 Mustee, mus-tee. ) The name given to 
 
 Mestee, mes-tee. J a child of a white 
 
 person and a quadroon in the West Indies. 
 
 Muster RolL In military affairs, a 
 list of the officers and men in every regi- 
 ment, which is delivered to the muster- 
 master, inspecting field-officer, or whoever 
 is appointed to inspect the same. 
 
 Mutable, mewtah-bl (Latin, muto, to 
 change). Subject to change ; not fixed ; 
 inconstant; unreliable; field e. 
 
 Mutation, mu-tayshun (Latin, vmto, 
 to change). The act or process of chang- 
 ing ; change ; alteration, either in form or 
 of qualities. 
 
 Mute, mute (Latin, muius). Uttering 
 no sound ; one who cannot speak ; un- 
 pronounced. In grammar, a letter when 
 not pronounced in a word, as 6 in dumb, 
 e in late. 
 
 Mutilate, mewty-late (Latin, viuiilus, 
 broken). To deprive of some essential 
 part or member ; to maim. 
 
 Mutiny, mewtin-e (French, viutin). A. 
 rising against authority ; commotion ; in- 
 surrection ; insubordination among soldiers 
 or seamen. 
 
 Mutual, mute-yual (Latin, inutims}. 
 Eeciprocal ; each acting in return or corres- 
 ponding to the other. 
 
 Myology, mi-ollo-je {Greek, mys, a 
 muscle ; logos, a discourse). A treatise or 
 discourse on the muscular system of animal 
 bodies. 
 
 Myriad, mirry-ad (Greek, tnyrias, ten 
 thousand). The number of ten thousand ; 
 any large number. 
 
 Myrmidon, mirmy-dun. In ancient 
 history, the name of a people said to have 
 dwelt on the borders of Thessaly, who 
 accompanied Achilles to the Trojan war ; 
 hence, the term is applied to a desperate 
 soldier or ruffian ; a hanger-on, who is 
 ready to engage himself in any rough or 
 brutal employment. 
 
 Myrrli, nair (Latin, myrrlia). An, 
 aromatic gum obtained by incision from a 
 tree which grows on the eastern coast of . 
 Arabia, 
 
 Mystagogue, mistah-gog (Greek, mys- 
 terion, a mystery ; agogos, a guide). One 
 who interprets mysteries ; one who pre- 
 serves church relics, and exhibits them to 
 stransrers. 
 
208 MT8 
 
 Mystery, misty-re (Greek, mysterioTi). 
 Anything hidden or concealed ; that cannot 
 be perceived or understood ; something 
 beyond human intelligence ; something 
 awfully obscure ; anciently, a kind of 
 dramatic spectacle, so called because it 
 conveyed the mysterious doctrines of 
 Christianity, and represented the miracles 
 attributed to saints and martyrs. 
 
 Mystic, mis - tik ) (Greek, inyo, to 
 Mystical, mistik-al j imitate). Ob- 
 scure ; emblematical ; involving some 
 secret meaning. 
 
 Myth, mith. A fictitious story ; a 
 fable ; something which has no real exist- 
 ence, but lives only in the imagination. ' 
 
 Mythology, mith - olio - je (Greek, 
 mythos, fable ; logos, a discourse). A 
 system of fables representing the deities 
 which heathen nations believed to preside 
 over the world and its affairs. 
 
 ]sr. 
 
 Waboto, na-bob or nay-bob (a corrup- 
 tion of naiodb, from 7iaib, a deputy). In 
 India, the title of the governor of a pro- 
 vince or a military commander. The term 
 is also vulgarly applied to those Europeans 
 who have amassed large fortunes in the 
 East Indies, and live in Eastern luxury and 
 splendour. ' 
 
 USTadab, na-dab. The high priest of 
 the Persians, whose office and dignity 
 resemble that of the mufti of Turkey. 
 
 Ifadir, nay-der. The point of the 
 •heaven immediately opposite the zenith. 
 
 DSTaiad, nay-ad (Greek, naias). Poeti- 
 cally, a water-nymph. In mythology, a 
 deity who presides over rivers and springs. 
 
 iNaive, nah'eev (French). Unsophis- 
 ticated : ingenuous ; possessed of native or 
 unaffected simplicity. 
 
 K'aivete, nah'eev-tay (French). Na- 
 I tive simplicity ; unaffected ingenuousness ; 
 a union of natural shrewdness and uncon- 
 ■ scious simplicity. 
 
 IvTamby-painby. Something affected 
 i or finical ; childish. 
 
 i Namesake, name-sake. A person of 
 ' the same name. 
 
 Nape, nape (Saxon, cnmp). The hinder 
 part of the neck, upon which the downy 
 hair or nap grows. 
 
 Naphtha, nap-tha (Greek). An in- 
 i flammable bituminous liquid, used for 
 
 NAT 
 
 the purposes of illumination, instead of 
 oil. 
 
 Narcotic, nar-kottik (Greek, narJc^, 
 torpor). Causing stupor ; soporific ; a 
 medicine producing sleep ; an opiate. 
 
 Narration, nar-rayshun (Latin, narro, 
 to relate). The act of relating ; an account 
 either by word of mouth, or in writing, of 
 any circumstance or event. 
 
 Narwhal, nar-wal ) In zoology, a kind 
 
 Narwal, nar-wal J of whale, armed 
 with a strong horn, whence it is also called 
 the sea-unicorn. 
 
 Nasal, nay-zal (Latin, nasus, the nose). 
 Pertaining to the nose ; formed or affected 
 by the n ose. The nose is frequently termed 
 the nasal organ. 
 
 Nascent, nas-sent (Latin, nascor, to be 
 bom). Growing ; rising ; springing into 
 existence ; coming into being. 
 
 Natal, nay-tal (Latin, nascor, to be 
 bom). Pertaining to birth ; relating to 
 nativity. 
 
 Natation, nay-tayshun (Latin, oiato', 
 to swim). The act of swimming, or floating. 
 
 Nathless, nath-less (Saxon, natheles). 
 Nevertheless ; not the less ; notwithstand- 
 ing. 
 
 National Debt. Money borrowed by 
 the Government, on the secxirity of the 
 taxes, which stand pledged to the lenders 
 for the payment of the interest. 
 
 Nationality, nasshun-ally-ty (Latin, 
 natio, a nation). National character ; the 
 state of belonging to a nation ; the pride 
 taken in, and attachment displayed for, 
 one's own country. 
 
 Nativity, na-tivvy-ty (Latin, nascor, 
 to be bora). Birth ; time ; place, or man- 
 ner of birth ; state or place of being pro- 
 duced. The Nativity, in an especial sense, 
 is understood to mean the birth of Christ, 
 or Christmas-day. In astrology, the theme 
 or figure of the heavens, particularly of the 
 twelve "houses," at the moment when a 
 person is born. 
 
 Natural, nattu-ral. A character in 
 music, employed to make a sharp note a 
 semitone lower, and a flat notd i semitone 
 higher; or, in other words, to restore 
 to the scale of the natural key of C 
 any note which had been made flat or 
 sharp. 
 
 Naturalize, nattu-ralize (Latin, na- 
 tura, native). To confer upon a foreigner 
 the privileges of a native, and the rights 
 
NAD 
 
 NEG 
 
 239 
 
 of citizensMp ; to adopt ; to make our 
 own ; to render easy and familiar by cus- 
 tom and habit. 
 
 Naulage, nawl-aje. The freight or 
 passage money for goods or persons by sea, 
 or passage over a river. 
 
 Nausea, naw-sheah (Latin). Sickness; 
 loathing; a sensation of disgust; a dis- 
 position to vomit ; squeamishness of the 
 stomach. 
 
 iCfautical, nawtik-al (Latin, nauta, a 
 sailor). Belonging to snips or sailors; 
 relating to navigation. 
 
 !N"autilus, nawtU-us. A shell -fish 
 which extends certain membranes resem- 
 bling oars and sail, with which it progresses 
 through the sea, after the manner of a 
 sailing vessel. 
 
 Waval, nay-val (Latin, navis, a ship). 
 Consisting of ships ; pertaining to ships. 
 
 KTaval Crown. Among the Romans, 
 a crown given to him who first boarded an 
 enemy's ship. It was a circle of gold, 
 surmounted by nautical emblems. 
 
 Nave, nave (Greek, naos, a temple). 
 The centre part of a church ; the middle 
 portion of a wheel, in which the axle 
 moves, and the spokes are fixed. 
 
 Navigable, nawi-gahbl (Latin, navis, 
 a ship). That may be navigated; capable 
 of being passed by ships or boats. 
 
 Navigation, nawy - gayshun (Latin, 
 navigo, to ssiil). The art or science of 
 managing a ship, and conducting it through 
 the waters ; the act of a vessel passing from 
 one place to another. 
 
 Navy, nay-vy. A term applied to the 
 whole naval establishment of any country, 
 comprehending the ships, officers, men, 
 stores, &c. That part of the navy of 
 England which is distinguished by the 
 title of the Royal Navy comprehends aU 
 ships of war, and their crews, &c. 
 
 Nazarene, nazzah-reen. An inhabi- 
 tant of Nazareth ; a name applied by way 
 of contempt to the early converts to Chris- 
 tianity. 
 
 N.B. An abbreviation for the Latin, 
 nota htne, take notice. 
 
 Neap, neep (Saxon, nep). Low ; at an 
 ebb. Neap tides are the lowest tftdes, hap- 
 pening when the moon is in the middle of 
 ' he second and fourth quarters. 
 
 Ne ped, neept. The position of a ship 
 WMch ha been left agroimd on the height 
 
 of the spring tide, so that she cannot b© 
 floated off untU the next spring tide. 
 
 Neapolitan, neah - polly - tan. Per- 
 taining to Naples; a native or inhabitant 
 of Naples. 
 
 Nebula, nebbu-lah (Latin, nebula, a 
 cloud). In astronomy, a fine cloud-like 
 appearance in the heavens, which, when 
 viewed through atelescope, exhibits a cluster 
 of small stars ; a film on the eye ; a dark 
 spot on the human body. 
 
 Nebulous, nebbu-lus (Latin, nebula, a 
 cloud). Misty ; cloudy ; presenting the 
 appearance of a hazy cloud, or collection 
 of vapours. 
 
 Necrology, nek - kroUo - je (Greek, 
 neJcros, dead ; logos, a discourse). Memoirs 
 of the dead ; a register of deaths ; a col- 
 lection of biographical notices of deceased 
 persons. 
 
 Necromancy, nekkro-mansy (Greek, 
 neJcros, dead ; manteia, prophecy). The 
 pretended art of foretelling the future, by 
 communication with the dead. 
 
 Necropolis, ne - kroppo - lis (Greek, 
 nekros, dead ; polis, a. city). Literally, a 
 city of the dead ; applied to a place spe- 
 cially assigned to the burial of the dead. 
 
 Nectar, nek-tur. In mythology, the 
 fabled diink of the gods, which, accord- 
 ing to heathen behef, conferred immorta- 
 Uty upon all who drank ; hence, used com- 
 monly to express any liquor sweet and 
 pleasant to the taste, or exceedingly deli- 
 cious. 
 
 Ne Exeat Regno, ne eksy-at reg-no 
 (Latin). In law, a writ issued to restrain 
 a person from leaving the kingdom. 
 
 Nefarious, ne-fary-us (Latin, nefas, 
 wickedness). Infamous ; wicked ; abomin- 
 able ; unlawful. 
 
 Negation, ne-gayshun (Latin, nego 
 to deny). Denial or refusal ; the act of 
 denying, opposed to aflBrmation. In legis- 
 lation, the privilege of preventing the en- 
 actment of a law. 
 
 Negative, negga-tiv (Latin, nego, to 
 deny). Denying ; opposed to affirming ; a 
 word or proposition which denies. 
 
 Negotiate, ne-goshy-ate (Latin, nego- 
 iium, business). To transact business ; to 
 treat with. In commerce, to pass or trans- 
 fer a bill of exchange for a valuable consi- 
 deration. 
 
 Negro, ne-gro. One of the Uack race* 
 of wAufrica ; feminine, nagnss. 
 
 
 
210 
 
 NEM 
 
 Nli) 
 
 Nem. Con. An abbreviation of 
 nemine contradicente (no one opposing), a 
 phrase used when any measure or motion 
 is agreed to unanimously. 
 
 Ifemesis, nemmy-sis. In mythology, 
 the goddess of vengeance. The term is 
 used synonymously with retribution, or the 
 punishment which descends on an offender. 
 
 Ideology, ne-ollo-jy (Greet, neos,^ new ; 
 logos, a discourse). The introduction of 
 new words into a language ; coining a novel 
 word or phrase ; promoting or promul- 
 gating new doctrines. 
 
 JSTeopliyte, neo-fite (Greek, neos, new ; 
 phytos, planted). Literally, one newly 
 implanted, as in the chiu-ch ; a convert ; 
 a proselyte ; a novice ; a tyro. 
 
 !N"eoterie, neo-terrik (Greek, neos, 
 new). Modem ; novel ; recently intro- 
 duced ; of the present period or time ; not 
 long past. 
 
 Nepentlie, ne-penthy (Greek, nependies, 
 removing sorrow). Anciently, a magic 
 potion, which was represented as having 
 the power to drown sorrow, and drive away 
 grief ; figuratively applied to any remedy 
 which relieves pain, or allays mental 
 anguish. 
 
 TSe Plus Ultra, ne-plus ul-trah(Lat.). 
 No farther beyond ; the utmost extreme of 
 anything ; an epithet applied to excellence 
 in the highest degree. 
 
 Nepotism, neppo-tizm (Latin, nq)os, a 
 nephew or grandson). Literally, fondness 
 for nephews; hence applied to an undue 
 preference which persons ia power and 
 authority display for their relatives. 
 
 iN'erve, nerv (Latin, nervus). In ana- 
 tomy, an organ of motion and sensation in 
 animal bodies. In a general sense, vigour ; 
 force ; power ; firmness. 
 
 iKTescience, neshy-ens (Latin, nesciens). 
 Ignorance ; want of knowledge ; the state 
 of not knowing. 
 
 Ness. A termination added to an ad- 
 jective, to change it into a substantive, 
 denoting state or quality, as whiteness, 
 goodness. When incorporated with the 
 names of places, ness signifies a cape or 
 promontory, a point of land shooting 
 out into the sea, as Inverness. 
 
 Nestle, nes-sl (Saxon, nest). To lie 
 warmly and securely, as birds in a nest ; to 
 lie close ; to harbour, nourish, or protect. 
 
 Nether, neth - ur (Saxon, neother). 
 Iiower. as opposed to upper ; belonging 
 
 to the lower regions; being in a lowe* 
 place. 
 
 Nexiralgia, nu-raljy-ah (Greek, neuron, 
 a nerve ; algos, pain). A pain in the 
 nerves, as tic-douloureux, and sciatica. 
 
 Neuter, nu-tur (Latin). Not either 
 one or other ; of neither gender ; not 
 adhering to either party ; in grammar, 
 applied to verbs, expressing an action or 
 state limited to the subject, and not fol- 
 lowed by an object. 
 
 Neutral, nu-tral (French, oieutre). In- 
 different ; not acting ; not engaged on 
 either side ; neither good nor bad. In 
 chemistry, neither acid nor alkaline. 
 
 Neutral Tint. In painting, a facti- 
 tious grey tint, chiefly used in water- 
 colours; in natural scenery, the purple hue 
 which distant hills assume. 
 
 New Style. In chronology, the days 
 of the year according to the Gregorian 
 calendar, adopted in England in 1753. 
 
 Newtonian, nu-tony-an. Pertaining 
 to Sir Isaac Newton ; the doctrine or philo- 
 sophy propoimded by Newton. 
 
 Nicene Creed, ni-seen kreed. The 
 name given to certain articles of faith, 
 drawn up by the ecclesiastics of the 
 Council of Nice, a town of Asia Minor, 
 and since adopted by the Church of 
 England. 
 
 Niche, nitsh (French). A nick or nook; 
 a hollow seat or standing cut into a wall 
 for a statue or image. 
 
 Nickel, nik-el. A hard metal of a 
 silver- white colour^ difficult of fusion, but 
 easily drawn into a thin wire. 
 
 Nicotian, ne-koshan. Denoting or 
 pertaining to tobacco. Named after Nicot, 
 a Frenchman, who introduced tobacco into 
 France, in the year 1560. 
 
 Nictitating, nik-te-tayting (Latin, 
 nicto, to wink). The act of winking ; the 
 nictitating memhrane of birds and fishes 
 is a covering for the eyes, which may be 
 drawn over the eye without obstructing 
 the sight, and which thus protects the 
 vision from the injurious effects of too 
 intenserlight, particles of dust, and other 
 injurious influences. 
 
 Niddin, nid-din. A species of minor 
 excommunication among the Hebrews, 
 which lasted a month. 
 
 Nidifieation, niddy- fe - kayshun 
 (Latin, nidus, a nest). The process of 
 constructing a nest. 
 
NIG 
 
 NON 
 
 2]] 
 
 Ifiggard, nig-gurd (German, hnicker). 
 Covetous, or of a narrow disposition ; 
 mean ; parsimonious ; supplying sparingly ; 
 stinting. 
 
 Niglitniare, nite - mare. Incubus; 
 a sensation of weight and oppression during 
 
 ^ Ifihil, ni-M) (Latin). Nothing; nihils, 
 in law, issues which the sheriff declares 
 are worth nothing and illeviable, from the 
 insu£Bciency of the parties who should pay 
 them. 
 Nil, nil (Latin). Nothing. 
 
 Nimbus, nim-bus. In meteorology, 
 the rain-cloud ; also, the name given in 
 paintings and sculptures to a circle of rays 
 around the heads of saints, &c, 
 
 N'importe, nam-port (French). Never 
 mind ; no matter ; it does not signify. 
 
 Nisi _ prius, ni-se pri-us. A judicial 
 writ, which lies in a case where the inquest 
 is panelled, and returned before the jus- 
 tices of the bench, one party making peti- 
 tion to have this writ for the ease of the 
 country, that the case may be tried before 
 the justices of the same county ; also, the 
 name of certain courts for the trial of 
 causes in the several counties. 
 
 Nitrogen, nytro-jen (Greek, nitron, 
 ni1a*e ; gennao, to produce). An element 
 of nitre ; a gaseous body, which is inca- 
 pable of alone supporting animal life, but 
 which, when mixed with oxygen, consti- 
 tutes the atmosphere. 
 
 Nizam, ni-zam. The title given to one 
 of the native princes of India. 
 
 _ Nocturnal, nok-tumal (Latin, nox, 
 night). Pertaining to night ; occurring 
 or performed during the night ; nightly. 
 
 Nodation, no-dayshun (Latin, nodus, 
 a knot). The state of being knotted, or of 
 making knots. 
 
 Node, node (Latin, nodm, a knot). A 
 knot; a knob ; a swelling, or protuberance. 
 In surgery, a hard tumour on the bone. In 
 astronomy, a point in the orbit of a planet 
 which intersects the ecliptic. 
 
 Noisom.e, noy-sum (Norman, noisife). 
 Noxious ; unwholesome ; injurious ; offen- 
 sive. 
 
 Nolens Volens, no-lenz vo-lenz (Lat.). 
 A phrase signifying imwilling or willing; 
 whether it be desired or not. 
 
 Noli me tangere, nolly me tanjerry 
 (Latin, "touch mo not"). A disease of the 
 
 skin ; also, the motto around thS TMstle of 
 Scotland. 
 
 Nolle Prosequi, nolly pro-seekwy 
 (Latin). In law, the absence of declara- 
 tion on the part of a plaintiff within a 
 reasonable time, which is regarded as a 
 confession that he has no reasonable cause 
 of action ; and as a consequence, an aban- 
 donment of the suit. 
 
 Nomadic, no-maddik (Greek, nomo, to 
 feed). Pastoral, wandering for pasture ; 
 having no fixed abode, and shifting from 
 place to place for the convenience of 
 pasturage. 
 
 Nom de guerre, nong day gare 
 (French). A fictitious name ; a name as- 
 sumed for the time, or for a specific purpose. 
 
 Nomenclature, nommen - klayture 
 (Latin, nomen, a name). The act of giving 
 names to persons or things ; a list or cata- 
 logue ; a vocabulaiy or dictionary. 
 
 Nominal, nommin-al (Latin, nomen, a 
 name). Existing in name only ; not real ; 
 pertaining to a name or names. 
 
 Nominate, nommin-ate (Latin, nomen, 
 a name). To name ; to mention by name ; 
 to name for election ; to appoint. 
 
 Nominative case, nom-minnah-tiv 
 kase (Latin, nomino, to name). In gram- 
 mar, the naming case, or that which pre- 
 cedes the verb, and designates its subject 
 absolutely, without relation to any other 
 subject. 
 
 Non, non. A Latin prefix, used in the 
 English language for giving a negative 
 sense to words, and being equivalent to 
 not, in, un. 
 
 Nonage, non-aje. Minority; time of 
 life previous to legal maturity. 
 
 Nonagon, nonnah-gon (Latin, novem, 
 nine; Greek, gonia, an angle). In geo- 
 metry, a plane figure having nine angles, 
 and consequently nine sides. 
 
 Nonce, nonse (from once). Purpose ; 
 intent ; design ; for an especial purpose ; 
 for one occasion. 
 
 Nonchalance, non-shallawns (French), 
 Coolness ; indifference ; carelessness. 
 
 Non-Corr-mlssioned Ofacer. Un- 
 der this title are included the serjeant- 
 major, quarter-master serjeant, serjaants 
 and drum and fife majors, who are ap- 
 pointed by order of the commaii.diu^ 
 officer. 
 
 " 
 
212 
 
 NON 
 
 NOV 
 
 Non Compos Mentis, nou -com-pos 
 men-tis (Latin). Not of sound mind or 
 judgment; deranged. 
 
 Non-conductor, nonkun-doktur. The 
 term applied to substances which do not 
 convey heat or the electric fluid, as glass, 
 silk, &c. 
 
 INTonconformistjnonkon-formist. One 
 who is not a member of the Established 
 Church. 
 
 liTondeseript, nondy-skript (Latin, 
 non; descriptus, described). That which 
 has not been described, or does not admit 
 of a description; anything to which no 
 particular class, rank, or order can be 
 assigned. 
 
 ITonentity, non-enty-ty (Latin, non; 
 ens, being). Non-existence ; a thing not 
 existing. 
 
 Nones, nonze or no-nis. In the Koman 
 calendar, the fifth day of January, Febru- 
 ary, April, June, August, September, 
 November, December; and the seventh 
 day of March, May, July, October. 
 
 Non est Inventus, non est in-ventus 
 (Latin, he is not found). The sheriff's 
 return to a writ, when the defendant has 
 not been found. 
 
 Nonjuror, non-jewrur (Latin, non; 
 j%(,ro, to swear). Literally, a non-swearer. 
 In English history, one of the adherents of 
 James the Second, who refused to take the 
 oath of allegiance to the Hanoverian family 
 upon their accession to the throne. 
 
 Non liquet, non like-wet (Latin). It 
 is not clear ; a phrase used when one votes 
 on neither side of a question, because unde- 
 cided, or because the matter is not clear. 
 
 Nonpareil, nonpar-el (Latin, non; par, 
 equal). Excellence unequalled ; without a 
 rival ; the name of an apple, and of a small 
 printing type. 
 
 Nonplus, non-plus (Latin, non; plus, 
 more). A state in which nothing more 
 can be said or done. 
 
 Non sequitur, non sekwy-tiir (Latin). 
 It does not follow. 
 
 Nonsuit, non-sute. In law, a renun- 
 ciation of the suit by the plaintiff or de- 
 fendant, commonly on the discovery of 
 some error or defect, when the matter is 
 ready for the verdict of the jury. 
 
 Normal, nawr-mal (Latin, worwia, a 
 nile). According to a principle or rvde; 
 relation to the rudiments or elements^ as 
 
 a normal school, in which children are 
 instructed in the elementary branches of 
 education. In natiu-al history, having the 
 ordinary structure peculiar to a family, 
 species, or genus. 
 
 Norroy, nawr-roy. From north-roy or 
 north king. The title of the third of the 
 three kings at arms, or provincial heralds. 
 
 Norse, nawrs. The name of the Nor- 
 wegian language. 
 
 North. Pole. That point of the heaven 
 which is ninety degrees every way distant 
 north from the equinoctial. 
 
 Norwegian, nawr-weejy-an. Native 
 of Norway ; pertaining to Norway. 
 
 Nosology, noz-ollo-jy (Greek, nosos, 
 a disease ; logos, a discourse). A classifi- 
 cation and arrangement of diseases, with 
 names and definitions according to the 
 distinctive character of each class, order, 
 genus, and species. 
 
 Nostrum, nostrum (Latin, nosier, ours). 
 A medicine respecting which there is some 
 real or pretended secrecy ; a quack medi- 
 cine. 
 
 Notable, notah-bl. (Latin, noialilis). 
 Careful ; industrious ; bustling ; remark- 
 able; memorable. 
 
 Notables, nottah-bls. In French his- 
 tory, the deputies of the states under the 
 old regime, appointed and convoked by the 
 sovereign on certain occasions ; a term 
 applied generally to persons of rank and 
 distinction. 
 
 Notably, notah-bly. Eemark; 
 memorably ; with show of consequence or 
 importance. 
 
 Notary, notah-re (Latin, nolo, to mark). 
 A legal officer, whose duty it is to attest 
 deeds and writings, protest biUs, enter and 
 extend a ship's protests, &c. He is usually 
 styled notary public. 
 
 Notation, no-tayshun (Latin, nolo, to 
 mark). The method of expressing, by 
 means of appropriate characters, any pro- 
 posed quantity. In music, the method 
 whereby any pitch or tune, and diu*ation 
 of musical sounds are represented, and by 
 which definite periods of silence, called 
 rests, are marked. 
 
 Notify, noty-fi (French, notifier). To 
 declare ; to make known ; to publish. 
 
 Novation, no-vayshun. In law, the 
 acceptance of a new debt or obligation, in 
 satisfaction of a prior existing one. 
 
 I 
 
NOV 
 
 Novice, nov-is (Latin, novus, new). 
 One who is new to any business ; a 
 beginner ; a probationer ; one unskilled. 
 
 Novitiate, no - visshy -ate (French, 
 noviciat). The state of a novice ; the time 
 during which the rudiments of any art or 
 science are taught; the time spent in a 
 religious house, by way of trial, before 
 taking the vow. 
 
 ISTox, noks. In mythology, the god- 
 dess of night. 
 
 Noxious, nok-shus (Latin, nozius). 
 Hurtful; baneful; hannful; destructive; 
 pernicious. 
 
 Nubilous, newby-lus (Latin, nubilus). 
 Cloudy. 
 
 Nucleus, newkly-xis (Latin). A kernel; 
 anything about which matter is collected. 
 
 Nude, newd (Latin, nudus). Bare ; 
 naked ; void. 
 
 Nudity, newdit-ty (Latin, nudus). 
 Nakedness; bareness. Nudities, in the 
 fine arts, are figures wholly divested of 
 drapery. 
 
 Nugator3r,newgah-turry (Latin, nug(yr, 
 to trifle). Trifling ; futile ; ineffectual. 
 
 Null, null (Latin, nullus, none). Use- 
 less ; of no force or efficacy ; neither legal 
 nor binding. 
 
 Nullify, nully-fi (Latin, nullus, none ; 
 facio, to make). To annul ; make void ; 
 render invalid ; deprive of legal force or 
 efficacy. 
 
 Nuiaeral,newmy-ral (Latin, numeralis). 
 Eelating to number; expressing number. 
 Numeral figures are those figures by which 
 all numbers are expressed in arithmetic — 1, 
 2, 3, 4, &c. Numeral letters are seven of the 
 Roman capitals, which were used by the 
 Romans in expressing numbers. 
 
 Numisraatic, newmiz-mattik (Latin, 
 numisma, a coin). Pertaining to money, 
 coin, or medals. 
 
 Nun, nun (Saxon, nunne). A woman 
 devoted to a religious life and secluded in 
 a cloister. 
 
 Nuncio, nun-sheo (Latin). A mes- 
 senger ; an ambassador from the Pope. 
 
 Nuncupative, nunku-paytiv |(Lat., 
 Nun.CUpatory,nunku-paytur-ryj nun- 
 cupo, to name). Declaring publicly 
 or solemnly ; verbally pronovmced. A 
 nuncupative will is one made by the 
 rerbal declaration of the testator, and 
 
 OBJ" 
 
 213 
 
 depends upon mere oral testimony for 
 proof. 
 
 Nuptial, nup-shal (Latin, nulo, to 
 marry). Pertaining to marriage ; per- 
 formed at a wedding; constituting mar- 
 riage. 
 
 Nurture, nurt-yur (French, nourri- 
 ture). That which nourishes ; food ; diet ; 
 education ; anything which supports life, 
 and promotes growth. 
 
 Nutriment, newtry - ment (Latin, 
 nvirio, to nourish). Food; aUment; that 
 which feeds or nourishes. 
 
 Nux, nuks. The Latin word for nut. 
 The nux vomica is the fruit of a species of 
 strychnos, which grows in various parts of 
 the East Indies. The taste is extremely 
 bitter and acrid, but the substance has no 
 remarkable smell. 
 
 Nymph., nimf (Greek, nymphe). In 
 Grecian mythology, a goddess of the 
 mountains, woods, or waters. Poetically, 
 a young maiden. 
 
 O. 
 
 Oa^ ofe. A foolish child ; a dolt ; an 
 idiot ; a changeling, superstitiously sup- 
 posed to be left by fairies in the place of 
 a child. 
 
 Oakum, oke - um (Saxon, ceoimle). 
 Ropes vmtwisted, and reduced to hemp. 
 
 Oasis, o-aysis (Greek). A fertile spot 
 in a desert ; applied metaphorically to any 
 sign of life or culture in the midst of bar- 
 
 Ob. A Latin preposition, usually signi- 
 fying lefore, in front, against, towards, &c. ; 
 it has also the force of in or on. 
 
 Obdurate, obdu-rate (Latin, oh; durus, 
 hard). Stubborn ; inflexible ; impenitent ; 
 obstinately bent on vice. 
 
 Obeisance, o-besanse or o-baysanse 
 (Latin, obedio, to obey). An act of obedi- 
 ence or homage ; a bow, or curtsey, or bend- 
 ing of the knee. 
 
 Obelisk, obby - lisk (Greek, ohelos, a 
 needle). A lofty quadmngular column, 
 growino- gradually smaller from the base 
 to the summit. In writing and printing, a 
 mark of reference, thus f ; also used to 
 designate any special intention. 
 
 Obese, o-beese (Latin, ohesus, fat). 
 Fat ; corpulent ; fleshy. 
 
 Obfuscate, ob-fuskate (Latin, ob;fusco, 
 to obscure). To darken ; to obscure. 
 
214 
 
 OBI 
 
 OBS 
 
 Obiter, ob-iter. (Latin). In passing; 
 incidentally. Obitei' dictum,- a passing or 
 casual observation. 
 
 ; Obituary, o-bittu-ary (Latin, obitus, 
 death). A list of deaths, as the ohituary 
 in the public journals ; a register of the 
 dead ; an account of persons deceased. 
 
 Object, ob-jekt (Latin, ob, before; 
 jacio, to cast). That about which any 
 power or faculty is employed. In gram- 
 mar, that which is produced, influenced, 
 or acted on by something else : that which 
 f oUows a transitive verb. 
 
 Object Glass. In optical instruments, 
 that which is placed towards the object, 
 the other extreme lens being called the eye 
 glass. 
 
 Objective, ob-jektiv (Latin, ob, before ; 
 jacio, to cast). Relating to the object ; 
 belonging to the object. In grammar, the 
 objective case is that which foUows an active 
 verb or a preposition. 
 
 Objurgation, objur - gayshun (Latin, 
 objurgo, to rebuke). Reproof; reprehen- 
 sion ; the act of chiding or censuring. 
 
 Oblation, ob-layshun (Latin, oblatum, 
 an offering). An offering ; a sacrifice ; 
 anything offered as an act of worship or 
 reverence. 
 
 Obligato, obly-gahto (Italian, bound 
 to). In music, a part written for a parti- 
 cular instrument. 
 
 Obligee, obly- j ee. The person to whom 
 another is bound, by a legal or written 
 contract. 
 
 Obligor, obly-jawr. The person who 
 binds himseK, or executes a bond for 
 another. 
 
 ObUque, ob-leek (Latin, 
 aslant). Deviating from a right line ; in- 
 direct ; not straight, parallel, nor perpen- 
 dicular; aslant. 
 
 Obliquity, ob-likkwy-ty (Latin, oUi- 
 quus, aslant). Divergence from a right 
 line ; hence, metaphorically, deviation from 
 moral rectitude ; irregularity. 
 
 Obliterate, ob-litty-rate (Latin, ob, 
 out ; liter a, a letter). To efface ; to erase; 
 to destroy the form or figure of ; to blot 
 out from the memory. 
 
 Oblivion, ob-liv-ytm (Latin, obliviscor, 
 to forget). Forgetfulness ; wiping out of 
 the past ; cessation of remembrance ; re- 
 mission of pxinishment. 
 
 Oblong, ob-long (Latin, ob; longits, 
 broad). Longer than broad ; a figure or 
 object longer than broad. 
 
 Obloquy, obblo-kwy (Latin, ob; loquor, 
 to speak). Censorious speech; language by 
 which a person is spoken of disparagingly ; 
 reproach ; slander ; blame. 
 
 Obnoxious, ob-nokshus (Latin, ob; 
 noxa, danger). Literally, liable or exposed 
 to punishment ; hence, censurable ; repre- 
 hensible ; hateful. 
 
 Obscene, ob-seen (Latin, obscceims). 
 Immodest ; unchaste ; impure ; offensive 
 to decency and delicacy ; f ovd ; filthy ; 
 lewd. 
 
 Obscuration, obsku-rayshun (Latin, 
 obscurus, obsciire). The act of darkening ; 
 the state of being obscured or darkened. 
 
 Obscurity, ob - skewrit - ty (Latin, 
 obsciinis). Dimness ; gloom ; mean state ; 
 humble condition. 
 
 Obsequies, obsy-kv?eez (Latin, obsequi, 
 to follow after). Funeral rites or solem- 
 nities in honour of the dead ; the last duties 
 performed to a deceased person. 
 
 Obsequious, ob-seekwy-us (Latin, 
 obsequi, to f oUow after). Following closely ; 
 standing servilely ; yielding ; compliant ; 
 subservient. 
 
 Observanda, obzur-vandah (Latin). 
 Things to be observed ; objects or circum- 
 stances worthy of note. 
 
 Observatory,ob-zervah-turry (French, 
 observatoire). A place for conducting as- 
 tronomical observations. 
 
 Obsolete, obso-leet (Latin, ob; soleo, to 
 use). Gone out of use ; out of date ; anti- 
 quated ; old-fashioned. 
 
 Obstacle, obstah-kl (Latin, obsto, to 
 withstand). Anything which opposes; 
 hindrance ; obstruction. 
 
 Obstetric, ob-stetrik (Latin, obstetrix, 
 a midwife). Pertaining to midwifery, or 
 the accouchement of women. 
 
 Obstreperous, ob-streppa-rus (Latin, 
 ob ; strepo, to make a noise). Loud ; clam- 
 orous ; noisy ; turbulent. 
 
 Obstriction, ob-strikshun (Latin, ob ; 
 stringo, to strain). Obligation ; bond. 
 
 Obstruction, ob-strukshun (Latin, ob, 
 against ; struo, to build). Hindrance; 
 impediment ; obstacle. Anything which 
 retards progress, or blocks up a way or 
 channel. 
 
 I 
 
OBS 
 
 ODO 
 
 215 
 
 Obstruent,ob-struent (Latin, ohstruens, 
 hindering'). A class of medicines reputed 
 to have the power of closing the orifices 
 of the ducts or canals of the body. 
 
 Obtrude, ob-trude (Latin, ob; trudo, to 
 thrust). To thrust forward ; to urge upon, 
 against the will. 
 
 Obtuse, ob-tuse (Latin, dbhindo, to 
 blunt). Dull ; stupid ; not acute ; not 
 sharp or shrill ; not having acute sensibi- 
 lity. Obtuse angle is' one larger than a 
 I'ight angle ; every angle exceeding 90 
 degrees. 
 
 Obverse, ob-verse (Latin, oh; verto, to 
 turn towards). The side of a coin on which 
 is the face, or the head ; opposed to 
 reverse. 
 
 Obviate, obvy»ate (Latin, oh, against ; 
 via, a way). To meet in the way ; to with- 
 stand ; to prevent ; to remove. 
 
 Obvious, obvy-us (Latin, oh, against ; 
 via, a way). Meeting ; preventing ; lying 
 in the way ; hence, easily discovered ; 
 readily perceived by the eye or the intel- 
 lect ; plain ; open ; exposed. 
 
 Obvoluted, obvo-lewted (Latin, ohvo- 
 lutus). Having one part rolled on another. 
 
 Occident, oksy-dent (Latin, occidens, 
 going down, the west). The western part 
 of the hemisphere ; that pa.i-t of the horizon 
 where the sun sets. 
 
 Occiput, oksy-put (Latin, occiput, the 
 head). The hinder part of the head or of 
 the skull. 
 
 Occult, ok-kult (Latin, oh; colo, to till). 
 Literally, ploughed over or buried ; hence, 
 hidden ; secret ; undiscovered ; unknown. 
 The occult sciences are the imaginary sciences 
 of the Middle Ages, such as alchemy and 
 astrology. An occult line in a draught is 
 a dry line not intended to be seen when 
 the plan is finished. 
 
 Occupant, okku-pant (Latin, occupo, 
 to occupy). One who takes or holds pos- 
 session. 
 
 Occupation, okku -payshun (Latin, 
 occupo, to occupy). The act of taking pos- 
 session ; possessing, holding, or putting to 
 use ; engagement ; the business followed 
 for a living. In military affairs, the taking 
 possession of a work or post, or remaining 
 stationary in any province. 
 
 Occurren9e, ok-kurrens (Latin, oh, 
 to ; curve, to run). An incident ; acci- 
 dental event ; occasional presentation; 
 anything not designed or expected. 
 
 Ocean, o-shun (Latin, oceamish A 
 name applied in a general sense to the great 
 mass of salt water, which covers more than 
 three-fifths of the globe ; it is usually 
 divided into three portions — the Atlantic 
 Ocean, which divides Europe and Africa from 
 America ; the Pacific Ocean, which divides 
 America from Asia ; the Indian. Ocean, 
 which separates the East Indies from 
 Africa. ' 
 
 Octagon, oktah-gon (Greek, oMo, eight; 
 gonia, an" angle). In geometry, a figure of 
 eight sides and eight angles. In fortifica- 
 tion, a place which has eight bastions or 
 
 Octave, ok-tave (Latin, octo, eight). 
 In music, an interval of eight sounds ; it 
 embraces all the primitive sounds, namely, 
 all the original tones and semitones. 
 
 Octavo, ok-tayvo (Latin, octo, eight). 
 The size of a book when the sheet is folded 
 into eight leaves, usually contracted 8vo. 
 
 Octofid, okto-fid (Latin, octo, eight ; 
 findo, to cleave). Separated into eight 
 segments. 
 
 Octogenarian, okto- j e-nary-an (Latin, 
 octo; geiiarius). A person eighty years of 
 age. 
 
 Octroi, ok-troaw (French). A tax on 
 articles brought in, levied at the £-ates of 
 Erenclv cities. 
 
 Ocular, okku-lar (Latin, ocuhic, an 
 eye). Depending on the eye"; pertaining 
 to the eye ; known by the eye ; received by 
 actual sight. 
 
 Oculist, okku-list (Latin, oculus, the 
 eye). One who makes the diseases of the 
 eye his study, and professes to heal them. 
 
 Odalisk, ) odah-lisk (Turkish, oda, 
 
 Odalisque,/ a chamber). The name 
 
 given to the female slaves in Turkey, who 
 
 are employed in the domestic service of the 
 
 wives and female relatives of the Sultan. 
 
 Ode, ode (Greek). Originally, a com- 
 position in verse designed to be sung or 
 delivered with music ; now generally ap- 
 plied to a short poem, or lyric poem. 
 
 Odeon, o-deeon (Greek, ode, an ode or 
 song). The name of a sort of theatre in 
 ancient Greece, devoted to poetical and 
 musical contests. 
 
 Odium, ode-yum (Latin, odi, to hate). 
 Hatred ; dislike ; unpopularity, mingled 
 with great dislike. 
 
 Odometer, o-dommy-tur (Greek, odos, 
 a rood ; metron, a measxire). An instru- 
 
216 
 
 ODO 
 
 ment for measuring distances in travelling, 
 attached to the wheel of a carriage. 
 
 Odoriferous, odo - riffer - us (Latin, 
 odo7', a scent ; fero, to bring). Giving 
 scent ; emitting fragrance ; perfumed ; 
 diffusing sweet smells. 
 
 Odyssey, oddy-se. The name of the 
 celebrated epic poem written by Homer, 
 about 900 years before Christ, so called 
 from Ulysses, or Odysseus, being the hero 
 whose adventures after the siege of Troy 
 are therein narrated. 
 
 Offal, of-fal (Dutch, ofval). Refuse ; 
 waste meat; anything thrown away as 
 unfit for food; anything of no worth or 
 value. 
 
 Offertory, offer-turry (French, offer- 
 toire). The act of offering ; anything 
 offered ; part of the Church service chanted 
 or read while the alms are being col- 
 lected. 
 
 OfB.cial, of-fishal (Latin, officium, office; 
 duty). Relating to an ofl&ce or public 
 trust ; done by authority. An official, 
 one who holds an office. 
 
 0£B.ciate, of-fishy-ate (Latin, officium, 
 office). To perform the duties of an office, 
 for oneself, or on behalf of another. 
 
 OflScinal, of-fissy-nal (Latin, officina). 
 Pertaining to a shop ; appHed especially to 
 such medicines as are kept ready for use 
 m the sh©ps of apothecaries. 
 
 OflB.ng, of-fing (from off). In nautical 
 language, the open sea, or that part of it 
 which is at a distance off the shore, and 
 where no pilot is needed. 
 
 OfPscouring, off - skowring. That 
 which is scoured off, cast off, or thrown 
 off; refuse, or rejected matter; that which 
 IS vile and despised. 
 
 Offset, off-set. A part of anything that 
 may be set or planted, coming off the 
 main root ; a sprout ; a shoot of a plant. 
 
 Offspring, off-spring. Aaything that 
 springs or arises from; as, production; 
 proportion ; posterity, child or children. 
 
 Ogle, o-gl (Dutch, oog). To regard 
 with fond glances ; to move the eye so as 
 to attract the notice of another; to view 
 with stolen glances, so as to avoid general 
 observation. 
 
 Ogre, o-gur (Firenoa, ogre). An imagi- 
 airy monster of the East, who lived on 
 42umaa boiagB. Feuiiidue, og^-ess. 
 
 OMN 
 
 Oil paintings. A term for pictures, 
 the colours of which have been tempered 
 with oil ; in contrast to water-colours. 
 
 Oleaginous, o-le-ajjen-us (Latin, 
 oleaginus). Oily; bearing oil; having the 
 quality of oil. 
 
 Olfactory, ol-fakturry (Latin, oko, to 
 smell ; facia, to do). Having the sense of 
 smelling; relating to smelling. Olfactory 
 nerves, the organs of smell. 
 
 Oligarchy, oUy-garky (Greek, oligos, 
 few ; archo, to rule). A form of govern- 
 ment in the hands of a few persons; a 
 species of aristocracy. 
 
 Olio, o-leo (Spanish, olio, from olla, a 
 pot for boiling vegetables). A dish made 
 of vegetables and different kinds of meat ; 
 figuratively apphed to a mixtiure or medley 
 of writings, or to musical collections. 
 
 Olive branch. A branch of the 
 olive-tree ; an emblem of peace and good- 
 will. 
 
 Olla podrida, ollah pod - reedah 
 (Spanish, putrid mixtxire). A mixture of 
 all kinds of meat cut into small pieces, 
 and stewed with various kinds of vege- 
 tables ; figuratively applied to any in- 
 congruous mixture, or collection of odds 
 and ends. 
 
 Olympiad, o-limpy-ad. Among the 
 ancient Greeks, an epoch of four years, 
 being the interval between the celebration 
 of the Olympian games. 
 
 Olympic, o-limpik. Belonging to 
 Olympia, or pertaining to the games which 
 the ancient Greeks celebrated there. 
 
 Omega, o-meega. The last letter in 
 the Greek alphabet ; hence. Alpha and 
 Omega, the first and the last ; the begin- 
 ning and the end. 
 
 Omen, o-men (Latin). A token or sign 
 of good or ill ; an indication of some future 
 event ; a foreboding ; a prognostic. 
 
 Ominous, ommin-us (Latin, ominosus). 
 Foreboding ill; inauspicious. 
 
 Omnibus, omny-bus (Latin, for or with 
 all). A public conveyance, employed in 
 cities and towns, for carrying passengers 
 short and specified distances. 
 
 Omniferous, om - niffer - us (Latin, 
 omnis, all;/ero, to bear). Producing all 
 kinds. 
 
 Omnipotent, om-nippo-tont (Latin, 
 
 omnes, ail ; potens, powerful). Almighty ; 
 all-powerful ; able to do all things. 
 
OMN 
 
 OPT 
 
 2ir 
 
 Omnipresence, omny-prezzens (Lat., 
 ovmis, all ; prassens, present). Presence in 
 every place; being in all places at the 
 same time. 
 
 Omniscient, om-nisshent (Latin, om- 
 niSf all; scientia, knowledge). Knowing 
 all things ; infinitely wise ; possessing 
 boundless and universal knowledge. 
 
 Omnium, omny-um (Latin, omniuvi, 
 the whole). A term employed on the 
 Stock Exchange, to denote the aggregate 
 of different stocks in the public funds ; 
 also, implying the securities which sub- 
 scribers to a loan receive from Govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Omnium gatherum, omny-um ga- 
 ther-um. A term applied to a miscella- 
 neous collection of persons or things. 
 
 Omnivorous, om-niwo-rus (Latin, 
 omnis, all; voro, to eat). All-devouring; 
 eating indiscriminately of everything ; 
 not limited to any one kind of food. 
 
 On Dit, on dee (French). They say ; 
 it is reported ; rumour ; gossip. 
 
 Onerous, onner-us (Latin, owtw, a 
 load). Burdensome ; pressing heavily ; 
 oppressive ; weighty. 
 
 Onset, on-set. An assault ; an attack; 
 the sudden charging of an army upon 
 an enemy. 
 
 Onslaught, on-slawt. Attack; as- 
 sault; murderous onset. 
 
 Ontology, on-tollo-je (Greek, ontos, 
 a being ; logos, a discourse). A depart- 
 ment in the science of metaphysics, which 
 investigates and explains the nature and 
 essence of all beings, their qualities and 
 a,ttributes. 
 
 Onus, o-nus (Latin, onus, a load, or 
 burden). Burden or weight of anything. 
 Onus prohandi is the burden of proving 
 a fact, or the obligation of establishing 
 it by evidence. 
 
 OnjTX, on-iks (Greek, omix, a finger- 
 nail). A semi-pellucid gem, generally 
 exhibiting two or more colours strongly 
 contrasted. The name was originally 
 given to any stone presenting somewhat 
 the appearance of the human naU. 
 
 Oolite, o-olite (Greek, oon, an egg ; 
 liikos, a stone). A species of limestone, 
 composed of globules clustered together, 
 usually without any visible cement. 
 
 Oology, o-ollo-je (Greek, oon, an egg; 
 logos, a discourse). A treatise on the 
 eggs of birds. 
 
 Ooze, ooz (Saxon, wesan, to wet). To 
 issue slowly; to flow gently; to pass in 
 small portions, as liquid passes when it is- 
 strained ; hence, applied to information, or 
 the truth of anything, which comes out by 
 degrees. 
 
 Opaque, o-pake (Latin, 'opacus, dark). 
 The reverse of transparent, and applied 
 to bodies through which light does not pass, 
 as the metals. 
 
 Operative, opper-aytiv (Latin, <ypus, 
 work). Having the power of acting ; 
 capable of producing effect; a workman, 
 an artisan. 
 
 Ophthalmia, oph-thalmeah (Greek, 
 ophthalmos, the eye). Inflammation of the 
 outer covering of the eye-ball and eye-lids, 
 frequently producing blindness. 
 
 Opiate, opy-ate (from opium). Induc- 
 ing sleep ; causing rest or inaction ; any 
 medicine containing opium, that has the 
 quality of inducing sleep or repose. 
 
 Opine, o-pine (Latin, opinor, to think). 
 To think ; to judge ; to deem likely or pro- 
 bable. 
 
 Oppidan, oppy-dan (Latin, oppidum, a 
 town). An inhabitant of a town ; a towns- 
 man, at the Universities opposed to gowns- 
 man ; at Eton school, a term applied to 
 those boys not on the foundation who 
 board in the town. 
 
 Opportune, oppor-tune (Latin, oppor- 
 tuims). Seasonable ; well-timed ; con- 
 venient ; at hand. 
 
 Opprobrium, op-probry-um (Latin,. 
 oh ; prohrum, disgrace). Reproach ; dis- 
 grace ; infamy. 
 
 Optic, op-tik (Greek, ops, the eye). 
 Pertaining to vision ; relating to the science 
 of optics ; used in seeing ; producing 
 sight. 
 
 Optics, op-tiks (Greek, ops, the eye). 
 The science which explains the laws of 
 vision ; it includes the nature, composi- 
 tion, and motion of light ; the doctrine of 
 colours, the construction and management 
 of optical instruments, &c. 
 
 Optimates, opty-maytez (Latin). A 
 name given to the E-oman nobility ; applied 
 to a nobiUty in general. 
 
 Optimism, optim-izm (Latin, optimus, 
 the best). In moral philosophy, the 
 doctrine that everything in nature is 
 ordered for the best ; or, as things are 
 ordained, so are they calculated to pro- 
 duce the greatest amount of good. 
 
218 
 
 OPT 
 
 ORD 
 
 Option, op-shun (Latin, opto, to wisli). 
 Choice ; power of choosing ; privilege of 
 selecting ; election ; wish ; preference. 
 On the Stock Exchange, a per-centage 
 given for the option of putting or calling, 
 that is, selling or buying, stock in time 
 bargains at a given price. 
 
 Opulent, oppu-lent (Latin, opes, riches). 
 Eich ; wealthy ; affluent. 
 
 Oracle, orrah - kl (Latin, wacuhtra). 
 Among the ancients, an answer pretended 
 to be given by the gods to those who con- 
 sulted them respecting future events and 
 probabilities ; also the name of him who 
 gave the answer, and the place where it was 
 given. The high estimation in which the 
 oracle was held serves to give the same 
 word among us the meaning of an opinion 
 deemed infallible, or any statement re- 
 garded as authoritative and weighty. 
 
 Oracular, o - rakku - lar. Uttering 
 oracles ; resembling an oracle, either ' as 
 regards its authority or ambiguity. 
 
 ^ Oral, o-ral (Latin, os, the mouth). 
 Uttered by the mouth; spoken, liot 
 ■written. 
 
 Orangeman, orranj-man. The name 
 given by the Catholics of Ireland to their 
 Protestant countrymen, on account of 
 their adherence to King William (of the 
 House of Orange), while the former party 
 sui>ported James the Second. 
 
 Oration, o-rayshun (Latin, ore, to 
 speak). A public speech ; an elaborate 
 address ; a discourse delivered upon a 
 special occasion, or to a select auditory. 
 
 Oratorio, orah-tory-o (Italian, from 
 Latin, oratori'am, a small chapel). A 
 species of sacred drama, or musical com- 
 position, consisting of airs, duets, trios, 
 choruses, &c., the subject of which is 
 generally taken from Scripture. 
 
 Oratory, orrah-turry (Xatin, oro, to 
 speak). Eloquence; the art of speaking 
 correctly and elegantly ; exercise of elo- 
 quence. In the Koman Catholic Chm'ch, 
 a room or place set apart for private devo- 
 tions. 
 
 Orb, awi^b (Latin, orlis, a circle, or 
 globe). A round or spherical body; a 
 sphere or circle ; a circular body that 
 revolves and rolls; a circle described by 
 imy mundane sphere ; the eye. 
 
 Orbit, awr-bit (Latin, orhita). In 
 astronomy, the line or path described by a 
 planet in its revolution. In anatomy, the 
 cavity ia which the eye is situated. 
 
 Orchestra, awrkes-trah (Greek, orche- 
 isthai, to dance), A place set apart in a 
 theatre, or concert-room, for musicians. 
 It is so called from being, in the Greek 
 theatres, the place where the chorus danced 
 and the musicians played. 
 
 Ordain, awr-dane (Latin, ordo, order). 
 To appoint ; to decree ; to estabHsh ; to 
 invest with ministerial functions. 
 
 Ordeal, awr-deal (Saxon, ordcel). A 
 form of trial among the Anglo-Saxons, 
 practised either by boiling water or red- 
 hot iron ; hence, applied to a severe trial ; 
 accm'ate scrutiny ; close test. 
 
 Orderly. In military affairs, an officer 
 appointed for the day, whose immediate 
 duty is to attend to the internal economy 
 and good order of the corps, or the division 
 of it to which he belongs. 
 
 Ordinance, awrdy - nans (French, 
 ordonnance). An established rule or law ; 
 a rescript ; observance of a command. 
 
 Ordinary, awrdin-ary (Latin, ordlna,- 
 rius). According to established order ; 
 common ; usual ; of moderate quality or 
 value ; plain in personal appearance ; 
 inferior ; mean. Ordinary, in common and 
 canon law, is one who has immediate juris- 
 diction in matters ecclesiastical, as the 
 bishop of a diocese, or the archbishop of 
 a whole province. The ordinary of New- 
 gate is a clergyman who attends to the 
 spiritual welfare of prisoners, and especicilly 
 attends on criminals condemned to be 
 hanged, to prepare them for death. The 
 establishment of persons employed by 
 Government to take charge of ships of 
 war laid up in harbours; hence, a ship 
 in ordinary is one laid up under the dh-ec- 
 tion of the master attendant. Also, a 
 name given to a dinner prepared at an 
 hotel or inn, to which any person is ad- 
 mitted upon paying a stated charge.. 
 
 Ordination, awrdin - ayshun (Latin, 
 ordinatio). An established order or regu- 
 lation; admission to holy orders, or initiation 
 of a person into the priesthood. In Pres- 
 byterian and Congregational churches, the 
 act of settling or establishing a licensed 
 preacher over a congregation, with pastoral 
 charge and authority. 
 
 Ordnance, awrd-nans(from ordinance). 
 The name given to great guns, cannon, &c., 
 as distinguished from smaU arms. The 
 Board of Ordnance is the establishment 
 which provides guns, ammunition, and 
 arms of every description for public 
 service. 
 
OEB 
 
 OSS 
 
 J19 
 
 Ore, ore (Saxon, ore). The name given 
 to a native compound of a metal and some 
 mineralising substance ; a metal in the 
 mineral state. The name is only applied 
 to mineral bodies which contain the metal 
 in such quantities as to be worth the 
 labour of extracting it. 
 
 Organic, awr-gannik (Latin, wganicus.) 
 Consisting of organs, or natural instru- 
 ments of action ; acting as means or 
 instiniment ; made or designed for some 
 certain end. 
 
 Organize, awrgan-ize (French, orgaa- 
 iser). To construct so that all the pai-ts 
 shall mutually assist each other; to dis- 
 tribute into suitable parts, and appoint 
 appropriate agents, so as to insure uniform 
 operation. 
 
 Organography, awrgan - oggrah - f y 
 (Greek, organon; grapho, to write). In 
 botany, a description of the organs of 
 plants, or of the names and kinds of their 
 organs. 
 
 Orgies, awr-jiz. This word is the 
 plural of the Greek oiyia, or revels in ho- 
 notu" of Bacchus, held, dui-ing the night ; 
 applied generally to any feast of revelry 
 or riot, especially such as take place at 
 night. 
 
 Oriel, ory-el (Old French, oriol, a recess 
 or small apartment). A room or recess 
 next a hall ; a kind of projecting or bay 
 •window, in Gothic architecture. 
 
 Orient, ory-ent (Latin, orior, to rise). 
 The east ; place of the rising sun ; rising 
 as the sun ; glittering ; bright ; shining. 
 
 Oriental, ory-ental (French, Onental). 
 Eastern ; placed in the east ; proceeding 
 from the east ; an inhabitant or native of 
 some eastern part of the world. 
 
 Orifice, orry-fis (Latin, onficium). An 
 opening; a perforation ; a gap. 
 
 Oriflamme, awrry - flame. Golden 
 flame ; the ancient royal standard of the 
 kings of France. 
 
 Origin, orry-jin (Latin, origo). Primary 
 state of being or existence ; beginning ; 
 rise ; spring ; source ; first issue ; deriva- 
 tion or descent. 
 
 Orison, orry-zun (Latin, oro, to pray). 
 A prayer ; suppUcation. 
 
 Ormolu, oi-mo-lu. A namg given to 
 brass, when it is made to assume the 
 appearance of gold. 
 
 Ornate, awr-nate (Latin, or?io, to em- 
 bellish). Adorned; decorated; beautified; 
 embellished. 
 
 Ornithology, awmy-thoUo-je (Greek, 
 oivizs, a bird; logos, a discom-se). The 
 department of natural history which treats 
 of birds, describes their structure, teaches 
 their economy, and arranges them in 
 classes, orders, genera, and species. 
 
 Orotund, oi-o-tund. A mode of into- 
 nation directly from the larynx, which 
 gives fullness, clearness, and strength; 
 the highest perfection of the voice. 
 
 Orphan, awr-fan (Greek, orplmnos). 
 A child who is bereaved of either father 
 or mother, or both. 
 
 Orrery, orer-ry. A machine con- 
 structed for the purpose of representing 
 and illustrating the movements and phases 
 of the planetary system ; named in honour 
 of the Earl of Orrery, who first patronised 
 the invention. 
 
 Orthodox, awrtho-doks (Greek, oHhos, 
 right ; doxa, opinion). Sound in religions 
 opinion ; right in doctrine ; consistent with 
 faith ; according to the Scriptures ; opposed 
 to heterodox. 
 
 Orthoepy, awi'-thoee-py (Greek, orthos, 
 right; epos, a word). Correct speech or 
 pronunciation. 
 
 Orthography, awr-thograh-f y (Greek, 
 orthos, right ; grapho, to write). The pro- 
 per mode of wiiting or spelling words ; 
 that part of grammar which treats of letters 
 and syllables. In architecture, the art of 
 delineating or drawing the front of an 
 object, so as to exhibit the height and ele- 
 vation of the several parts. 
 
 Oscillate, ossil-ate. To move back- 
 ward and forward, as a pendulum; to 
 swing ; to vibrate ; metaphorically applied 
 to conduct or opinion which is unsettled 
 and wavering. 
 
 Osculation, osl^kew-layshun (Latin, 
 osculor, to kiss). In geometiy, the contact 
 between any cmwe and a circle, which has 
 the same cxuTature as the given curve at the 
 point of contact ; the act of kissing. 
 
 Os frontis, os front-is (Latin). The 
 frontal-bone ; the forehead. 
 
 Osmazone, oz-mayzone (Greek, osme, 
 smell; zomos, broth). A peculiar animal 
 principle, of a brownish-yellow coloui', and 
 of the taste and smell of soup. It is 
 obtained by digesting cold water for somo 
 hours, on slices of raw muscular fibre, and 
 evaporating the liquor to dryness. 
 
 Ossification, ossiE-ekayshun (Latin, 
 OS, a bone ; Jio, to become). The forma- 
 
220 
 
 OST 
 
 OVE 
 
 tion of bone ; in pathology, the conversion j 
 of membi-anous or muscnlar parts into a 
 bony substance. 
 
 Ostensible, os-tensy-bl (Latin, ostendo, 
 to show). That which appears or seems ; 
 apparent ; shown, declared, or avowed. 
 
 Osteology, osty-ollo-jy (Greek, osteon, 
 a bone ; logos, a discourse). In anatomy, a 
 description of bones. 
 
 Ostracism, ostrah-sizm (Greek, osh-a- 
 Jcon, a shell). A mode of banishment 
 practised at Athens, and so called because 
 the name of the person to be banished, or 
 the note of acquittal, was inscribed on a 
 shell, given in by the voters ; colloquially 
 applied to banishment from society, or 
 deprivation of office or rank. 
 
 Ottava Rima, ottay-vah reem-ah 
 (Italian). Octuple rhyme. An Italian 
 mode of versification, consisting of stanzas 
 of two alternate triplets and a couplet at 
 the end. 
 
 Otto,, ot-to. Essence, usually applied 
 to essential oil extracted from flowers. 
 
 Ottoman, otto-man (Turkish). Re- 
 lating to Turkey, or the Turks ; a species 
 of sofa, or lounging seat. 
 
 Ous. In chemistry, a termination 
 denoting an acid, containing one equiva- 
 lent less of the acidifying principle than 
 those that end in ic, as sulphurows acid ; 
 sulphimc acid. 
 
 Oust, owst (French, oter). To remove 
 or put out of possession ; to eject ; to cast 
 out. 
 
 Outbreak, owt- brake. A bursting 
 forth; an eruption ; a riot or mutiny. 
 
 Outfall, owt-fawl. A fall of water; 
 a canal. 
 
 Outfit, owt-fit. A preparing, as of a 
 ship for a voyage ; the collective term for 
 the articles of personal and domestic use 
 required on a voyage. 
 
 Outlandish, owt - landish (Saxon, 
 utloendisc). Foreign; not native; bom or 
 produced in the interior country, or among 
 rude people. 
 
 Outlaw, owt-law (Saxon, utlagian). 
 To put out of the law, or protection of the 
 law ; to exclude, expel, deprive of the pro- 
 tection of the law ; one excluded from the 
 benefits of the law, or deprived of its pro- 
 tection. 
 
 Outlet, owt-let. A place or passage 
 by which anything escapes or passes out- 
 ward. 
 
 Outline, owt-line. The line by which 
 a figfure is defined ; a sketch ; first, general, 
 or rough drawing of a subject. 
 
 Outpost, owt-post. In military affairs, 
 a post or station beyond the limits of the 
 camp ; a body of soldiers placed beyond 
 the main-guard. 
 
 Outrage, owt-raje (French, outrager). 
 Violent rudeness ; rough treatment ; rude 
 and insolent language ; excessive abuse ; 
 wanton mischief. 
 
 Outre, oo-tray (French). Out of the 
 ordinary course or limits ; eccentric ; ex- 
 travagant; conspicuous. 
 
 Outrider, owt - rider. A servant 
 attached to any travelling or royal equi- 
 page, who rides forward for the purpose of 
 paying the toUs, clearing the way, &c. 
 
 Outrigger, out-riggur. The sea term 
 for any projecting spar or piece of timber, 
 employed for extending ropes, .saUs, and 
 for other temporary purposes. 
 
 Outwit, owt-wit. To surpass in cim- 
 ning or design ; tp overcome by stratagem; 
 to overreach ; to cheat. 
 
 Outwork, owt-wurk. The part of a 
 fortification most remote from the main 
 fortress or citadel, bmlt for the purpose of 
 keeping the besiegers at a distance. 
 
 Oval, o-vul (Latin, ovu7n, an egg). 
 Having the form or shape of an egg ; re- 
 sembling an egg. 
 
 Ovate, o-vate (Latin, ovatus). Formed 
 with the lowest extremities broadest, as an 
 ovate leaf ; shaped like an egg. 
 
 Ovation, o-vayshun. In ancient Rome, 
 an 'nferior kind of triumph accorded to 
 military leaders. The word is supposed to 
 be derived from the Latin ovis, a sheep ; 
 because that was the only animal which 
 was sacrificed on such occasions. 
 
 Overbearing, ovur-baring. Domi- 
 neering ; tyrannical ; haughty ; seeking to 
 repress or subdue by effrontery or in- 
 solence. 
 
 Overcome, ovur-kum. To conquer; 
 to subdue ; to surmount ; to conquer in 
 argument ; to render powerless in a trial 
 of strength. 
 
 Overhaul, ovur-hawl. To turn over 
 for inspection; to re-examine ; to scru- 
 tinise, or look into closely. 
 
 Overlook, ovur-look. To supervise ; 
 to suiT^ey ; to pass over in looking ; hence, 
 not to see ; to disregard ; to reglect ; to 
 omit. 
 
 
OVE 
 
 PAC 
 
 221 
 
 Overplus, ovur-plus (over, and Latin, 
 plus, more). The number or quantity re- 
 maining beyond a suflficiencyj or a quantity 
 proposed ; superfluity ; residue. 
 
 Overrate, ovur-rate. To rate or 
 estimate too highly ; to deem of too great 
 value ; to judge a person or thing in excess 
 of real worth. 
 
 Overreach, ovur-reetsh. Literally, to 
 stretch or extend over the space between ; 
 hence, to go beyond reasonable or proper 
 limits ; to cheat ; to deceive. 
 
 Overt, ove-urt (French, ouvert). Open; 
 public ; undisguised ; done without con- 
 cealment. In law, an overt act is a mani- 
 fest act, implying criminality. 
 
 Overture, ovurt-yur (French, ouver- 
 iure). An opening ; a proposal made ; the 
 preliminary step taken by persons about 
 to treat. In music, the introductory piece 
 to an opera or oratorio, or the symphony 
 played in theatres previous to the drawing 
 up of the curtain. 
 
 Overweening, ovur- weening (Saxon, 
 ojir wenan). Too high an opinion of self ; 
 an excess of self-confidence ; arrogant ; 
 conceited. 
 
 Overwhelm, ovur-welm (Saxon, ofer 
 dhwylfan). To crush beneath ; to spread 
 over, and bear down ; to immerse ; to sink 
 to the lowest depths. 
 
 Oviferm, ovy-fawrm (Latin, ovum, an 
 Qgg ; forma, shape). Having the shape or 
 form of an egg. 
 
 Oviparous, o-vippah-rus (Latin, ovum, 
 an Qgg ; pario, to bring forth). Producing 
 eggs ; an epithet for animals which lay 
 eggs inclosed in a calcareous shell. 
 
 Oxalic, oks-allik. In chemistry, an 
 acid existing in the wood- sorrel. Oxalic 
 acid may, however, be obtained most 
 readily and most economically from sugar, 
 by the action of nitric acid. 
 
 Oxidation, oksy-dayshun. The pro- 
 cess by which metals and some other ele- 
 ments are converted into oxide, by combi- 
 nation with oxygen. 
 
 Oxide, oks-ide. A substance combined 
 •with oxygen, without being in the state of 
 an acid ; also spelt oxyde. 
 
 Oxygen, oksy-jen (Greek, oxys, acid ; 
 gennao, to engender). An elementary body 
 which sometimes exists in the solid or 
 fluid form, but which can be examined only 
 in a gaseous state ; it constitutes the vital 
 part of the air, essential to combustion, and 
 generates oxides and acids. 
 
 Oxygon, oksy-gon (Greek, oxys, sharp; 
 gonia, an angle). A term applied in geo- 
 metry to figures in which all the angles 
 are acute. 
 
 Oxymoron, oksy-morun (Greek, oxys, 
 sharp ; moros, foolish). A figure in rheto- 
 ric, in which an epithet of a contrary sig- 
 nification is added, as '' painful pleasure," 
 " cruel kindness." 
 
 Oyer and Terminer, o-yur and 
 termy-nur (French, to hear and deter- 
 mine). In law, a court held by virtue of 
 the Queen's commission, to hear and deter- 
 mine all treasons, felonies, and misdemean* 
 ours. 
 
 O-yes, o-yes (corruption from the 
 French, oyez, hear). An expression used 
 by the crier of a court of law, and public 
 criers generally, in order to enjoin silence 
 and attention when any proclamation is 
 being made. 
 
 P. 
 
 Pabulum, pabbu-lum (Latin). Food ; 
 aliment ; substance affording nutrition ; 
 fuel ; that which supplies the means of 
 combustion. 
 
 Pacha, ) pa-shaw. In Turkey, a viceroy 
 Pasha, j or military governor of a pro- 
 vince. There are two classes of pachas, 
 and the distinction of rank consists in the 
 number of horses' tails that are carried 
 before them as standards ; the higher hav- 
 ing three, and the lower two. 
 
 Paehalic, pah-shawl-ik. Pertaining 
 to the government of a pacha. 
 
 Pacific, pah-siffik (Latin, pacificus). 
 Promoting or restoring peace ; mild ; 
 gentle; tranquiUising. Pacific Ocean, the 
 name given to the ocean which lies between 
 America on the east, and Asia and Australia 
 on the west ; it was so called by the first 
 European who visited it, from the com- 
 parative calm he experienced immediately 
 on entering this vast expanse of water, 
 after having encountered stormy weather 
 and tempestuous gales in the adjoining- 
 straits. 
 
 Pack, pak (Dutch, paTc). A large 
 bimdle, or anything prepared for carriage ; 
 fifty-two playing-cards assorted; a num- 
 ber of hovmds for hunting. 
 
 Packed Juiy. A jury selected of 
 such persons whose tenets, political 
 opinions, or prejudices are likely to in- 
 fluence their verdict. 
 
 Packet, pak-et (French, paquei). A 
 small parcel or package j a ship or other 
 
222 PAC 
 
 vessel employed by Government to convey 
 letters and dispatches from one country 
 or port to another. 
 
 Paek-liorse, pak-hawrs. A horse which 
 carries goods ; a horse employed in carry- 
 ing burdens. 
 
 Pact, pakt (Latin, pactum) . A bargain, 
 contract, covenant, or agreement. 
 
 Paddock, pad-duk (Saxon, pada). A 
 small inclosure of land ; generally a pas- 
 turage for sick horses. The term is sup- 
 posed to be corrupted iromparruck, a park. 
 
 Paddy, pad-dy. An East Indian name 
 for rice in the husk ; a nickname for a 
 native of Ireland, from Patrick. 
 
 Padisha, pa-deesha. A title bestowed 
 on the Persian shah, or Turkish sultan, 
 signifying protector, or throne -prince. 
 
 Faduasoy, pad-uah-soy (from Padua, 
 in Italy, and soie, silk — French). A kind 
 of silk or silken cloth. 
 
 Psean, ) pe-an. Among the ancients, 
 Pean, j a song of triumph, praise, or 
 rejoicing in honour of Apollo, and also of 
 other gods ; so caUed because the words 
 lo pecan frequently occurred in it, in 
 allusion to Apollo's contest with the ser- 
 pent. 
 
 Pagan, pay-gan. One who worships 
 false gods ; an idolater ; a heathen ; the 
 term is now chiefly used to denote one who 
 is neither a Christian nor Mohammedan. 
 The word is derived from the Ij&tm paganus, 
 a peasant, from pagus, . a village, because 
 on the first propagation of Christianity, 
 the country people or dwellers in villages 
 adhered to their ancient idolatry, while 
 the inhabitants of cities embraced the new 
 faith. 
 
 Page, paje (French and Spanish). A 
 boy attendant, or young male servant, 
 employed about persons of rank, or 
 engaged in light offices or trifling ser- 
 
 Pageant, paj-ent (Greek, pegnia). A 
 show or spectacle ; a public entertainment 
 or procession ; a representation or exhibi- 
 tion of a showy or splendid kind ; a pom- 
 pous display. 
 
 Pagoda, pa-godah jfHindostanee, hoot- 
 Jchuda, abode of God). A temple in China 
 and the East Indies ; an Indian idol, con- 
 sisting of an image of baked earth, and 
 placed within the temples ; also a gold 
 coin, formerly current in the south of 
 India, value about ei^ht shillings. 
 
 PAL 
 
 Pains and Penalties. In law, an 
 Act of Parliament to inflict pains and 
 penalties, beyond or contrary to the com- 
 mon law, in the particular cases of gi'eat 
 public offenders. 
 
 Pair-ofiE". A parHamentary phrase, 
 when two members of opposite politics 
 withdraw from a division, thereby having 
 the same effect as though each recorded 
 their vote. 
 
 Paladin, pallah-din. A knight-errant, 
 who went about praising his mistress, and 
 who fought anybody who refused to ac- 
 knowledge the truth of his panegyrics. 
 
 Pal8eograpliy,pally-oggrah-fy(Greek, 
 palaios, ancient; grapho, to write). De- 
 scription of ancient manuscripts, inscrip- 
 tions, &c. 
 
 Palaeology, pally - olio - jy (Greek, 
 palaios, ancient ; logos, a discourse). The 
 study of ancient things ; a discourse on 
 antiquity. 
 
 Palanquin, ) pallan-keen(Hindostanee 
 Palankeen, j^a^^ee, from Sanscrit, 
 paluc, a couch). A kind of litter or 
 covered carriage, used In India, and borne 
 on the shoulders of four porters, called 
 coolies. 
 
 Palate, pal-at (Latin, palatum,). The 
 upper part or roof of the mouth ; the 
 organ of taste ; mental rehsh. 
 
 Palatial, pal-ayshal (Latin, palatium). 
 Pertaining to a palace ; befitting a palace ; 
 magnificent. 
 
 Palatinate, pa-latty-nate. The name 
 formerly given to two states of Germany ; 
 the province or seignory of a palatine. 
 
 Palatine, pallah-tin (Latin, palatinus). 
 Eelating to a palace ; appUed originally to 
 persons holding an office or employment 
 in the royal palace ; possessing royal pri- 
 vileges. In law, the counties of Chester, 
 Durham, and Lancaster are called counties 
 palatine. Elector Palatine, a title of an 
 elector of the German Empire. 
 
 Palaver, pa-lahvur (Portuguese, pa- 
 lavra). Idle, superfluous talk; deceptive 
 words ; an African conference or delibera- 
 tion ; flattery. 
 
 Palestra, pa-lestrah (Greek). In 
 ancient Greece, a place in which the youth 
 practised and were instructed in athletic 
 exercises ; the act of wrestling. 
 
 Palette, pal-let. Among painters, a 
 piece of wood, usually of wahiut or maho- 
 gany, upon which the artist lays the pig- 
 
TAL 
 
 ments with which he paints his pictures ; 
 supposed to be the diminutive of Latin, 
 loala, a shovel. 
 
 Palfrey, pawl-fry (French, palefroi). 
 A. small horse used by ladies ; a state- 
 horse with trappings. 
 
 Palilogy, pa-lillo-jy (Greek, palin, 
 again ; loffos, a word). In rhetoric, the 
 repetition of a word or phrase for the sake 
 of effect. 
 
 Palindrome, paDin - drome (Greek, 
 palin, again ; dromos, a course). A verse 
 or line wlSich is the same whether read 
 backward or forward, as the word madam, 
 or the sentence, subidura a rudihus. 
 
 Palinode, pallin-ode (Greek, 'palin, 
 again ; ode, a song). A recantation, or a 
 composition in which a poet unsays what 
 he has previously asserted. 
 
 Palisade, pally-sade (French, palis- 
 sade). A fence or fortification formed with 
 pales. 
 
 Pall, pawl (Latin, pallmra). A mantle 
 of state, a cloak ; the cloak of an arch- 
 bishop, a pope, &c. ; a covering for the dead, 
 thrown over the coffin, and in cases of 
 eminent and distinguished persons, usually 
 upheld by pall-bearers. 
 
 Palladium, pal-laddy-um. Originally, 
 a statue of the goddess Pallas, represent- 
 ing her sitting with a pike in her right 
 hand, and a distaff and spindle in her left. 
 On the preservation of this statue de- 
 pended the safety of Troy ; hence, the 
 term has come to denote a security, pro- 
 tection, or safeguard. 
 
 Pallet, pal-let (Latin, palea, chaff, 
 straw). A bed made of straw ; a mean or 
 rude contrivance for sleeping upon. 
 
 Palliate, pally-ate (Latin, pallium, 
 a cloak). Literally, to cover with a cloak ; 
 hence, to conceal ; to hide ; to disguise ; 
 to give a false appearance to ; to soften by 
 favourable representations. 
 
 Pallid, pal-id (Latin, pallidus). Wan ; 
 faint in appearance ; sickly looking ; dim. 
 
 Pall-Mali, pel-mel (Latin, pila, a ball ; 
 malleus, a mall, or bat). A game of bat 
 and ball, formerly much in vogue ; the 
 name of a place in London, in which this 
 game was originally played. 
 
 Palm, pahm (Latin, palma). The open 
 hand ; the inner part of the hand ; the uame 
 of many species of plants, particularly of 
 tho date-tree or great palm, a native of 
 Asia and Africa, the branches of which 
 
 PAM 
 
 223 
 
 wera anciently worn in token of victory. 
 To conceal in the palm of the hand, as 
 jugglers do ; and hence, to practise delu- 
 sion ; to impose upon ; to pass off an imi- 
 tation of the real thing, which is withheld 
 (in the palm). 
 
 Palmated, pal-mayted \ Having the 
 Palmate, pal-mate j" feet broad ; 
 resembling the shape of the hand ; divided 
 so as to resemble a hand spread open. 
 
 Palmer, pah-mur. A pilgrim, espe- 
 cially one who, at the time of the Crusades 
 or Holy Wars, returned from Palestine, 
 bearing a branch of palm in his hand. 
 
 Palmistry, pahmistry (Latin, palma, 
 the hand). A pretended art of telling a 
 person's fortune by inspecting the lines of 
 the palm of the hand. 
 
 Palmy, pah-my. Abounding in palm^, 
 or victorious, because the branches of the 
 palm-tree were borne in token of victory ; 
 hence, used synonymously for flourishii^, 
 prosperous. 
 
 Palpable, palpa-bl (Latin, palpo, to 
 touch). Literally, anything so certain that 
 it maybe touched ; hence, plain ; obvious ; 
 gross ; coarse ; easily perceptible or de- 
 tected. 
 
 Palpitation, palpy-tayshun (Latin, 
 palpito). A quick movement or frequent 
 beating ; an unnaturally rapid action of the 
 heart. 
 
 Palsy, pawl-zy (a contraction of para- 
 lysy). Loss of the power of motion ; para- 
 lysis. 
 
 Palter, pawl-tur (French, poUroii). To 
 prevaricate ; to use false pretences ; to 
 make idle and frivolous excuses ; to act or 
 speak ambigniously ; to fritter or triflo 
 away. 
 
 Pampas, pam-paz, A name given to 
 the vast plains or prairies of South 
 America. 
 
 Pam.per, pam-pur. To cherish or train. 
 up luxuriously ; to feed with delicacies. 
 The word is properly derived from the 
 French pampre, a vine-leaf or shoot, as 
 being remarkable for its luxuriant growth. 
 
 Pamphlet, pam-flet. A stitched book; 
 a few printed sheets merely stitched 
 together, without binding or wrapper- 
 Various etymologies have been suggested 
 for this word; that most commonly received 
 being par un filet, French for " by a thread." 
 
 PampMeteer, pam - flet - teer. A 
 writer of pamphl^^* ; a mere scribbler. 
 
22-1 
 
 PAN 
 
 PAN 
 
 Panacea, pauah-seah (Greek, pan^ all ; 
 ■aJceomai, to cure). In mythology, tlie 
 daughter of Esculapius, the goddess of 
 health, to whom was given the power of 
 heaUng all diseases ; hence, the application 
 of the term to a universal remedy ; a cure 
 for all evils and disorders. 
 
 Paneratic, pan-krattik (Greek, pan, 
 all ; kratos, strength). All-powerful ; ex- 
 celling in gymnastics and feats of strength; 
 victorious in all contests or combats. 
 
 Pancreas, pankry-as (Greek, pan, all ; 
 h-eas, flesh). In anatomy, a gland situated 
 at the bottom of the stomach ; the sweet- 
 bread. 
 
 Pandarus, pandar-us. The pimp in 
 Shakespeare's play of Troilus and Cressida. 
 
 Pandect, pan-dekt (Latin, pandectoe). 
 A treatise which comprehends the whole 
 of any science. Pandects, a digest of civil 
 or Roman law, made by order of Justinian. 
 
 Pandemic, pan-demmik (Greek, pan, 
 all; demos, people). Incident to a whole 
 people ; epidemic. 
 
 Pandemonium, pandy - mony - um 
 (Greek, pan, all ; daimon, a demon). The 
 infernal regions ; the dominion of all the 
 demons ; applied figuratively to any scene 
 of excessive noise, confusion, and turbu- 
 lence 
 
 Pander, pan-dur. A pimp ; a mean 
 wretch. To procure gratification for the 
 passions of others. Originally spelt pandar. 
 
 Pandiculation, pan - dikku - layshun 
 (Latin, pandiculans). Stretching of the 
 limbs when yawning ; an involuntary 
 action of the muscles, frequently occurring 
 before and after sleep ; restlessness and 
 uneasiness usually accompanying the cold 
 fits of intermittent fever. 
 
 Pandoor, pan-door. A kind of light 
 cavalry soldier in the Austrian service, 
 raised from the Turkish ff-ontiers ; also 
 called pandour, and pandorus. 
 
 Pane, pane (Latin, pagina, a page of a 
 book). A square of glass; — sometimes 
 applied to a segment of other substances ; 
 a piece of variegated work. 
 
 Panegyric, panny-jirrik (Greek, pane- 
 gyris). Formal praise ; a laudatory speech 
 or oration ; written eulogy. 
 
 Panel, pan-el (Latin, panellum). A 
 return of jurors to sei-ve upon any trial, 
 written upon a little pane, or oblong piece 
 of parchment. In jonery, a square piece 
 inserted between other bodies. 
 
 Pang, pang (Saxon, pyngan, to pain). 
 A sharp and sudden pain ; torture of body ; 
 anguish of mind. 
 
 Panic, pan-ik. Sudden fright, or 
 extreme fear, without real cause ; ground- 
 less alarm. The origin of the word is said 
 to be derived from Pan, one of the captains 
 of Bacchus, who, with a small number of 
 men, put to flight a numerous army, by 
 the noise which his soldiers raised in a 
 rocky valley being exaggerated by the sur- 
 rounding echoes. 
 
 Panier, pan-yur (Latin, paniiarius). A 
 name fonnerly given to a domestic who 
 waited at table, and handed the bread, 
 wine, &c., to those who dined. The atten- 
 dants who wait upon the benchers in the 
 dining- hall of the Inner and Middle Temple 
 still bear this name. 
 
 Panification, panny-f e-kayshun (Lat., 
 panis, bread ; facio, to make). The act or 
 process of baking bread. 
 
 Pannel. In Scottish law, the name 
 applied to the person accused of a criminal 
 action, from the time of his appearance in 
 court until he quits the bar. 
 
 Pannier, pan-yur (Latin, panarium). 
 Primarily, a basket for carrying bread, 
 then for other articles ; usually applied to 
 the baskets suspended from the back of a 
 horse, mule, ass, &c. 
 
 Panoply, panop-ly (Greek, pan, all ; 
 oplon, armour). Armour, covering the 
 whole body; all the armour that can be 
 worn for protection or defence. 
 
 Panopticon, pan-opty-kon (Greek, 
 pan, all ; optomai, to see). A place where 
 everything and everybody is supposed to 
 be seen. 
 
 Panorama, panno-rahmah (Greek, 
 pan, all ; horama, view). A large circular 
 painting, exhibited on the walls of a build- 
 ing of the same form, so that the spectator 
 appears to be looking around him at a real 
 view. 
 
 Pansophy, panso-fy (Greek, pan, all ; 
 Sophia, wisdom). Universal knowledge or 
 wisdom. 
 
 Pansy, pan-zy (French, /3e?i5ee, thought). 
 Another name for the heart's-ease. The 
 term is supposed to have been given to 
 this class of flower because their fanciful 
 or variegated appearance is calculated to 
 awaken the thought, or fancy. 
 
 Pantaloon, pantah-Ioon (French, pan- 
 talon). Originally, a species of close, long 
 
PAN 
 
 trousers, extending to the heels ; a buffoon 
 or representative of a comical old man in 
 a pantomime. 
 
 Pantechnicon, pan-tekny-kon (Greek, 
 pan, all; techne, art). A place in which 
 every species of workmanship is collected 
 and exposed for sale. 
 
 Pantheism, panthy-izm (Greek, pan, 
 all ; Theos, God). The system of theology 
 in which the doctrine is maintained that 
 the universe is God. 
 
 Pantheon, panthe-un {Gree\.,pan, all ; 
 Theos, God). The name of a temple in 
 Eome, dedicated to all the gods. The 
 term has been applied to a public exhibi- 
 tion, embracing every variety of amuse- 
 ment ; and also, to % work describing the 
 mythology, or all the gods of the ancients. 
 
 Pantograph, panto-graf (Greek, pan, 
 all ; grapho, to write). An instrument 
 contrived for the purpose of copying draw- 
 ings, plans, &c., either on a larger or a 
 smaller scale. 
 
 Pantologry, pan-tollo-jy (Greek, pan, 
 all ; logos, a discourse). A work conveying 
 universal instruction and information, upon 
 the same plan as an encyclopasdia. 
 
 Pantometer, pan-tommy-tur (Greek, 
 panta, all ; metron, a measure). An instru- 
 ment employed in measuring all kinds of 
 elevations, angles, distances, &c. 
 
 Pantomime, panto-mime (Greek, jpa;i, 
 all : mimos, mimic). A theatrical enter- 
 tainment, consisting of gestures, actions, 
 and various kinds of tricks performed by 
 the actors concerned, aided by appropriate 
 scenery ; representation in dumb show ; 
 imitation by mute action. 
 
 Pantophagous, pan - toffah - gus 
 (Greek, pan, all ; phagos, to eat). Omni- 
 vorous ; eating indiscriminately of all kinds 
 of food. 
 
 Papa, pa-pah. Another name for 
 father, chiefly used by children, and trace- 
 able to the repetition of a first sound, pa, 
 pa, breathed softly through the lips. 
 
 Papacy, paypah-sy (Italian, papa, the 
 Pope). The state or rank of Pope; the 
 office or dignity of the Pope and bishops of 
 Eome. 
 
 Papal, pay-pal (French). Belonging to 
 the Pope ; proceeding from or relating to 
 the Pope ; annexed to the bishopric of 
 Eome. 
 
 PAR 
 
 225 
 
 Papeterie, pap-pay-tree (French). A 
 case containing materials for writing. 
 
 Paphian, paf-e-an. Eelating to the 
 rites of Venus. 
 
 Papier Maehe, pap-yay mah-shay 
 (French). A substance formed from the 
 pulp of old paper, cast in a mould, and 
 employed for a variety of useful and orna- 
 mental work. 
 
 Papilionace ous, papil - yo - nayshus 
 (Latin, papilio, a butterfly). Eesembling' 
 a butterfly. 
 
 Papilla, pay-pillah (Latin, papilla, a 
 nipple). A small nipple or joap ; the ter- 
 mination of nerves, as on the tongue. 
 
 Papist, pay-pist (Italian, papa, the 
 Pope). An adherent to the Pope and com- 
 munion of the Church of Eome. 
 
 Papoos, pap-poos. Among the Indians, 
 the name given to a babe or young child ; 
 also spelt papoose. 
 
 ^ Papulae, pappu-le (Latin). An erup- 
 tion of pimples on the skin. 
 
 Papulose, pappu-loze \ Covered with 
 Papulous, pappu-lus j small blisters 
 or pustules. 
 
 Papyrus, pa - pyrus (Latin). An 
 Egyptian plant ; a species of reed, of which 
 paper was originally made. 
 
 Par, pahr (Latin, par, equal). State of 
 equality ; of equal value ; likeness or simi- 
 larity. In commerce, an epithet appUed to 
 any two things of an equal value ; and in 
 monetary affairs, the equality of one kind 
 of money or property with another : thus, 
 when £100 stock is worth exactly £100 
 specie, the stock is said to be at par; in 
 like manner, the par of exchange is the 
 equal value of money in one country and 
 another. 
 
 Para, pay-rah. A small Turkish coin, 
 of rather less value than a halfpenny. 
 
 Para. A Greek preposition with vari- 
 ous meanings, as through, near, about, &c. 
 In some chemical compounds^ it denotes 
 near to, and expresses a close alliance 
 between two compounds. 
 
 Parable, parrah-bl (Greek, para, be- 
 side ; lallo, to throw). Literally, a throw- 
 ing or placing beside ; hence, a compari- 
 son, similitude, or allegory; a :6guraf.iv/^ 
 relation of something real in ' life or 
 Nature. 
 
22G 
 
 PAE 
 
 Parabola, pah - rabbo - lah (Latin). 
 A conic section, formed by a cone being 
 cut by a plane, which is pai'allel to. a 
 tangent plane, to the curved surface of 
 the cone. 
 
 Paracentric, parrah-sentrik \ 
 
 Paracentrical, parrah-sentry-kal j 
 
 (Greek, para, beyond ; kentron, the centre). 
 
 Deviating from a circular motion or form. 
 
 Parachronism, par - akkro - nizm 
 (Greek, para, beyond ; chronos, time). In 
 chronology, an error in the date of an 
 event. 
 
 Parachute, parrah-shoot (Greek,^are5, 
 to ward off ; chute, a faU). An apparatus 
 somewhat resembhng an open umbrella, 
 attached to a balloon, or used separately, 
 to prevent, by its expansion and buoyant 
 properties, the too rapid descent of a 
 falling body. 
 
 Paraclete, parrah-kleet (Greek, para- 
 Metos, advocate). A name given to the 
 Holy Spirit, as a comforter, intercessor, 
 advocate. 
 
 Paracousis, parrah - kowses (Greek, 
 parahous, to hear imperfectly). Confused 
 perception of sound. 
 
 Paracrostic, parrah - krostik (Greek, 
 para, beyond ; akrostikon, an acrostic). A 
 poetical composition, in which the first verse 
 contains, in order, all the letters which com- 
 mence the remaining verses of the poem or 
 division. 
 
 Parade, pah-rade (French). Show; 
 exhibition ; ostentation ; display ; a place 
 where exhibition or display may be made ; 
 military order ; a place where troops 
 assemble. 
 
 Paradigm, parrah-dim (Greek, para- 
 deigma, an example). A pattern ; an 
 example ; a model. Example or instance 
 of something done or said, as an example 
 of a verb conjugated in the several moods, 
 tenses, and persons. 
 
 Paradise, parrah -dise (Greek, para^ 
 deisos). This word was applied by the 
 Greeks to an inclosure for wild beasts, 
 but by the Persians to gardens, in which 
 grew or were placed every good and beau- 
 tiful production of the earth. In Christian 
 theology, it expresses the name of the 
 garden where Adam and Eve were placed ; 
 and in a general sense, implies a place of 
 bUss, a state or condition of complete 
 
 Paradox, parrah-doks (Greek, para- 
 €ii>xos, contrary to received opinion). A 
 
 PAR 
 
 term applied to an apparent contradiction, 
 but which, when investigated, becomes 
 reconciled with truth and sense ; a thing 
 false in appearance, yet true in fact. 
 
 Paradoxical, parrah-doksy-kal. Hav- 
 ing the nature of a paradox; fond of 
 seemingly absurd notions ; inclined to new 
 tenets, contrary to received opinions. 
 
 Paradrome, parrah-drome. A large 
 open gallery or space. 
 
 Paraffine, parrah-feen (Greek, parum, 
 a little; affinis, akin). A substance dis- 
 covered in the tar obtained by the distilla- 
 tion of various substances, both animal 
 and vegetable, but especially in the tar of 
 the beech-tree. Parafl&ne oil is now exten- 
 sively used as an illuminating agent. 
 
 Parage, pay-raje (Latin, paragium). In 
 law, equality of name, blood, or dignity. 
 The term is, however, more especially 
 applied to equahty in the partition of an 
 inheritance among co-heirs. 
 
 Parageusia, parrah-gu-seah (Greek, 
 para, beside ; geusia, taste). Perversion oL 
 the sense of taste. ji 
 
 Paragoge, parrah-gojy (Greek, parc^k 
 by the side of ; ago, to bring). In gram- 
 mar, the addition of a letter or syllable to 
 the end of a word. 
 
 Paragon, parrah-gon (French, paran- 
 gon, comparison). That which surpasses ; 
 any one who excels ; a model or pattern ; 
 something supremely excellent or beau- 
 tiful. 
 
 Paragram, parrah-gram (Greek, para- 
 gramma). A play upon words ; a pun. 
 
 Paragraph, parrah-graf (Greek, para- 
 graphe). In composition, a section, divi- 
 sion, or distinct part; any portion of a 
 writing which relates to a particular point ; 
 also, a mark or notation, placed in the 
 margin, to point out a division in the con- 
 tinuity of the writing, and marked (^). 
 
 Paralepsis, parrah-lepsis (Greek, pa^ 
 raleipds). In rhetoric, a pretended or 
 apparent omission, or slight mention of 
 some important part, in order to work upon 
 the feelings of the hearers. 
 
 Parallel, paral-lel (Greek, ^ara, beside; 
 allelon, one another). In geometry, a term 
 apphed to lines which are everywhere 
 equidistant from each other, and which, 
 though produced to the furthest extent, 
 would never meet; hence, applied to any- 
 
pal:. 
 
 PAE 
 
 227 
 
 thing pursuiug the same course as another; 
 having the same or a similar tendency or 
 (lu'ection ; bearing a resemblance or like- 
 ness ; possessing similai' qualities. 
 
 Parallelogram, parah - lello - gram 
 (Greek, para, beside ; allelon, one another; 
 gramma, a letter). A quadrilat«ral figure, 
 the opposite sides of which are parallel 
 and equal. 
 
 Paralogism, parrah - lojizm (Greek, 
 jmra, beside ; logos, reason). False argu- 
 ment ; a mode of reasoning in which a con- 
 clusion is drawn from premises that do not 
 warrant it. 
 
 Paralysis, pah -rally - sis (Greek). 
 Palsy ; loss of motion and feeling ; some- 
 times confined to the muscular system, and 
 at other times affecting the brain. 
 
 Paralyze, parrah - lize (Greek, para j 
 lyo, to loose). Literally, to relax or loosen ; 
 hence, to unbrace the nerves ; to render 
 senseless and motionless from fear, or other 
 
 Param-OUnt, parrah-mownt (Norman, 
 peram^n{). Super-eminent; raised above 
 all others ; highest in rank or authority ; 
 chief ; principal ; supreme. 
 
 Param.OLir, parrah-moor (French). A 
 lover ; a mistress. 
 
 Parapet, pan-ah-pet (Italian, para- 
 petto). In fortification, a wall or rampart, 
 breast high ; a low wall, usually placod on an 
 eminence. 
 
 Paraphernalia, parrah-female-yeah 
 (Greek, para, besides ; pherne, dower). 
 Literally, something over and above the 
 dower of a wife, and which may be said to 
 include such apparel and ornaments of the 
 vrde as are suitable to her condition in life ; 
 in a general sense, appendages ; trappings ; 
 ornaments. 
 
 Paraphrase, parrah - fraze (Greek, 
 para, about ; phrax, to speak). A loose 
 interpretation, in which more regard is 
 paid to an author's meaning than his words ; 
 a lengthened exposition ; to translate 
 loosely; to interpret with verbosity. 
 
 Parasite, pan-ah-site {OveQk,parasitos, 
 an attendant upon the priests). One who 
 fawns on and flatters the rich ; one who 
 ingratiates himself at the tables of the 
 wealthy, by a slavish adulation of his enter- 
 tainers. In zoology and botany, an animal 
 or plant which attaches itself to and lives 
 upon another. 
 
 Parasol, parrah-sol (Greek, pni-n, h-Qvai 
 
 sol, the sun). A small canopy or UTr}hv>?5!a, 
 used to keep the sun from off the head and 
 face. 
 
 Parathesis, pah-rathy-sis (Greek). A 
 parenthetical notice in brackets, thus [ ] ; 
 in rhetoric, a slight hint of a thing given 
 to the auditors. 
 
 Parboil, par-boil (contraction of part- 
 toil). To boil partially, or in a moderate 
 
 Parcener, parsen-nur. In law, a co- 
 heir ; one who holds lands by descent from 
 an ancestor in common with another, or 
 with others. 
 
 Pard, pard (Latin, pardiis). A poetical 
 name for the leopard, or for any spotted 
 beast. 
 
 Pardo, par-do. The name of a kind of 
 Chinese vessel, used either for warfare or 
 for trade ; also, a coin at Geoa, in the East 
 Indies, of the value of 25. Qd. 
 
 Paregoric, parry-gorrik (Greek, jjare- 
 goreo, to mitigate). A medicine wMch 
 soothes pain ; mitigating ; assuaging ; 
 alleviating. 
 
 Parentation, parren-tayshun. Liter- 
 ally, the performing of that which is due 
 to parents ; the performance of funeral 
 rites and honours ; something said or done 
 in honour of the dead. 
 
 Parenthesis, pah-renthy-sis (Greek, 
 para, over ; en, in.; tethemi, to place). A 
 clause or member of a sentence which 
 interrupts the natiiral connection of the 
 words, but explains the sense or intro- 
 duces some important idea ; a sentence 
 which may be left out without spoihng the 
 sense of the period ; in writing or printing 
 it is denoted thus ( ). 
 
 Parenticide, pah -renty- side (Latin, 
 parens, a parent ; ccedo, to loll). The kill- 
 ing a father or mother. 
 
 Pareses, parry-ses (Greek, a letting go). 
 In pathology, a sUght or imperfect paraly- 
 sis, implicating exclusively the nerves of 
 motion. 
 
 Parhelion, par-hely-im (Greek, para, 
 beside ; helios, the sun). A mock sun, or 
 meteor, of a bright colour, appearing on 
 one side of the sun, the appearance of which 
 latter it somewhat resembles. 
 
 Pariah, parry-ah. The name of a do- 
 graded tribe of Hindoos, without caste, 
 who live by themselves in the outskirts of 
 the towns, and in districts or villages of 
 
PAE 
 
 PAR 
 
 their own. They are precluded from all 
 possibOity of advancement, and to them are 
 allotted all kinds of menial employment. 
 
 Parian, pay -re -an. Pertaining to 
 Faros, in Greece, and celebrated for an 
 exceedingly white and beautiful marble 
 which is foimd there. 
 
 Parietal, pary-eetal (Latin, paries, a 
 wall). Pertaining to a wall; rising or 
 standing like a wall ; the parietal hones, 
 boDOs from the sides and upper part of the 
 skull, defending the brain as walls. 
 
 Parisian, pa-rizh-yan. A native of 
 or resident in Paris ; anything made or 
 manufactured at Paris. 
 Paritor, parry-tur. A beadle ; a sum- 
 oner of the courts of civil law. 
 
 Parity, parrit-ty (French, parite). 
 /Resemblance in condition or state ; equal- 
 ity of degree ; similarity. 
 
 Park, park (Saxon, parrucTc). An 
 inclosed piece of ground attached to a 
 mansion ; or an inclosure of large extent 
 for public recreation. Park of artille^-y 
 is an assemblage of the heavy ordnance 
 belonging to an army. 
 
 Parlance, par-lans (French, parler, to 
 speak). Idiom ; conversation ; talk ; dis- 
 course. 
 
 Parley, par-le (French, parler, to 
 ^eak). To treat with verbally ; to discuss 
 orally ; oral treaty ; talk ; conference. 
 
 Parliament, parly - ment (French, 
 parler, to speak). Literally, a place or 
 assembly for conference or discom-se. In 
 England, the grand legislative council of 
 the nation, consisting of the lords spiritual, 
 the lords temporal, and the commons ; 
 divided respectively into the House of Lords 
 and the House of Commons. 
 
 Parliamentarian, parly-men-tary-an. 
 An epithet for one who adhered to the 
 parUament in opposition to the king in the 
 time of Charles the First. 
 
 Parlour, par-lm* (French, parler, to 
 speak). Primarily, a room in a religious 
 house, where the monks or nuns meet to 
 converse; applied generally to the room 
 of a house appropriated to the common 
 meeting, intercourse, and converse of the 
 family. 
 
 Parlous, par-lus (French, parler, to 
 speak). Keen; shrewd; sprightly. 
 
 Parmesan. The name given to a par- 
 ticular kind of cheese, from its being made 
 at Parma, m Italy. 
 
 Parnassus, par-nassus. In mythology, 
 a celebrated mountain in ancient Greece, 
 sacred to ApoUo and the muses ; near it 
 was the Castalian spring, the fabled source 
 of poetical inspiration ; from which Par- 
 nassus is metaphorically used to express 
 poetry itself. 
 
 Parochial, pa-roky-al (Greek, para, 
 near ; oikos, a house). Belonging to a 
 parish. 
 
 Parody, parro-dy (Greek, para, con- 
 trary ; ode, a song). A kind of composi- 
 tion in which the words or thoughts of an 
 author are, by some slight alteration, 
 adapted to a different purpose ; to copy 
 by way of parody. 
 
 Parole, pa-role (French). A term 
 signifying anything done verbally or by 
 word of mouth, in contradistinction to 
 what is written, as parole evidence, parole 
 pleadings, &c. In military affairs, a pro- 
 mise given by a prisoner of war, when 
 suffered to be at large,. that he will not 
 attempt to escape, that he will return at 
 a specified time, &c. Also the watch- word 
 given out every day, in orders by a com- 
 manding ofl&cer in camp or garrison, by 
 which sentinels may be able to distinguish 
 friends from foes. 
 
 Paronymous, pa-ronny-mus. Ee- 
 sembling another word. 
 
 Paroxysm, parruk - sizm (Greek, 
 para, much ; oxys, acute). A severe fit of 
 a disease in which the symptoms become 
 aggravated ; sharpness of pain ; an acute 
 period of suffering ; periodical return of a 
 fit ; violence of temper or intense excite- 
 ment. 
 
 Parquetry, parket-ry (French, ^'a?-- 
 quet). The inlaying of small pieces of wood 
 in a floor of different figures. 
 
 Parricide, parry-side (Jja,tm,tparens, a 
 parent ; ccedo, to kill). A slayer or mur- 
 derer of his father, or the murderer of one 
 who ought to be revered as a parent ; a 
 destroyer or invader of his country ; also, 
 the commission of any of these crimes. 
 
 Parry, par-iy (French, passer). In 
 fencing, to ward off or turn aside a thrust 
 from an opponent. To prevent a blow 
 taking effect ; to avoid ; to fence. 
 
 Parse, parse (Latin, pars, a part). In 
 grammar, to analyse the character and 
 property of the various parts of speech in 
 a sentence, to explain the relation they 
 have to each oth«r, their gOTermnent. 
 agreement, &c. 
 
PAR 
 
 PAS 
 
 229 
 
 Parsee, par-see. The name given to 
 the Persian refugees who were driven from 
 their country by Mohammedan persecution 
 and intolerance. 
 
 Parsimonious, parsy-mony-us (Latin, 
 parcens, saving). Sparing ; niggardly in 
 the expenditure of money ; covetous ; 
 frugal to the extreme. 
 
 Parsonage, parso-naje. The house or 
 benefice of a parson ; a rectory or spiri- 
 tual living, comprising land, tithe, and 
 other offerings of the people, for the 
 maintenance of the parson of a congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 Parterre, par-tai-e (French). Any 
 even plot or piece of ground, laid out in 
 flower-beds, borders, &c. ; a name also 
 given to a choice collection of pieces in 
 prose or verse. 
 
 Parthenon, parthy-non. A celebrated 
 temple dedicated to Minerva, at Athens, 
 so called in honour of the virgtcity of that 
 deity, from parthenos, a virgin. 
 
 Partial, par-shal (Latin, pars, a part). 
 Belonging to a part, portion, or share ; in- 
 clined to favour one party more than 
 another ; affecting one part only ; not 
 general or universal ; not total. 
 
 Partiality, parshy-ally-ty. Favourit- 
 ism ; undue bias towards one side or party 
 more than another; stronger inclination 
 to one thing than to another; liking or 
 fondness. 
 
 Participate, par-tissy-pate (Latin, 
 participo). To share in ; to take part ; to 
 divide in common with others j to receive 
 a portion of. 
 
 Participle, par-tissy-pl (Latin, partici- 
 
 pmrtiy from pars, part ; capio, to take). 
 In grammar, a word partaking of the pro- 
 perties of a noun and of a verb, as having, 
 which becomes a noun by prefixing the. 
 Participles sometimes lose the properties 
 of a verb, and become adjectives, as a 
 loilling heart. 
 
 Particle, party-kl (Latin, particula, 
 from pars, apart). Any small portion of a 
 greater substance. In grammar, a word 
 not varied by inflexion, as a preposition. 
 In physics, the minutest part into which 
 a body can bo mechanically divided ; an 
 atom ; a molecule. 
 
 Particularise, par - tikku - lah - rize 
 (French, particulier). To mention dis- 
 tinctly ; to name particulars ; to detail ; to 
 pay attention to single things. 
 
 Partisan, party-zan (French). One 
 who takes the part of another ; one who i» 
 devoted to a party or faction ; an aider or 
 abetter ; a defender of the cause of another. 
 In war, the commander of a detached 
 party ; also, a kind of pike or halberd. 
 
 Partition, par-tishun (Latin, pars^ 
 part). The act of dividing; a division; 
 that which divides or separates. In archi- 
 tecture, the thin waU, or vertical assem* 
 blage of materials which separates one apart* 
 ment from another. In music, the arrange* 
 ment of the parts of a composition under 
 one another, also called a score. In law, 
 the dividing of lands held by joint tenants, 
 co-parceners, or tenants in common, into 
 distinct portions, so that they may be held 
 severally. 
 
 Partitive, party -tiv. In grammar, 
 distributive, as a noun partitive. 
 
 Parturition, partu - rishim (Latin, 
 parturio, to bring forth). The act of bring- 
 ing forth ; the state of being about to bring 
 forth yoimg. 
 
 Party (French, partie). A number of 
 persons:, Hinited in design or opinion; one 
 of two litigants or adversaries ; one con- 
 cerned or interested in an affair. In poli- 
 tics, a body of men acting in unison under 
 a leader, for the purpose of carrying out 
 some particular principle in which they 
 are interested. 
 
 Party-coloured. Having various or 
 diversified colours. 
 
 Party-man. An abetter of a party; 
 an adherent to a party ; one who regards 
 the serving of his party as his chief duty. 
 
 Party-spirit. The spirit which ani- 
 mates one party in its conduct towards 
 another. 
 
 Party "Wall. A partition between 
 buildings in several occupations. 
 
 Parvenu, parvy-nu (French, parvenu, 
 a new comer). An upstart ; an adven- 
 turer ; one who from a mean origin attains 
 an elevated position, and forgetting what 
 he once was, presumes on his acquired 
 position, to commit acts of folly. 
 
 Paschal, pas-kal (Latin, pascha, the 
 passover). Kelating to the passover, or 
 Easter. 
 Pasquil, pask-wil > A lampoon ; a 
 PasCLUin, pask-win j satirical epigram ; 
 derived from a mutilated statue at Kome, 
 upon which libels and defamatory rhymea 
 
230 
 
 PAS 
 
 were fastened. The name of Pasquin was 
 originally that of a cobbler notorious for 
 his gibes and sneers ; and by common con- 
 sent the statue was called after him. 
 
 Passage, pas-saje (French). The act 
 of passing ; a single sentence or paragraph 
 in a book. In music, a portion of an air 
 or tune, consisting of one, two, or three 
 measures. In navigation, the course pur- 
 sued at sea in passing from one country to 
 another; also, the time occupied on such 
 passage. Birds of jx^ssage are such as 
 migrate at certain seasons from one cli- 
 mate to another. Passage at arms, a pass 
 or encounter with an adversary. 
 
 Passe Partout, pahs par-too (French). 
 A pass key ; a master key ; an universal 
 passport. 
 
 Passim, pas-sim (Latin). Everywhere ; 
 all through ; in many or innumerable parts 
 or passages. 
 
 Passing bell, pahs-sing bell. The 
 name given to the knell tolled soon after 
 the death of a person ; so named because 
 it was fonnerly the custom to toll a bell at 
 such times, for the purpose of soliciting 
 the prayers of the pious for the soul about 
 passing into eternity. 
 
 Passive, pas-siv (Latin, passives, from 
 patior, to suffer). Eeceiving impressions 
 from external agents ; suffering ; unresist- 
 ing ; not acting. Passive verb, one which 
 expresses the effect of an action of some 
 agent ; as, " He is feared by his enemies." 
 
 Passover. A Jewish festival in com- 
 memoration of the deliverance of the Israel- 
 ites, when the destroying angel passed over 
 their houses, sparing their first-born, while 
 he slew those of the Egyptians. ' 
 
 Passport, pahs-port (French, passe- 
 pm't). Literally, leave or permission to 
 pass out of port or through the gates ; figu- 
 ratively, that which gives access or favours 
 admission to good society, to favourable 
 notice, &c. 
 
 Pasticcio, pahs-titshy-o. An Italian 
 word, signifying hterally a pie, or medley 
 dish, used in music to denote an opera 
 composed of detached airs, by different 
 composers, occasionally introduced. 
 
 Pastoral, pastur-al (Latin, pasco, to 
 feed cattle). Rural ; descriptive of the 
 life of shepherds ; resembhng shepherds ; 
 figuratively, relating to a clergyman or the 
 care of souls. 
 
 Patans, pat-ans. In the East Indies, 
 a name applied to all the Affghan tribes. 
 
 PAT 
 
 Patent, pay-tent, or pat-ent (Latin, 
 pateo, to be open). Open ; apparent ; 
 plain. Letters pate^ii represent a privilege 
 granted by the Crown, conveying to speci- 
 fied individuals the sole right to make, 
 use, or dispose of some discovery or inven- 
 tion for a definite time ; so called because 
 they are not sealed up, but exposed to open 
 view, and are usually addressed to all 
 persons. 
 
 Paternal, pa-turnal (Latin, pater, 
 father). Pertaining to a father ; fatherly ; 
 derived from a father ; hereditary. 
 
 Paternoster, patter -nostur (Latin, 
 pater, father ; nosier, our). The Lord's 
 Prayer, thus named from the two leading 
 words. A term applied to the rosary, or 
 string of beads, used by the Roman Catho- 
 lics in their devotions, and also for every 
 tenth bead. 
 
 Pathetic, path-ettik (Greek, pathos, 
 feeling). Affecting or moving the feelings ; 
 touching; tender. 
 
 Pathology, path-olio- jy (Greek, pathos, 
 disease ; logos, a discourse). The doctrine 
 of diseases ; that part of medical science 
 which treats of the nature of diseases. 
 
 Pathos, pay-thos (Greek, j^nt^ios, feel- 
 ing). That which excites the feelings or 
 emotions ; warmth or affection of mind ; 
 feehng of pity, compassion, or sympathy. 
 
 Patois, pat-waw (French). Dialect; 
 provincialism ; manner of speaking ajnong 
 
 rustics or the lower classes. 
 
 Patriarch, patry-ark (Greek, pater, 
 father ; arche, a chief). One having the 
 authority, station, or rank of a father ; one 
 who governs by paternal right ; the head 
 of a family. Among the Jews, a learned 
 and distinguished person ; in the Greek 
 Church, a dignitaiy superior to the order 
 of archbishops, as the Patriarch of Alex- 
 andria, Constantinople, &c. 
 
 Patrician, pa-trishim (Latin, pater, 
 father). In Roman history, a descendant of 
 the first senators ; and subsequently, a dig- 
 aity enjoyed by all who became senators by 
 other means than hereditary claims. Now 
 applied generally to one of the nobility ; 
 senatorial ; noble ; not plebeian. 
 
 Patrimony, patry - munny (Latin, 
 pater, father). An estate possessed by 
 inheritance; that which descends or is 
 derived from a father ; a church estate. 
 
 Patriot, pattry-at (Latin, patria, native 
 land). A lover of his covmtry ; one who de- 
 votes himself to the service of his countrv. 
 
 I 
 
PAT 
 
 PED 
 
 231 
 
 Patrol, pali-trole (Frencli, pairouille). 
 In military tactics, a detached body of 
 soldiers, moving along the streets or roads, 
 to insure regularity and order on the 
 iine of march ; an advanced guard, whose 
 duty it is to gain intellisfence of the move- 
 ments and position of the enemy ; to walk 
 round about, or backwards and forwards ; 
 to go the rounds. 
 
 Patron, pay-tron (Latin, pater, father). 
 A protector or defender ; one who coun- 
 tenances or supports ; one who has the gift 
 of an ecclesiastical living. In the Church 
 of Rome, a guardian or saint whose name 
 a person bears, or under whose protection 
 he is placed, and whom he invokes ; or a 
 saint in whose name a church or order is 
 founded. 
 
 Patronymic, patro-nimmik (Greek, 
 patei', father ; onoma, a name), A name 
 derived from ancestors, or from a parent. 
 
 Paucity, pawsy-ty (Latin, paucus, few). 
 Fewness; smallness of number or quantity ; 
 dearth. 
 
 Pauper, paw-pur (Latin, pauper, poor). 
 A poor person ; one who receives alms ; 
 one who is dependent upon parochial sup- 
 port or relief. 
 
 Pawn, pawn (Dutch, panel). A pledge ; 
 something deposited by way of security ; 
 something staked as a guarantee ; to 
 pledge ; to give in pledge. 
 
 Payee, pay-ee. One to whom a note is 
 made payable, or to whom money is to be 
 paid. 
 
 Paynim, pay-nim (Norman, paynim). 
 Another term for Pagan ; an infidel. 
 
 Pean, pe-an (Latin, pcean). A song of 
 praise or triumph. 
 
 Peasant, pez-ant (French, paysan, a 
 countryman). A rustic ; one who works in 
 rural employment, or farming business. 
 
 Peat, peet (German, pfutze). A sub- 
 stance partaking of both vegetable and 
 woody properties ; formed in damp situa- 
 tions, by the decay of the roots and twigs 
 of various plants. 
 
 Peccability, pekkah-biUit-ty (Latin, 
 pecco, to sin). State of being liable to sin ; 
 capacity of sinning. 
 
 Peccadillo, pekkah-dillo (Latin, pecca- 
 tum, a sin). A small fault ; a little or par- 
 donable sin; a slight crime; a venial 
 oflfence. 
 
 Peccavi, pek - kayvy (Latin, peccavi, 
 I have sinned) A colloquial expression, 
 
 signifying, I have made a mistake, or don© 
 wrong ; I acknowledge that I have erred 
 or offended. 
 
 Pectoral, pekto-ral (Latin, pectus, the 
 breast). Appertaining to the breast ; a 
 medicine for the breast ; a breast-plate, or 
 covering for the breast. 
 
 Peculation, pekku - layshun (Latin, 
 peculor, to rob). Theft of public money ; 
 conversion of trust money into private 
 use. 
 
 Pecuniary, pe-kewnj-'-ary (Latin, pe- 
 cunia, money). Belonging or relating to 
 money ; consisting of money. The Latin 
 term pecunia, money, is derived from pectus, 
 a herd ; because when first coined it wat 
 stamped with the figure of a sheep or ox, 
 as expressive of its value. 
 
 Pedagogue, peddah-gog (Greek, pais, 
 a child; ago, to lead). A schoolmaster; 
 one whose occupation is the teaching of 
 children ; a pedant ; one who instructs in 
 a haughty or supercilious manner. 
 
 Pedant, ped-ant (French). One who 
 makes a vain display of learning ; one who 
 intrudes his knowledge unnecessarily ; a 
 learned boaster ; a pedagogue. 
 
 Peddling, pedd-ling. Trifling ; unim- 
 portant ; petty ; as the wares a pedlar 
 deals in. 
 
 Pedestal, peddy-stal (Latin, pes, the 
 foot ; Greek, stellen, to set). The basis of 
 a statue or pillar. 
 
 Pedestrian, pe-destry-un (Latin, pes, 
 the foot). Travelling on foot ; performing 
 long journeys on foot ; one who is distin- 
 guished for his powers of walking. 
 
 Pedigree, peddy-gree (Latin, per, de; 
 gradus, by a step or grade). Genealogy ; 
 lineage ; descent ; an account or register 
 of a line of ancestors. 
 
 Pediment, peddy-ment (Latin, pes, a 
 foot). In architecture, an ornament gene- 
 rally of a low triangular form, which 
 crowns the ordonnances, finishes the fronts 
 of buUdings, and is used as a decoration of 
 windows, doors, &c. ; also, the angular end 
 of a building which surmounts a portico. 
 
 Pedometer, pe-dommit-ur (Latin, pes, 
 foot; Greek, meiroTi, a measure). An instru- 
 ment by which distances are measured, ac- 
 cording to the number of steps which thij 
 bearer or conductor takes. 
 
 Peduncle, ped-unkul (Latin, pediculus^ 
 a flower-stalk), A flower-stalk; usually- 
 
PEE 
 
 PEN 
 
 applied to the common foot-stalk of a num- 
 ber of flowers, sometimes only of one 
 flower. 
 
 Peer, peer (Latin, par, equal). An 
 equal; one of like rank, ptation, qualifica- 
 tions, &c. A nobleman, as a peer of the 
 realm. In England, persons belonging to 
 the five degrees of nobility — namely, duke, 
 earl, marquis, viscount, baron — are all 
 peers ; these take the general name of 
 •peers from being formerly regarded as the 
 companions of the sovereign. 
 
 Peerless. Unequalled ; having no peer 
 or equal. 
 
 Pegasus, peggah-sus. In mythology, 
 a winged horse, who fixed his residence on 
 Mount Helicon, and became the favourite 
 of the Muses ; hence, he is regarded as the 
 steed upon which a poet moimts in his 
 flights of fancy. 
 
 Pelagian,pe-lajjy-an ) (Latin, pelagiis, 
 Pelagic, pel-ajjik j the ocean). Be- 
 longing to the ocean; pertaining to the 
 deep sea. 
 
 Pelasgi, pe-lasjy (Greek, pelasgoi). 
 The name of the aboriginal inhabitants of 
 Greece. 
 
 Pelf, pelf (Old French, pilfeer, to pilfer). 
 Money ; riches ; and sometimes applied to 
 ill-gotten wealth ; miserly hoardings. 
 
 Pellicle, pelly-kl (Latin, pelUcxda). A 
 film, or thin skin, as that which lines the 
 shell of an egg, or which covers the seeds 
 and some other parts of plants. In che- 
 mistry, a thin crust appearing on the sur- 
 face of a solution of salt evaporated to a 
 certain degree. 
 
 Pell-mell, pell-mell (French, pesle, 
 mesle, confusedly). Mingled ; in a dis- 
 orderly heap ; confused, without regularity 
 or order. 
 
 Pellucid, pel-lewsid (Latin, per, 
 through ; lucidus, bright). Perfectly 
 clear ; transparent ; not opaque. 
 
 Penal, pe-nal (Latin, poena, punish- 
 ment). Enacting punishment ; inflicting 
 punishment ; causing or imposing a pain 
 or punishment. 
 
 Penance, pen-ans (Latin, poena, pun- 
 ishment) . Aji infliction for sin committed ; 
 suffering imposed or submitted to as an 
 atonement. In the Romish Church, one of 
 the seven sacraments, consisting in the 
 infliction of bodily suffering, as fasting, 
 scourging, iSc. 
 
 Penates, pe-nay-tez. The name given 
 to the domestic gods of the Eomans ; and 
 so called from the lisMn, jaenittts (within), 
 because they were kept within doors. 
 
 Penchant, pahn - shahng (French). 
 Inclination ; peculiar propensity ; desire 
 for ; leaning towards. 
 
 Pencil of Rays. In optics, a number 
 of rays converging or diverging from the 
 same luminous point ; and which, after fall- 
 ing upon and passing through a lens, dis- 
 pose themselves in the same form in re- 
 entering the eye. 
 
 Pendant, pen-dant (Latin, pendeo, to 
 hang). Anything suspended by way of 
 ornament ; an ear-ring; a small flag or 
 streamer at the mast-head ; a picture or 
 engraving hung as a companion to another. 
 
 Pendente Ijite,pen-dentyli-te (Lat.). 
 During the dispute ; during the continu- 
 ance of the suit ; while the contest is 
 pending. 
 
 Pending, pen-ding (Latin, pendeo, to 
 hang). Depending; imdecided; not yet 
 
 settled. 
 
 Pendulous, pendu-lus (Latin, pendeo, 
 to hang). Hanging ; swinging ; fastened 
 at one end, the other being movable. 
 
 Penetralia, penny-trale-yah (Latin). 
 In Roman antiquity, a sacred apartment or 
 chapel in private houses, set apart for the 
 worship of th.e penatea, or household gods ; 
 the interior parts of any place ; hence, 
 hidden things. 
 
 Penetration, penny-trayshun (Latin, 
 penetro, to pierce). Act of entering into 
 or piercing an object; metaphorically, 
 power of reaching the deepest parts of a 
 subject ; searching into ; acuteness ; dis- 
 cernment. 
 
 Peninsula, pen-insu-lah (Greek, pene, 
 almost ; insula, an island). A portion of 
 land almost surrounded by water ; joined 
 by a narrow neck, called an isthmus, to 
 the main land. 
 
 Penitence, penny -tens (Latin, poenitef, 
 it repents). Repentance ; sorrow for sin, 
 accompanied by amendment of life. 
 
 Pennant, pen-nant) A small flag or 
 Pennon, pen-nun j banner. See Pen- 
 dant. 
 
 Penniform, penny - fawrm (Latin, 
 penna, a quill ; and form). Having the 
 f oi-m of a quill or feather 
 
PEN 
 
 PEE 
 
 233 
 
 Pennjrw'eight, penny-wate. A Troy 
 weight, containing twenty-four grains, so 
 called from the ancient silver penny being 
 of this weight. 
 
 Penology, pen-ollo-jy (Latin, poena, 
 punishment ; Greek, logos, a discourse). 
 The science which treats of public punish- 
 ments, as they affect -the criminal and the 
 community. 
 
 Pensil, pen-zil (Latin, pensilis, from 
 pendeo, to hang). Hanging ; suspended ; 
 supported above ground. 
 
 Pensive, pen - ziv (French, pensif). 
 Sad ; thoughtful ; reflecting sorrowfully ; 
 ■ melancholy. 
 
 Pentachord, pentah-kawrd (Greek, 
 pente, five ; chorde, chord). A musical 
 instrument having five strings. 
 
 Pentagon, pentah-gon (Greek, panie, 
 five ; gonia, an angle). A geometrical 
 figure, having ^ve sides and five angles. 
 
 Pentangular, pen-tanggu-lar (Greek, 
 pente, five ; and angular). Having five 
 angles or comers. 
 
 Pentarehy, pen-tarky (Greek, pente, 
 five; arche, rule). A government of five 
 persons. 
 
 Pentateueh, pentah - tuke (Greek, 
 pente, five ; teitchos, a volume). The first 
 five books of the Old Testament, generally 
 ascribed to Moses. 
 
 Pentecost, penty-koste (Greek, penti- 
 coste, fiftieth). A Jewish festival, occur- 
 ring on the fiftieth day after the Passover ; 
 it is retained in the Christian Church, by 
 the name of Whitsuntide. 
 
 Pent-house, pent-hows. In architec- 
 ture, a shed hung a-slope from the main 
 building ; poetically applied to the eyelid, 
 and to the brow. The word is a corruption 
 of the French appentis, which is from tiio 
 Latin appendix, and comes from ad, to; 
 pendeo, to hang. 
 
 Peniilt, pe-nult (Latin, pene, almost ; 
 %diimus, last). The last syllable but one 
 of a word. 
 
 Penultimate, pe-nulty-mate (Latin, 
 pene, almost', uUimus,\Ast). The last but 
 one ; used to designate the last syllable of 
 a word but one. 
 
 Penury, pennu-ry (Latin, penuHa, \ 
 want). Indigence ; extreme poverty ; 
 destitution. 
 
 Peptic, pep-tik (Greek, pipto, to digest). 
 Relating to aud assisting digestion. 
 
 Per. A Latin preposition, signifying 
 through, passing or passage through, ove)', 
 along, forth, d;c. Also used fcr 63/, as per 
 bearer, per annum, per cent. In chemistry 
 it is used as a prefix to oxides, to denote 
 the furthest degree of oxidation, which 
 does not confer the property of acidity. 
 It is also added to the names of acids, la 
 cases where more acid is contained than 
 those whose names end in ic. 
 
 Peradventure, per-ad-vonture (Lat., 
 per, by ; French, aventure, chance). Per- 
 haps ; may be ; by accident or chance. 
 
 Perambulate, per-ambu-late (Latin, 
 peramhulo). To walk through; to survey 
 by passing through or over. 
 
 Per Annum, per annum (Latin). By 
 the year ; at a yearly rate ; in each year 
 successively. 
 
 Per Cent., per sent (Latin). By the 
 hundred; for every hundred. Per cent' 
 age, the duty, allowance, or commission on 
 a hundred. 
 
 Perception, per-sepshun (Latin, per; 
 citpio, to take). Literally, a taking hold 
 of by the mind ; the power of discerning or 
 distinguishing ; observation ; notion ; idea. 
 
 Percolate, perko-late (Latin, percolo, 
 to strain through). To strain through ; to 
 separate the finer from the gi'osser parts 
 by filtering; metaphorically, to sift or 
 examine. 
 
 Percussion, per-kushon (Latin, ^6?*- 
 cussio). The act of striking one body 
 against another with great force ; the im- 
 pression made by a body in falling or 
 striking against another ; the effect of 
 sound in the ear. 
 
 Perdition, per-dishun (Latin, perdo, 
 to destroy or lose). Destruction ; ruin ; 
 loss ; loss of tho soul. 
 
 Perdu, ) per-du {LoX\n,perditv^, lost). 
 
 Perdue, j Lost ; forlora ; in a hopeless 
 state ; in desperate circumstances. Lying 
 perdu, watcMng from a place of conceal- 
 ment ; vigilant. 
 
 Peregrination, perry - gre - nayshun 
 (Latin, peregrinus, travel). Travel or abode 
 in foreign countries ; the act of wandering 
 from one place to another. 
 
 Peremptory, per - emptur - e (Latin, 
 peremptorius, that which dispatches or kills 
 q^uickly). Finally deciding ; positive in 
 opinion or judgment ; putting an end to 
 all further expostulation. 
 
 Perennial, per-enny-al (Latin, per, 
 through ; annus, a year). Literally, lasting 
 
234 
 
 PEE 
 
 PEE 
 
 througli a year ; in an enlarged sense, last- 
 ing from year to year ; enduring ; per- 
 petual. 
 
 Perfect, per-fekt (Latin, pei^cio, to 
 perfect).- Complete; finished; not de- 
 fective. Perfect terise, in grammar, that 
 form of the verb denoted in English by the 
 auxiliary have, which indicates that an 
 action is finished at the time spoken of, as 
 I liave written to John. 
 
 Perfidy, perfid-e (Latin, per; fides, 
 faith). Breach of faith ; want of faith ; 
 treachery. 
 
 Perforation, perf o - rayshun (Latin, 
 •perr, through ; joorus, a passage). A pierc- 
 ing or boring through. 
 
 Perforce, per-forse (Latin, per, by ; 
 fortis, strong). By violence ; by force ; 
 violently. 
 
 Perfunctory, per-funktur-e (Latin, 
 perjfungor^ to do). Slight ; careless ; done 
 merely to be rid of the duty ; negligent. 
 
 Perfuse, per-fuze (Latin, perjfundo, to 
 pour). To overspread ; to sprinkle. 
 
 Peri, pe-ry. In Persian mythology, a 
 spirit supposed to be excluded from Para- 
 dise for some fault, untH a penance be ac- 
 complished. 
 
 Peri, Per. A Greek preposition, signi- 
 fying around, about, expressing the relation 
 of circumference to centre. 
 
 Pericarp, perry -karp (Greek, peri, 
 around ; karpos, seed). The seed-vessel 
 of a plant. 
 
 Periecian, perry-eeshan. An inhabit- 
 ant on the opposite side of the globe, in 
 the same latitude. 
 
 Periergy,perry-erjy(Greek, peri; ergon, 
 work). Unnecessary caution or diligence 
 in an operation. 
 
 Perigee, perry-ge (Greek, peri, near ; 
 ge, the earth). In ancient astronomy, a 
 term signifying the nearest approach of 
 the sun, or any of the planets, to the earth. 
 See Perilielion. 
 
 Perigraph, perry-graf (Greek, peri; 
 graphe, writing). An inaccurate delinea- 
 tion of anything. 
 
 PerUielion. perry-heel-ynn (Greek, 
 peri, near ; helios, the sun). That point of 
 the orbit of a planet or comet, wherein it 
 is nearest to the sun, being the extreme of 
 the transverse axis, nearest the focus in 
 which the sun is placed. 
 
 Perimeter, perry-meetur (Greek, peri, 
 around; vtutron, a measvire. The mea- 
 
 sure of the line or linos which inscribe a 
 figure. 
 
 Period, peery-ud (Latin, periodns). A 
 circmt ; the time in which anji,hing is per- 
 formed ; a stated number of years ; a course 
 of events; the end or conclusion; a full stop. 
 
 Periodical, peery-oddik-al. Performed 
 in a circuit ; occurring at stated intervals ; a 
 magazine, &c., published at definite periods. 
 
 Periodicity, peereo - dissy - ty. The 
 state of having regular periods in changes 
 or conditions. 
 
 Peripatetic, perry-pa-tettik (Greek, 
 pen, about; pateo, to walk). Pertaining 
 to Aristotle's system of philosophy; and 
 so called because the philosopher delivered 
 his lectures walking in the Lyceum at 
 Athens. 
 
 Periphery, per-iffer-ry (Greek, peri, 
 around ; phero, to carry). The circumfer- 
 ence or bounding line of any curvilinear 
 figure. 
 
 Periphrasis, perry - fraysis (Greek, 
 peri, about; phrazo, to speak). Circumlo- 
 cution ; or the use of more words than are 
 necessary to express an idea. 
 
 Periscope, perry-skope (Greek, peri, 
 around; s^-opeo, to view). A general view. 
 
 Peristaltic, perry-staltik (Greek, peri- 
 stillo, to involve). Spiral; of worm-like 
 form; the contraction of the bowels. 
 
 Peristyle, perry - stile (Greek, peri; 
 stylos, a column). A place surrounded by 
 pillars ; a circular colonnade ; a circle of 
 pillars. 
 
 Periwig, perry- wig (a corruption of pe- 
 ruke). A small wig formed by an inter- 
 mixture of false hair, worn by men for the 
 purpose of concealing baldness. 
 
 Perjury, perjur-e (Latin, per; juro, to 
 swear). The taking a false oath; the 
 offence of swearing falsely ia a judicial 
 proceeding. 
 
 Permanent, perma-nent (Greek, per, 
 through ; maneo, to remain). Durable ; 
 lasting; unchangeable; always remaining 
 or going on. 
 
 Permeate, permy-ate (Latin, petTneo). 
 To pass through ; to penetrate. 
 
 Permission, per-mishun (Latin, per- 
 mitto, to permit). The act of allowing or 
 pei-mitting; leave; license. 
 
 Perm.utation, permu-tayshun (Latin, 
 per; muto, to change). Barter; exchange 
 of one thing for another ; frequent change 
 of locality. 
 
PEE 
 
 PER 
 
 235 
 
 Pemicions, per-nishus (Latin, per; 
 neds, death). Destructive; miscMevous 
 or injurious in the highest degree ; tending 
 to injure . 
 
 Peroration, perro-raysh'un (Latin, joer, 
 through ; oro, to speak). The end or close 
 of an oration or speech; the concUiding 
 sentence, intended to give effect or force 
 to the speech. 
 
 Perpend, per-pend (Latin, per; pendo, 
 to weigh). To -weigh in the mind ; to con- 
 sider attentively. 
 
 Perpendicular, perpen - dikku - lar 
 (Latin, per; pendeo, to hang). A perpen- 
 dicular line, or a perpendicular, signifying 
 any line falling at right angles to the plane 
 of the horizon, that is, extending from some 
 point in a right line towards the centre of 
 the earth or centre of gravity. In geo- 
 metry, any line fitting at right angles on 
 another line, or making equal angles with 
 it on either side. 
 
 Perpetration, perpy-trayshun (Latin, 
 per, through ; patro, to effect). The act 
 of committing; to perfect; to act or do 
 some ill or evil. 
 
 Perpetual, per-pettu-al (French, per- 
 petuel). Never ceasing ; continual ; ever- 
 lasting; permanent; uninterrupted. 
 
 Perplexity, per-pleksy-ty (Latin, per ; 
 plector, to twist). Anxiety ; distraction 
 of mind ; intricacy ; difficulty of under- 
 standing; doubt. 
 
 Perquisite, perkwiz-it (Latin, per; 
 qucero, to seek). A gift or allowance in 
 addition to fixed wages ; gain, profit, or 
 emolument, in lieu of, or in addition to 
 regular salary or other income. 
 
 Per saltum, pur salt-urn (Latin), By 
 a leap ; like sudden promotion; unexpected 
 accession of wealth, power, &c. 
 
 Persecution, persy-kewshun (Latin, 
 per; sequor, to pm-sue). Unjust harass- 
 ment ; pursuit so as to injure, vex, or 
 afflict; excessive solicitation or importu- 
 nity. 
 
 Perseverance, persy-veeranse (Latin, 
 per; severus, Hevere). Continued pursuit; 
 persistence, in anything undertaken ; firm- 
 ness; steadfastness. 
 
 Persiflage, pare - se - flazh (French). 
 Light bantering talk ; ridicule ; jeering. 
 
 ' Persistence, per-sistens. \ Standing 
 Persistency, per-sistensy. j or staying 
 fixTnly; fixed or settled in opinion or ac- 
 tion ; Derseverance ; steadfastness. 
 
 Personal, persun-al (^Lanu, perwnxius). 
 Belonging to persons, not to things ; 
 affecting individuals or particular people ; 
 relating to private actions or character ; 
 not acting by representative ; exterior ; 
 corporal. 
 
 Personalty, persun-alty. In law, any 
 personal property, in contradistinction to 
 realty. 
 
 Personify, per-sonny-fi (Latin, person- 
 alis). To represent things as though they 
 were persons; to ascribe to an inanimate 
 being the sentiments, actions, or language 
 of a rational being. 
 
 Personnel, pare-so-nel (French). A 
 term denoting the persons employed in 
 some public service, as distinguished from 
 the materiel, or things. 
 
 Perspective, per-spektiv (Latin, joer- 
 specio, to look through). The art of draw- 
 ing objects on a plane so as to make them 
 appear in their relative situations ; a glass 
 through which objects are viewed ; view ; 
 vista. 
 
 Perspicacious, perspy-kayshus (Lat., 
 perspicax). Quick-sighted ; seeing through 
 easily ; keen ; acute of sight, discerning, 
 or easy of understanding. 
 
 Perspicuity, _ perspy-kewitty (Latin, 
 per, through ; specio, to see). Clearness to 
 the mind ; the quality of being easily un- 
 derstood ; freedom from obscurity. 
 
 Persuasion, per-swayzhuu (Lat.,pe)v 
 suadeo, to advise). The act of advising or 
 lu-ging ; of inducing or prevailing npon ; 
 representing things as agreeable or advan- 
 tageous. 
 
 Pertain, per-tane (Latin, per; teneo, to 
 hold). To belong ; to have relation to ; to 
 be the property, right, or duty of. 
 
 Pertinacious, pertin-ayshus (Latin, 
 per; teneo, to hold). Obstinate ; stubborn ; 
 holding firmly and resolutely ; adhering to 
 any purpose or opinion with inflexible con- 
 stancy. 
 
 Pertinent, perty-nent {LsA,.,per; teneo, 
 to hold), Kelating to the subject or matter 
 in hand ; apposite ; to the purpose ; ap- 
 propriate to the case. 
 
 Perturbation, pertui'-bayshun (Lat., 
 per; turha, a crowd). Disquiet or agitation 
 of mind ; confusion ; derangement ; dis- 
 order. 
 
 Peruke, per-uke (French, perruque)', 
 A periwig ; a cover for the head, made 
 of hair, or other material to represent 
 hair. 
 
236 
 
 PER 
 
 Peruse, per-uze (Latin, per, thirrugh; 
 utor, to use). To read with attention; to 
 observe ; to examine. 
 
 Pervade, per-vade (Latin, per, throughi; 
 vado, to go). To go or press through or 
 throughout ; to spread through the whole 
 extent, so as to reach the furthest limit and 
 the minutest point. 
 
 Perverse, per-vers (Lat., per, through ; 
 verto, to turn). Obstinate ; petulant ; dis- 
 torted from the right ; untractable. 
 
 Pervert, per-vurt (Latin, per; verto, to 
 turn). To distort from the true end or 
 purpose; to corrupt; to turn from the 
 right ; one who changes from good to bad ; 
 one who forsakes orthodox principles for 
 heterodox views. 
 
 Pervious, pervy-us (Lat., ;?e?', through ; 
 via, a way). Capable of being passed 
 through; susceptible to external influ- 
 ences ; penetrable ; pervading. 
 
 Pessimist, pessy-mist (Latin, pessimus, 
 the worst). A universal complainer; one 
 who conceives everythuig to be for the 
 worst. 
 
 Pestiferous, pes- tiff y-rus (La.t.,pest{s, 
 a pestilence ; fero, to bring). Infectious, 
 as a plague ; pestilential ; malignant ; de- 
 structive ; noxious to health, peace, or 
 morals. 
 
 Pestilence, pesty-lense (Latin, pesti- 
 lentia). A contagious distemper ; an in- 
 f-ectious disease, which is epidemic, and 
 proves mortal ; evil habits destructive to 
 health and morality. 
 
 Petal, pe-tal (Greek, petal). In botany, 
 the colom-ed leaves which compose the 
 flowers of plants. 
 
 Peter's Pence. The popular name of 
 an impost formerly paid to the see of 
 Rome. In England, it consisted of the tax 
 of one penny for every house. 
 
 Petiole, petty-ole (Greek, petalon, a 
 leaf). That portion of a leaf which con- 
 nects the lamina with the stem of a plant. 
 
 Petit, pet-te (French). Small ; little ; 
 inconsiderable ; mean. 
 
 Petit Maitre, pet-te maytr (French). 
 A fop ; an effeminate person ; a dangler, 
 or trifler. 
 
 Petrifaction, pettry-fakshun (Latin, 
 petra, a stone ; facio, to make). The act 
 of changing into stone, or stony hardness ; 
 the changing into stone, or stony substance, 
 any animal or vegetable matter; callous- 
 ness ; obduracy. 
 
 PUA 
 
 Pettifogger, pctty-fogger (French, 
 petit; vaguer, to row). A lawyer employed 
 in small, mean business ; an inferior attor. 
 ney, who undertakes the conduct of petty 
 cases. 
 
 Petto, pct-to (Italian, from pectus, the 
 breast). The breast ; figuratively, privacy ; 
 as, in petto, in secrecy; in reserve. 
 
 Petty, pet-ty (French, petit). Trivial ; 
 inconsiderable ; small ia amount, degree, 
 or importance. 
 
 Petulance, pettu-lans (Latin, petu- 
 laniia). Peevishness ; freakish passion ; 
 sauciness ; pettishness. 
 
 Phalanx, fal-angks, or fay-langks 
 (Greek, phalagx). A square body of 
 soldiers disposed in close and compact 
 order ; a combination of people thoroughly 
 organised, and firmly knit together. 
 
 Phantascope, fantah-skope (Greek, 
 phaniasma, a form ; skopeo, to view). An 
 optical instrument, by which fixed objects 
 appear as if in motion. 
 
 Phantasm, fan-tazzum (Greek, phan- 
 tazo, to show). The image of an external 
 object ; something visionary or ideal im- 
 pressing the mind and haunting the brain ; 
 vain and showy appearance. 
 
 Phantasmagoria, fan-tazmah-gory- 
 ah. A repi-esentation by the magic lantern, 
 or optical effects produced in a similar 
 manner. 
 
 Phantom, fan-tum (French, faniome). 
 A spectre or apparition ; a fancied vision ; 
 a delusion of the mind. 
 
 Pharisaic, farry-sayik. )Like a 
 
 Pharisaical, farry-sayik-al. j Phari- 
 see ; hypocritical ; having an outward show 
 of piety, but -vicious at heart. The term is 
 derived from the Pharisees, a religious sect 
 among the Jews, notorious for their hypo- 
 crisy. 
 
 Pharmacopoeia, farmah - ko - peah 
 (Greek, pharmakon, a medicine). A dispen- 
 satory. An authorised book containing a 
 catalogue of drugs, and directions for the 
 preparation of medicines. 
 
 Pharmacy, farmah-se (Greek, phar' 
 makon, medicine). The preparation of 
 medicines; that branch of science which 
 relates to the medical and chemical history 
 of the different articles of the materia, 
 medica. 
 
 Pharos, fay-rus (Greek). A light- 
 house ; thus named from a celebrated one 
 on a small island near the port of Alex- 
 andria, in Egypt. 
 
riiA 
 
 PHB 
 
 Pharynx, far-ingks (Greek, pharynx, 
 from pharein, to convey). A part of the 
 giillet, tlie use of which is to receive the 
 masticated food, and convey it to the 
 cesophagus. 
 Phase, faze ) (Greek, phaino, to 
 Phasis, faysisj shine). In astronomy, 
 apphed to the various appearances of the 
 moon, Venus, Mercury, &c., at different 
 times ; figuratively applied to appearances 
 generally, and to the various external forms 
 which things or circumstances assume. 
 
 Phenomenon, fe-nommy-non (Greek, 
 phainomai, to appear). Anything remark- 
 able ; something observed ; something dis- 
 covered to exist ; an unusual appearance. 
 Plural, phenomena. 
 
 Philanthropy, fil-anthro-py (Greek, 
 philos, a lover; a^ithropos, a man). Love 
 of mankind ; benevolence toward the whole 
 human race; universal goodwill. 
 
 Philharmonic, filhar-monnik (Greek, 
 philos, a lover ; harmonia, harmony), Ee- 
 lating to the love of harmony ; delighting 
 in harmony. 
 
 Philippic, fil-ippik. Any discourse or 
 declamation full of acrim ony . The name was 
 originally given to the orations of Demos- 
 thenes against Philip, King'of Macedon, and 
 subsequently denoted any similar orations, 
 as those of Cicero against Mark Antony. 
 
 Philology, fil-oUo-jy (Greek, phileo, to 
 love ; logos, a word). Primarily, a love of 
 words ; a desire to understand the origin 
 and constiniction of language. It is now 
 used in a more extended sense, and em- 
 braces grammar, rhetoric, poetr}'-, history, 
 and criticism. 
 
 Philomathic, fillo-mathik (Greek, phi- 
 los, a lover ; mathano, to learn). Relating to 
 a love of learning ; having a love for letters. 
 
 Philomel, fiUo-mel. A name figuratively 
 applied to the nightingale, from Philomela, 
 a king's daughter, who, accord'ng to ancient 
 mythology, was changed into that bird. 
 
 Philosopher, fil-osso-fur {Greek, phi- 
 los, a lover ; sophia, wisdom). One skilled 
 in the science of nature and morals; one 
 who devotes himself to the study of phy- 
 sics, or moral and intellectual science ; also 
 one who bears misfortune calmly, or who 
 contents himself with his lot in life. 
 
 Philosopher's Stone. An imaginary 
 substance, the discovery of which was the 
 
 ?irincipal object of the ancient alchemists, 
 t was reported to possess the power of 
 transmuting all the baser metals into gold, 
 and of healing all diseases. 
 
 Philter, fil-tur (Greek, phileo, to love). 
 A potion or charm to excite love ; a pre* 
 paration or drug which the ancients be- 
 lieved capable of exciting love; anything 
 calculated to inspire a tender passion^ 
 also wciiten. philtre. 
 
 Phlebotomy, fiee-botto-my (Greek, 
 phlehs, a vein ; temno, to cut). The act 014 
 art of blood-letting ; the opening of a vein 
 for the purpose of bleeding. 
 
 Phlegmatic, fleg - mattik (Greek, 
 phlegma, phlegm). Abounding in phlegm ; 
 cold ; duU ; sluggish ; apathetic ; wanting 
 in fervour and sensibility. 
 
 Phonetic, fo-nettik (Greek, phone, 
 sound). Vocal ; expressive of sound. Pho- 
 netic writing, that writing in which the 
 signs represent sounds. 
 
 Phonographic, fono - grafiik > 
 
 Phonographical, fono - graffik - al j 
 (Greek, phone, sound ; grapho, to write). De- 
 scriptive of the sounds of the human voice. 
 
 Phosphate, fos-fate. In chemistry, 
 a salt formed by the union of the phos- 
 phoric acid with the salifiable bases. 
 
 Phosphite, f os-fite. A salt formed by 
 the combination of the phosphorous acid 
 with a base. 
 
 _ Phosphorus, fosfo-rus (Greek, phos, 
 light; pJiero, to bear). A combustible 
 substance of a yellowish colour, and semi- 
 transparent. It is obtained by an elabo- 
 rate chemical process from bones. In the 
 atmosphere at common temperatures, it 
 emits white fumes, which in the dark ap- 
 pear luminous, to which circumstance it 
 owes its name. 
 
 ^ Photogenic, foto-jennik (Greek, phos, 
 light ; gignomai, to generate). Producing 
 light. A term applied to a process of pro- 
 ducing pictures by the action of the light 
 of. the sun, and fixing them on a chemi- 
 caUy-prepared ground. 
 
 Photography, fo-toggrah-fy (Greek, 
 phos, light; grapho, to deUneate). The 
 process of photogenic drawing. See Pho- 
 togenic, i 
 
 _ Photology, fo-tollo-jy (Greek, phos,\ 
 light ; ^0^05, a discourse). The science or , 
 doctrine which explains the nature and 
 varied phenomena of light. ■ ; 
 
 Phrase, fraze (Greek, phrasis). A' 
 mode of speech ; an expression ; an idiom ; ; 
 a form of diction ; a combination of words ; • 
 conventional arrangement ; style. 
 
 Phraseology, frazy - olio - jy (Greek, 
 phrasiif a phrase ; lego, to speak). Mode 
 
PHE 
 
 PIE 
 
 of expression ; diction ; style ; peculiar 
 words in a sentence ; a collection of phrases 
 in a language. 
 
 Plirenetic, fre-nettik (Greek, 'pTiren, 
 the mind). Disordered in the brain ; bor- 
 dering on madness ; delirious ; subject to 
 ungovernable excitement ; wild ; erratic. 
 
 Phrenology, fren-ollo-jy (Greek, 
 phren, the mintl ; logos, a discourse). The 
 science which professes to explain the 
 quaUties and characteristics of the mind 
 by corresponding organs of the brain. 
 
 Phthisic, tiz-ik (Greek, phthisis, a con- 
 sumption). Difficulty of breathing ; pul- 
 monary consumption ; emaciation and 
 wasting of the body. 
 
 Phthisis, ti-sis or thi-sis (Greek). A 
 consumption occasioned by affected lungs. 
 
 Phylacter, fe-laktur ) (Greek, phy- 
 Phylactery,fe-laktur-e j latto, to keep). 
 A spell or charm ; an amulet borne about 
 the person to prevent disease. Among 
 the Jews a slip of parchm^it worn on the 
 wrist or forehead, and upon which was 
 written some sentence from Scripture, 
 serving as a mark of religion. 
 
 Physics, fiz-iks (Greek, physis, nature). 
 The doctrine of natural bodies, their phe- 
 nomena, causes, and effects, with their 
 various operations, affections, &c. 
 
 Physiognomy, fizzy-onno-my (Greek, 
 physis, nature ; gnomon, a rule). The art 
 or science of discovering the character of 
 the mind from the features of the face ; 
 the face or countenance as expressive of 
 the temper of the mind. 
 
 Physiography, fizzy - oggrah - fy 
 (Greek, physis, nature ; grapho, to write). 
 A description of nature, or the science of 
 natural objects. 
 
 Physiology, fizzj-ollo-jy (Greek, phy- 
 sis, nature ; logos, a discourse). That 
 branch of natural science which relates to 
 the laws of life and the functions of living 
 beings, whether animal or vegetable. 
 
 Physique, fiz-zeek (French). The 
 nervous system ; constitutional tendency or 
 chauacteristic ; physical power ; strength. 
 
 Phytography, fi-toggrah-fy (Greek, 
 phyton, a plant ; grapho, to describe). The 
 descriction and naming of plants. 
 
 ^3rtology, fi-tollo-jy (Greek, phyton, 
 a plant ; logos, a discourse). A treatise on 
 plants ; another name for Botany. 
 
 PiaJlO, pe-ahno (Italian). Soft ; gentle ; 
 low; in a subdued tone; opposed to /orfe. 
 
 Piano Porte, pe-ahno fawr-te. A 
 musical instrument ; so named from its 
 power of producing soft or loud tones. 
 
 Piastre, pe-astur. A silver coin used 
 in Spain, Italy, Turkey, South America, 
 &c, ; its value differs in various countries, 
 but generally speaking, it is worth about 
 4s. 4d. English money. 
 
 "PiBiZZdu, pe-ahtza (Italian). A portico, 
 or continued archway, supported by pil- 
 lars. 
 
 Pibroch, pi-brok. The martial music 
 of Scottish Highlanders, consisting of a 
 wild stirring melody, played on the bag- 
 pipe. 
 
 Picador, pikkah-dawr (Spanish). A 
 horseman; one who, in bull-fights, is 
 armed with a spear. 
 
 Picaroon, pikkah-roon (Italian, />icare). 
 A marauder ; a freebooter ; a pirate ; a. 
 plunderer. 
 
 Pice, pise. The name of small copper 
 coins used in the East Indies. 
 
 Picket, pik-et (French, piquet). In 
 military affairs, a guard, consisting of a 
 small number of men, kept in a state of 
 constant readiness to act on the instant of 
 an alarm, and to prevent surprises. In 
 fortification, a sharp or pointed staksj; 
 serving as a fence. 
 
 Picnic, pik-nik. A party in which 
 every person contributes something to the 
 entertainment, or bears his share of the 
 cost. 
 
 Picts, pikts (Latin, pictus, painted). 
 An ancient people of North Britain, whose 
 origin and history are somewhat obscure, 
 but who resorted to the practice of paint- 
 ing their bodies in various colours ; whence 
 their name. 
 
 Picturesque, piktu - resk (Italian, 
 pittw^esco). Literally, done in the style 
 and with the spirit of a painter ; hence 
 applied to that kind of beauty which is 
 agreeable in a picture, as well as to all 
 objects which afford fit matter for the 
 painter. 
 
 Piecemeal, pees-meel. In pieces, or 
 separate parts ; single ; separated ; divided. 
 
 Pied, pide (from pie). Variegated, or 
 composeid of different colours; applied 
 generally to animals which are variously 
 coloured or spotted. 
 
 Pie-powder Court (corrupted from 
 French, pie-poudre, from pied, foot ; poudre, 
 dust). An ancient court of record in 
 England, incident to every fair and market. 
 
PIE 
 
 the steward of the owner or receiver of 
 tolls being the judge. The name is said 
 to be derived from the dusty feet of the 
 suitors, or because justice could be ob- 
 tained there as speedily as the diust can 
 fall from fhefoot. 
 
 Pier, peer (French, pierre, a stone). 
 Originally, a structure made of stone, and 
 raised against the violence of the waves or 
 the action of the tides, in the sea and in 
 rivers ; subsequently applied to any strong 
 erection, jutting into the sea or the river, 
 constituting a harbour for protecting ships, 
 a convenience for landing passengers, 
 goods, &c. In architecture, the term is 
 applied to a strong flat buttress projecting 
 from the face of a wall, and also to any 
 wall interposed between two windows or 
 other openings. 
 
 Pietist, pi-e-tist. One of a sect of 
 Protestants, who originated in Germany, 
 professing great piety and purity of life, 
 and devoting themselves to a mystical 
 practice of religion. 
 
 Pig-iron. ) Iron or lead as first from 
 
 Pig-lead. ) the ore. The melted metal 
 from the smelting furnace passes into fur- 
 rows or moulds hollowed out in the sand ; 
 the larger mass, which sets in the main 
 furrow, is termed by the workmen the 
 sow, and those in the smaller furrows are 
 called pigs. 
 
 Pigraent, pig-ment (Latin, pigmentum, 
 from pingo, to paint). Coloured material 
 used in painting ; prepared materials em- 
 ployed by painters, dyers, &c., to impart or 
 imitate particular colours. 
 
 Pigmy, pig-my (Greek, pygmaios). A 
 dwarf ; anything very small in size ; feeble ; 
 inconsiderable. Pigmies, in fabulous history, 
 were a nation of dwarfs, said to have been 
 devoured by cranes. 
 
 Pignoration, pigno-rayshun (Latin, 
 pignero, to pawn, or pledge). The act of 
 pawning or pledging. 
 
 Pilaster, pil-aster (French, pilastre). A 
 square column, sometimae standing alone, 
 but more frequently set in a wall, and 
 exposing only a portion of its thickness. 
 
 Pile, pile (Latin, palus, a post). A 
 large stake driven into the earth, to sup- 
 port a superstructure, or to form the foun- 
 dations of buildings, piers of bridges, &c. 
 
 Pinchbeck, pintsh-bek. An aUoy of 
 copper and zinc, intended to represent 
 gold; it is used in the formation of 
 watch - cases, personal ornaments, and 
 other articles. 
 
 PIT 
 
 239 
 
 Pindaric, pin-darrik. In poetry, any 
 composition after or in imitation of the 
 manner of Pindar, the Greek lyrical poet. 
 
 Pineal, pi-neal. Resembling, in form 
 the fruit of the pine. 
 
 Pinion, pin-yun (Latin, pinna, a wing). 
 The small joint at the end of the wing of a 
 bird ; a feather ; a quiU ; a wing ; fetters 
 or bonds for the arms. 
 
 Pinnace, pin-nase. A small vessel, 
 navigated with oars and sails, having gene- 
 rally two masts, rigged like those of a 
 schooner; one of the boats of a man-of- 
 war, for conveying the officers to and 
 from shore. 
 
 Pinnacle, pinna-kl (Latin, pinna, a 
 wing). The highest turret or tower of a 
 building ; the top or summit of anything. 
 
 Pinnate, pin-nate ) (Latin, pinna- 
 Pinnated, pin-naytedj fz^s, feathered). 
 Having several leaflets on each side. 
 
 Pioneer, pio-neer (French, pionnier). 
 One who goes before, to clear the way for 
 others to follow ; in the army, a soldier em- 
 ployed to repair the road or clear it of 
 obstructions, work at entrenchments, form 
 mines to destroy an enemy's works, &c. 
 
 Piquancy, pik-ahn-sy (French, piquer, 
 to sting). Pungency ; sharpness ; figura- 
 tively applied to keenness ; sprightliness ; 
 acuteness. 
 
 Pique, peek (French). Offence taken ; 
 ill-will; point or punctilio ; self-esteem. 
 
 Pirouette, pir-oo-et (French). A whirl- 
 ing on the toes in dancing; the turning 
 round of a horse on the same space of 
 ground. 
 
 Piscatory, piskah-tuiTy (Latin, piscis, 
 a fish). Eelating to fishes. 
 
 Pistil, pis-til (Latin, pistiU2tm'). The 
 female organ of a flower, situated in the 
 centre, and forming the nvdiments of the 
 fruit. 
 
 Piston, pis-tun (French). Athin body 
 of metal or othetr substance, adapted to 
 move within a cylinder, so as to move 
 freely up and down, air or water-tight. 
 
 Pith, pith (Saxon, pitha). The soft 
 spongy substance in the centre of plants 
 and trees ; marrow ; metaphorically, 
 strength, vigour, energy ; robustness ; the 
 substance or material part of. anything. 
 
 Pittance, pit-tans (French, pitance). 
 An allowance ; a small portion. Originally, 
 an allowance of meat doled out to the 
 monks of a monastery. 
 
240 
 
 PIV 
 
 PLA 
 
 Pivot, piv-ot (French, pivot). The pin 
 or short shaft on which a body turns or 
 revolves. In military evolutions, the sol- 
 dier upon whom the different wheelings 
 are made in driU-exercise; metaphorically 
 applied to that on which anything de- 
 pends ; the stay or support. 
 
 Fix, piks (Latin, pyxis, a box). Among 
 Roman Catholics the little box in which 
 the crucifix is kept, or in which the con- 
 secrated wafers, or both, are preserved. 
 
 Placable, play-ka-bl (Latin, placo, to 
 pacify). WUling or possible to be ap- 
 peased ; that can be mitigated or assuaged ; 
 ready to forgive. 
 
 Placard, plak - ard or play - card 
 (French). A written or printed paper 
 posted in a public place. 
 
 Placebo, play-seebo (Latin, placeo, to 
 please). An epithet for any medicine de- 
 signed to soothe or gratify the patient. 
 
 Placid, plas-id (Latin, placidus). Gen- 
 tle ; calm ; mild ; undisturbed ; quiet and 
 peaceful in mind. 
 
 Plagiarism, playje»-izm (Latin, pla- 
 giarius, a kidnapping). A literary theft ; 
 an appropriation of the literary labours of 
 another. 
 
 Plaint, playnt (French, plaindre, to 
 lament). Lamentation ; complaint ; sorrow 
 expressed in words. 
 
 Plaintiff, plain-tiff (French, plaintif, 
 making complaint). One who commences 
 an action at law for the recovery of a 
 claim or the redressing of an injury. 
 
 Plait, plate, or plat (Gaelic, pleat). To 
 fold or double in narrow bands or strips ; 
 to braid. 
 
 Plane, plane (Latin, planus, flat). A 
 level surface ; a surface without elevations 
 or depressions. In geometry, a surface 
 which coincides everywhere with a right 
 line. In astronomy, an imaginary surface, 
 supposed to pass through any of the curves 
 described on the celestial sphere. In 
 joinery, an instrument used in smoothing 
 or levelling the surface of boards, &c. 
 
 Planet, plan-et (Greek, planeo, to wan- 
 der). Literally, that which wanders; ap- 
 pUed to a wandering star, as distingmshed 
 from filed stars ; a celestial body revolving 
 roimd another ; a body which revolves about 
 the sun as a centre, with a limited amount 
 of eccentricity. 
 
 Planisphere, plannis-feer (Latin, pla- 
 niLS, plain ; sphcera, a sphere or globe). A 
 projection of a sphere and its circle? upon 
 
 a plane ; an astronomical instrument used 
 in observing the motions of the heavenly 
 bodies. 
 
 Plantagenet, plan -tajjy- net. The 
 surname of the royal family of England 
 from Henry 11, to Eichard III. inclusive. 
 So named from La,tia planta, a plant, and 
 genista, the broom ; sprigs of the latter 
 having been worn as a badge in the caps of 
 the ancestors of Henry II. 
 
 Plantar, plan-tar (Latin, planta, the 
 sole of the foot). In anatomy, appertain- 
 ing to the sole of the foot. 
 
 Plashing, plash-ing. A method of re- 
 pairing or renovating a hedge by folding or 
 plaiting the young branches one within 
 the other. 
 
 Plaster of Paris. A substance other- 
 wise known as the sulphate of lime. It 
 derives its name from having been origi- 
 nally made from a species of gypsum ob- 
 tained from Montmartre, in the environs of 
 Paris. 
 
 Plastic, plas-tik (Greek, plasso, to form). 
 Giving form ; capable of being moulded or 
 modelled. Plastic art is a branch of 
 sculpture which consists of forming figm-es 
 of men and animals in plaster, clay, &c. 
 
 Plateau, plah-to (French). A broad 
 flat space ; a level tract of land ; a kind of 
 tray on which an epergne or candelabrum 
 is placed. 
 
 Plated, play-ted. Overlaid with silver 
 or gold ; covered with plate ; armed with 
 plate ; beaten into plates. 
 
 Platina, plattin-ah. ) A metal which 
 
 Platinum, plattin-um. ) is found in flat 
 grains of a greyish- white colour, like tar- 
 nished steel, and containing always some 
 other metal. When pure, it resembles 
 polished steel, has twice the density of 
 silver, and is considerably harder ; it is 
 malleable, ductUe, and unalterable in air or 
 water, and retains its polish even in a wliite 
 heat. It is about half the value of gold. 
 
 Platitude, platty-tude. Insipidity; 
 flatness ; dulness ; a portion of written or 
 printed matter, which is dull and insipid 
 in the extreme. 
 
 Platonic, plah-tonnik. Relating to 
 Plato or his philosophy ; Platonic love 
 denotes a pure spiritual affection subsisting 
 between the sexes, having regard to no 
 other object than the mind and its 
 beauties. 
 
 Platoon,iila-toon (corruption of French, 
 peloton, a small ball). A small square body 
 
PLA 
 
 of soldiers placed between squadrons of 
 horse to sustain them ; or a small body 
 acting togethei", but separate from the 
 main body. 
 
 Plaudit, plawd-it (Latin, plaudo, to 
 praise). Applause ; praise bestowed ; a 
 shout of commendation. 
 
 Plausible, plawzy-bl (Latin, plaudo, to 
 praise). Adapted to win approbation 
 superficially ; having a fair appearance ; 
 specious; apparently right and satisfac- 
 tory. 
 
 Plea, plee (Old French, plaid). That 
 which is advanced in pleading ; anything 
 urged in defence, excuse, or vindication. 
 In law, that which is alleged by a party in 
 support of a demand, but in a more limited 
 and technical sense, the answer of the 
 defendant to the plaintiff's declaration. 
 
 Plebeian, plee-be-yan (Lskiin, plebs, the 
 common people). One of the common 
 people, or a person of the lower ranks of 
 society. Amongst the Romans, that por- 
 tion of the community which was distin- 
 guished from the senatorian and equestrian 
 order; and especially opposed to 2?a<naa7i. 
 
 Plenary, plee-nary (Latin, plenus, full). , 
 Full ; complete ; entire ; ample ; whole. 
 
 Plenipotentiary, plennip - po - ten - 
 shurry (Latin, plenus, full ; potentia, power). 
 A person who is vested with full power and 
 commission to do anything. The word is 
 chiefly understood of the ministers sent by 
 princes or states, to treat of peace, mar- 
 riages, and other important matters. 
 
 Plenitude, plenny-tude (Latin, plenus, 
 full). Fulness; completeness; abundance 
 or excess. 
 
 Pleonasm, pleeon-azm (Greek, pleon, 
 more). Eedundancy ; the use of a greater 
 number of words than are necessary to 
 express the meaning; sometimes intro- 
 duced to give additional energy, as, " I saw 
 it with my own eyes ;" at other times needless 
 and ungraceful, as, "My banks, theyoxQ fur- 
 nished with bees." 
 
 Plethora, plettho-rah ( Greek, ^ZefAo, to 
 fill). Fulness of habit ; excess of blood in 
 the system ; superabundance of humours. 
 
 Pleurisy, plewry-sy (Greek, pleuron, 
 the side). An inflammation of the mem- 
 brane which covers the inside of the thorax, 
 and invests the lungs. 
 
 Pliable, plyah-bl (French, plier, to 
 bend). Easy to be bent ; flexible ; readily 
 persuaded. 
 
 PNE 
 
 241 
 
 Plight, pliije (Saxon, pUhion, to pledge, 
 or to expose to perplexity). To pledge ; 
 to give as surety ; to stake as security for 
 the performance of some act, or the fulfil- 
 ment of specified conditions. The same 
 term is also applied to a state of risk, hazard, 
 danger, or peril. 
 
 Plinth, pUnth (Greek, plinthos, a brick). 
 The square part under a pedestal, forming 
 the lowest member of a column, wall, &c.; 
 anything shaped like a brick. 
 
 Plodding, plod-ding (Dutch, ploeglen, 
 to ply). Slow movement ; continuous 
 labour ; steady and laborious employment. 
 
 Ploughshare, plow-share. The part 
 of the plough which cuts the land at the 
 bottom of the furrow, and raises the slice 
 to the mould-board which turns it over. 
 
 Plumbline, plum-line. An instrument 
 chiefly used by builders, consisting of a 
 leaden bob, suspended to the end of aline;- 
 used to determine the perpendicularity of 
 their structures to the horizon. The plurrib 
 rule is used^for the same purpose ; but in 
 this the bob is suspended to the end of 
 a straight board, with a line traced down 
 the middle, so that when the edge of the 
 board is placed against the wall, or other 
 object, the plumbline shall exactly coincide 
 with the line marked upon the board. 
 
 Plummet, plum-met. A piece of 
 lead^attached to a line, used in sounding: 
 the depth of water. See Plum.bline. 
 
 Plumule, ploom-ule (Latin, pumula, a 
 little feather). In botany, the expanding 
 embryo or germ of a plant within the seed, 
 resembling a small plume or feather. 
 
 Pluperfect Tense (Latin, plusquani 
 perfectum, more than perfect). In gram- 
 mar, the tense which denotes that an action 
 was finished at a certain period to which 
 the speaker refers. 
 
 Plural, ploo-ral (Latin, pluralis). Con- 
 sisting of or relating to more than one. 
 
 Pluralist, plooral-ist, A clergyman 
 who holds more than one benefice. 
 
 Plus, plus (Latin, plus, more). In 
 algebra, the name of^he character +, which 
 denotes that the quantity before which it 
 is placed is additive. 
 Pluvial, ploovy-al ) (Latin, pluvia, 
 Pluvious, ploovy-us j rain). Pertain- 
 ing to rain ; rainy ; watery. 
 Pneumatic, nu-mattik ) (Greek 
 
 Pneumatical, nu-mattik-al Spneo, 
 breathe). Consisting of or pertaining 
 air : moved by air. 
 
 Q 
 
242 
 
 PNE 
 
 POL 
 
 Pneumonia, nu - mony - ah (Greek, 
 pneumon, the lung). Inflammation of the 
 lungs. 
 
 Poco, po-ko (Italian). In music, a term 
 signifying little ; as poco largo, a little slowly. 
 
 Podesta, po-destah. A name for one 
 of the chief magistrates in Genoa and 
 Venice. 
 
 Poet Laureate, po-et lawry-ate. A 
 poet whose ostensible duty is to compose 
 birth-day odes and other congratulatory 
 poems, in honour of the sovereign in whose 
 service he is retained ; but these services 
 are now dispensed with, although the office 
 remains. 
 
 Poignant, poy-nant (French, poigner, 
 to pierce). Sharp ; piercing ; painful ; keen ; 
 Btinging. 
 
 Point - blank, poynt - blank {point, 
 and IVench blanc, white). The white mark 
 on a target or other object, at which aim 
 is taken. In shooting point-blank, the baU 
 is supposed to move directly to the object, 
 without curve. Metaphorically applied to 
 anything said or done in a direct manner. 
 
 Point d'apptii, pwoynt- dapwee 
 (French). Point of support, or supporting 
 point. 
 
 Pointed, poyn-ted. Having a sharp 
 point ; discourse aimed at a particular per- 
 son, or a special purpose. Pointed style, 
 in architecture, is the style usually called 
 Gothic, in which all the arches are pointed at 
 the top. 
 
 Poise, poyze (Welsh, pwys^ weight). 
 Weight ; balance ; force tending to the 
 centre ; equilibrium ; that which causes 
 bodies to descend. 
 
 Polar, po-lar (Greek, polos, a pole). 
 Helating to the poles of the earth ; near 
 the pole ; issuing from the regions near 
 the poles ; relating to the magnetic pole, 
 or to the point to which the needle is 
 directed. 
 
 Polarity, po-larry-ty. In physics, the 
 opposition of two forces in bodies, or that 
 quality of a body by virtue of which 
 peculiar properties reside in certain points ; 
 usually, as in magnetised and electrified 
 bodies, properties of attraction and repul- 
 sion, or the power of taking a particular 
 direction when freely suspended. 
 
 Polemic, po-lemmik \ ( Greek,^o- 
 
 Polemical, po-lemmik-al j ^emos, war). 
 Controversial ; disputative ; engaged in sup- 
 porting a doctrine or system by contro- 
 versy. 
 
 'Policy, poUis-sy (Greek, polis, a city, 
 or state). The art of government, espe- 
 cially in its relation to foreign powers. 
 Prudence in the management of private 
 affairs; stratagem; cunning, or dexterity 
 of management. In insurance, a contract 
 of indemnity between the insurer and the 
 insured ; the writing containing the terms 
 or conditions of a contract of insurance. 
 
 Politic, pollit-ik (Greek, politikos, from 
 polis, a city). Wise ; prudent ; artful ; 
 sagacious in devising and executing mea- 
 sures ; wise in adapting the means to the 
 end; prudent; provident. 
 
 Political Economy. A term used 
 to denote the administration of the revenues 
 of a nation or state; or the management 
 and regulation of its resources, and pro- 
 ductive property and labour. It also com- 
 prehends the various measures which are 
 taken to direct the property and labour of 
 a country into such channels as shall secure 
 success to individual enterprise, and produce 
 the greatest amount of public prosperity. 
 
 Polities, poUit-iks. The science of 
 government ; a branch of ethics which con- 
 sists in the management of the affairs of a 
 nation or state, for its preservation, peace,, 
 and prosperity. 
 
 Pollution, pol-lewshun (Latin, polluo, 
 to defile). The act of defiling ; corruption ; 
 stain ; the effect of sin. 
 
 Poltroon, pol-troon (French, poltrm). 
 A coward; a dastard; a mean-spirited 
 fellow. Said to be derived from pollice 
 truncus, maimed in the thumb ; from the 
 fact of persons thus injuring themselves to 
 escape serving as soldiers. 
 
 Poly, Pol (Greek, polys, many). A 
 Greek prefix, denoting many or much. 
 
 Polygamy, po - liggah - my (Greek, 
 polys, many ; gamia, marriage). A state 
 of intermarriage with many at the same 
 time ; a plurality of wives or of husbands. 
 
 Polyglot, poUy-glot (Greek, polys^ 
 many ; glotta, a tongue). Containing many 
 languages ; one who knows many lan- 
 guages ; a book containing many tongues,, 
 particularly the Holy Scriptures. 
 
 Polygon, poUy-gon (Greek, polys, 
 many; gonia, an angle). A geometrical 
 figure of many sides and angles. 
 
 Polymatliy, po-Umma-thy (Greek, 
 polys, many; mathano, to learn). The 
 knowledge of many arts and sciences; 
 acquaintance with many branches of learn- 
 ing, or with various subjects- ..,^ 
 
POL 
 
 >0E 
 
 243 
 
 PolsTphonic, poUy - fonnik (Greek, 
 polys, many ; phone, sound). Having or 
 consisting of many sounds or voices. 
 
 Polysyllable, polly-sillah-bl (Greek, 
 polys, many; syllabe, a syllable). Con- 
 sisting of many syllables ; having more 
 than three syllables. 
 
 Polytechnic, poUy-teknik (Greek, 
 polys, many ; iechne, art). Comprehending 
 many arts. 
 
 Polytheism, pollith - eeizm (Greek, 
 polys, many; Theos, God). The doctrine 
 of a plm'aUty of gods. 
 
 Pomade, po-mahd (Latin, pomum, an 
 apple). Originally, perfumed ointment 
 made up in little balls ; now appHed to any 
 fragranlriointment, such as is used for the 
 hair. ' 
 
 Pomimel, pum-mel (Latin, pomum, an 
 apple, or round, as an apple). A little 
 ball ; anything round or protuberant, as 
 the pommel of a sword, the pommel of a 
 sadcQe. 
 
 Ponderosity, pondur-ossy-ty (Latin, 
 pondus, weight). The quaUty of being 
 heavy ; weight ; gravity ; heaviness. 
 
 Ponderous, pondur-us (Latin, pondus, 
 weight). Weighty ; massive ; very heavy ; 
 metaphorically, of great weight or mo- 
 ment ; important ; forcible. 
 
 Poniard, pen-yard {Yrench, paignard, 
 from the Latin pungo, to pierce or stab). 
 A dagger or short sword ; a weapon which 
 pierces or stabs. 
 
 Pontiff, pon-tif (Latin, pontifex, a 
 priest). A chief or high priest; in Eng- 
 land, appUed to the Pope. The derivation 
 of the word pontifex is said to be from 
 pons, abridge, and /acio, to make, because 
 the first bridge over the Tiber was con- 
 structed and consecrated by the chief 
 priest. 
 
 Pontificals, pon-tiffik-als. The full 
 dress and ornaments of a chief priest or 
 bishop. 
 
 Pontoon, pon-toon (French, ponton). 
 A floating bridge, formed of flat-bottomed 
 boats, anchored in two lines, with planks 
 laid across for the passage of soldiers and 
 military stores ; also the name for the boats 
 themselves, of which such a bridge is made. 
 
 Poop, poop. The highest and aftermost 
 part of a ship's deck. 
 
 Popery, pope-ery. The religion per- 
 taining to the Pope and the Church of 
 Borne. ... 
 
 Popinjay, poppin-jay (Spanish, papa- 
 gayo). A general name for all parrots; 
 hence, metaphorically applied to one all 
 noise and finery ; a prating coxcomb. 
 
 Populace, poppu-Ias (Latin, popuhis, 
 the people). The common people ; the 
 multitude ; the many. 
 
 Popular, poppu-lar (Latin, populus, 
 the people). Of or belonging to the 
 people ; suitable to the people ; beloved by 
 the people. 
 
 Porcine, pore-sine (Latin, porcus, a 
 pig). Pertaining to swine ; like a hog. 
 
 Pore, pore (Greek, poros, a passage). 
 A small invisible hole, like those in the 
 skin, through which the perspiration and 
 vapours pass out of the body. . 
 
 Porosity, po-rossy-te (Greek, poros, a 
 passage). The quality of having pores. 
 
 Porous, po-rus. Having passages in 
 the skin or substance of the body ; having 
 small apertures or interstices. 
 
 Portable, portah-bl (Latin, porto, to 
 carry). That may be carried ; easily 
 removable ; not bulky or heavy ; adapted 
 to be borne about the person, or with 
 the owner. 
 
 Portal, pore-tal (Italian, portella). The 
 arch over a door or gate ; an opening for 
 entrance ; the lesser gate, where there are 
 two of different dimensions at the entrance. 
 
 Portcullis, port-kullis (French, porte, 
 a gate ; coulisse, a groove). A strong 
 grating of timber, fenced with iron, and 
 made to slide up and down, in a groove of 
 solid stone-work within the arch of the 
 portal of old castles, to be let down in case 
 of surprise, to bar the entrance of an 
 enemy. 
 
 Porte, porte (Latin, porta, a gate). 
 The Ottoman Court, so called from the 
 gate of the Sultan's palace, where justice 
 is administered, as the Sublime Porte. 
 
 Portentous, por-tentus (Latin, por- 
 tendo, to hold out, or show). Foreboding; 
 ominous ; betokening good or iU. 
 
 Portfolio, porte-fole-yo (Latin, pwto, 
 to carry ; folium, a leaf). A portable case 
 for papers, drawings, &c. 
 
 Portico, porty-ko (Latin, porticus). In 
 architectiu-e, a Ipng covered place, com- 
 posed either of vaults supported by arcades 
 or of flat roofs supported by pillars, the 
 sides being open. 
 
 Portland Stone. A kind of ston* 
 found in the island of Portland. It is soft 
 Q2 
 
214 
 
 POE 
 
 POT 
 
 ■when quarried, but hardens by exposure 
 to the atmosphere. 
 
 Portly, port-ley. Of a large and full 
 person ; commanding in appearance ; noble 
 in carriage ; bulky ; corpulent. 
 
 Portmanteau, porte-manto (French, 
 porter, to carry; manteau, a cloak). A 
 case or trunk originally designed to hold a 
 mantle or cloak ; but now used as a recep- 
 tacle for wearing apparel generally, and 
 personal effects. 
 
 Portmonnaie, porte-monny. A purse 
 made of leather and furnished with a clasp, 
 to carry money, &c. in, about the person. 
 
 Portray, pore-tray (French., portr aire, 
 from Latin, protrahere, to draw out). To 
 paint ; to draw ; to describe by picture. 
 
 Pose, poze (Latin, positus, from pono, 
 to put down). To puzzle; to perplex or 
 confound with a difi&culty; to put a 
 question or proposition difficult of being 
 answered. 
 
 Pose, poze (French). Posture ; attitude ; 
 deportment. 
 
 Posology, po-sollo-jy (Greek, posos, 
 how much ; logos, a discourse), hx medical 
 practice, the science of doses. 
 
 Posse, pos-se (Latin, to be able). In 
 law, a possibility, or that which may be 
 possible, in contradistinction to that which 
 is actually in existence. Posse comitatus, 
 literally, power of the county, which the 
 sheriff is empowered to raise in case of 
 riot, said to be all knights and other men, 
 above the age of fifteen, able to travel 
 within the county. 
 
 Post, poste. A Latin preposition, sig- 
 nifying after, as in the following instances. 
 Post mortem examination, an examination 
 after death. Post facto law, a law made 
 after the act is committed. Postohit lond, 
 an agreement on the receipt of money by 
 the obligor to pay a larger sum, exceeding 
 the legal rate of interest, upon the death 
 of the person from whom he, the obligor, 
 has some expectations if he survive him. 
 Post date, to date after the real time, or 
 the time of writing. Post captain, in the 
 royal navy, is one placed for the first op- 
 portunity of regular preferment, being the 
 naval rank next above that of a com- 
 mander, and immediately below that of an 
 admiral. 
 
 Posterity, pos-terry-ty (Latin, pos- 
 teritas). Those who are bom or live 
 after ; descendants ; succeeding genera- 
 tions : chiidren. 
 
 Postern, pos-tum (French, posierne;, 
 A small back gate, or narrow door. 
 
 Posthumous, poste-hewmus (Latin, 
 post, after ; humatus, buried). Born after 
 the death of the father, or taken from the 
 dead body of the mother. Produced or 
 published after the death of the author. 
 
 Post Meridian, post my-riddy-an 
 (Latin, post, after; meridies, noon -day). 
 Being in or belonging to the afternoon. 
 
 Postpone, poste -pone (Latin, post, 
 after ; pono, to place). To put off or delay; 
 to set aside for some future time. 
 
 Postscript, poste-skript (Latin, p)ost, 
 after ; scriptum, a writing). That which is 
 written after, or added to a letter. 
 
 Postulant, posttu-lant (Latin, postulo, 
 to entreat or demand). One who makes a 
 demand. 
 
 Postulate, posttu-late (Latin, postu- 
 latum, a request or demand). In logic and 
 philosophy, a position assumed without 
 proof, or one which is considered as self- 
 evident. It differs from an axiom in being 
 put as a request or petition. 
 
 Posy, po-zy (a contraction from poesy). 
 A motto or verse upon a ring ; a nosegay. 
 Posy originally meant verses presented 
 with a nosegay of flowers, and hence the 
 term came to be applied to the flowers 
 themselves. 
 
 Potash, pot-ash. The name commonly 
 given to the vegetable fixed alkali from the 
 ashes of plants ; so called because it is 
 obtained from the lixivium of the ash 
 which remains from the incineration of 
 certain vegetables by evaporation in iron 
 pots. 
 
 Potent, po-tent (Latin, potentia, from 
 possum, to be able). Powerful ; strong ; 
 mighty ; possessing great authority ; of 
 great efficacy ; morally powerful. 
 
 Potentate, potea-tate (French, poten- 
 tat). A monarch ; a sovereign prince ; one 
 who has great power. 
 
 Potential, po-tenshal (Latin, pote7i'^ 
 tialis). Existing in possibility, not in act ; 
 powerful ; efficacious ; expressing power. 
 Potential mood, in grammar, that form of 
 the verb which is used to express the 
 power, possibility, liberty, or necessity of 
 action, indicated by mai/ or can. 
 
 Potion, po-shxm (Latin, poto, to drink). 
 A draught ; a dose ; a liquid medicine. 
 
 Pot Valiant, pot val-yant. Mada 
 CQiorageous by liquor. 
 
POU 
 
 Poundage, pownd-aje. A certain 
 sum of money deducted from a pound ; a 
 tax or duty levied, at a certain rate per 
 pound. 
 
 Power-loom. A loom worked by some 
 mechanical force, as water, steam, &c. 
 
 Pragmatic, prag-mattik \ (Greek, 
 Pragmatical,prag-mattik-al j prag- 
 ma, from prasso, to do). Able to d.o or act ; 
 acting officiously or busily ; meddling ; 
 impertinently officious. Pragmatic sanc- 
 tion, in civil law, a rescript or answer of 
 tbe sovereign, delivered by the advice of 
 his council or college, order, or body of 
 people, who consult him in relatlbn to the 
 affairs of the community. 
 
 Prairie, pra-ry (Latin, p'aum, a mea- 
 dow). A name commonly used in America, 
 to denote those remarkable natural mea- 
 dows, or plains, which characterise the 
 valley of the Mississippi, and a great part of 
 Texas, and are very common in other 
 locaUties. 
 
 Pratique, prat-eek. In commerce, a 
 term used to signify a licence for inter- 
 course vdth a place after quarantine, 
 
 Pravity, prawy-ty (Latin, pravas, 
 crooked, evil). Deviation from right; 
 perversion ; wickedness ; corruption ; a 
 state wherein anything has lost its perfec- 
 tion. 
 
 Praxis, praks-is (Greek). Use; prac- 
 tice ; an example to teach practice. 
 
 Pre-Adamite, pre-addam-ite. That 
 which lived or had being prior to the 
 existence of our first parents ; one who 
 beheves that Adam was not the first human 
 inhabitant of the earth. 
 
 Preamble, pre-ambul (Latin, prce, 
 before ; ambulo, to go). That which goes 
 or comes before, as preparatory or intro- 
 ductory remarks ; preliminary discourse ; 
 preface. 
 
 Prebend, preb-end (Latin, prcebeo, to 
 afford) . A stipend or maintenance granted 
 out of the estate of a cathedral or coUegiate 
 church. 
 
 Precarious, pre-kary-us (Latin, precor, 
 to pray or entreat). Depending on the 
 will of another; uncertain ; unsettled; 
 doubtful. 
 
 Precede, pre-seed (Latin, prcecedo, to 
 go before). To go before in time ; to go 
 before in rank or place. 
 
 Precedent,pressy-dent(Latin, p-cececZo, 
 to go before). Something done or said 
 before, which serves as a rule or example. 
 
 PEE 
 
 245 
 
 Precentor, pre - sentur (Latin, proSf 
 before ; canto, to sing). One who sings 
 first, or leads a choir ; the leader of vocal 
 music in church. In Scottish churches, 
 the leader of the congregation in the 
 psalmody. 
 
 Precept, pre-sept (Latin, prcedpio, to 
 command), A rule or moral law ; a direc- 
 tion or command ; a mandate given by a 
 superior. 
 
 Preceptor, pre-septur (Latin, prcecep- 
 ior). A teacher ; an instructor ; a school- 
 master. 
 
 Precinct, pre-sinkt (Latin, prcecinctus, 
 encompassed). A boundary ; an outward 
 limit ; territory comprehended within tha 
 limits of authority or jurisdiction. 
 
 Precipice, pressy-pis (Latin, prceceps, 
 headlong). A steep place, from which a 
 person cannot descend without falhng down 
 headlong. 
 
 Precipitate, pre-sippy-tate (Latin, 
 prceceps, headlong). To throw or fall head- 
 long ; to urge forward hurriedly ; to hasten 
 unexpectedly or rashly ; in chemistry^ to 
 separate and throw down, as sediment. 
 
 Precise, pre-sise (Latin, prcecido, to 
 pare). Exact ; strict ; formal; having 
 strict and determinate limitations ; rigor- 
 ously confined or restricted. 
 
 Precisian, pre-sizhan. A strict ob- 
 server of rules ; one who is rigidly exact ; 
 one who limits or restrains. 
 
 Preclude, pre - klude (Latin, prce, 
 before; cludo, to shut). To stop or 
 hinder; to shut out, or debar from 
 access, possession, or enjoyment; to pre- 
 vent from taking place. 
 
 Precocious, pre-ko-shus (Latin, prce, 
 before ; coquo, to cook, or prepare). Ori- 
 ginally applied to things baked or matured 
 by the sun before the time ; hence, pre- 
 maturely ripe or forward; premature de- 
 velopment of the mental or physical 
 powers. 
 
 Precognition, preekog-nishun (Latin, 
 prce, before ; cognitio, knowledge). Pre- 
 vious knowledge; antecedent examina- 
 tion. 
 
 Preconcerted, preekon-serted. Con- 
 trived or settled beforehand ; ^ planned 
 previous to putting into execution ; mu- 
 tually agreed upon. 
 
 Precursor, pre-kursur (Latin, ji>rcb, 
 before ; curro, to run). A forerunner ; a 
 harbinger ; he or that which precedes and 
 indicates an event. 
 
246 
 
 PEE 
 
 Predatory, preddah - turry (Latin, 
 ^rceda, plunder). Plundering ; pillaging ; 
 living upon plunder or rapine. 
 
 Predecessor, preedy-sessur (Latin, 
 prce, before ; decedo, to depart). One who 
 has preceded another in the same office, 
 business, &c. ; an ancestor. 
 
 Predestination, pre-desty - nayshun 
 (Latin, proe, before ; destino, to appoint). 
 The act of appointing beforehand by an 
 unchangeable purpose ; decreeing or fore- 
 ordaining whatsoever may come to pass. 
 
 Predicament, pre-dikka-ment (Latin, 
 predicamentum). In logic, a category ; a 
 series or order ; class or kind described by 
 definite characteristics or marks ; applied 
 in a general sense to condition ; particular 
 situation or state. 
 
 Predicate, preddy-kate (Latin, ^^rtc- 
 dico, to affirm). To affirm cue thing of 
 another ; in logic, something affirmed or 
 denied of the subject. 
 
 Predict, pre-dikt (Latin, prce, before ; 
 dico, to tell). To foretell ; to prophesy ; 
 to foreshadow or foreshow something that 
 is to happen. 
 
 Predilection, preedy-lekshun (Latin, 
 2)rce, before ; diligo, to love). A liking 
 beforehand'; prepossession in favour of 
 any person or thing ; previous choice. 
 
 Predisposed, preedis-pozde (Latin, 
 prce, before ; and dispose). Previously 
 inclined to ; fitted for or adapted to pre- 
 viously ; propensity, impression, or pur- 
 pose, existing beforehand. 
 
 Predominate, pre-dommin-ate (Lat., 
 prcB, before; dominor, to i-ule). To rule 
 supreme ; to prevail ; to have controlling 
 infiuence ; to possess superior strength 
 or means. 
 
 Pre-eminent, pre-emmin-ent (Latin, 
 proe, before, or above ; eniino, to be emi- 
 nent). Having excellence superior to 
 ,others ; exalted above others ; illustrious ; 
 conspicuous. 
 
 Pre-emption, pre-empshun (Latin, 
 proe, before ; eraptio, a buying. ) The 
 right of purchasing before others ; a first 
 or prior claim of piirchase. 
 
 Preface, pref-ase (Latin, prce, before ; 
 for, to speak). Something used as pre- 
 paratory, or introductory ; preamble ; pro- 
 logue ; a discourse prefixed to a book. 
 
 Prefect, pre-fekt (Latin, j)rce, over ; 
 facia, to set). A governor or commander 
 in a province or city. In France, a prefet 
 
 PEE 
 
 is a chief magistrate or governor, invested 
 with the general administration of a depart- 
 ment. 
 
 Preference, preffer-ens (Latin, prce^ 
 before ; fero, to bear). The act of bringing 
 forward or placing before another; to 
 choose before ; to value or esteem more. 
 
 Preferment, pre-ferment (Latin, prce, 
 before ; fero, to bear). Advancement to a 
 higher office or dignity; station or dignity ; 
 superior place or office. 
 
 Prefigure, pre-fig-yur (Latin, prce, 
 before ; figuro, to fashion). To exhibit 
 beforehand by a type or similitude. 
 
 Prefix, pre-filvs (Latin, prce, before; 
 figo, to fix). To put or fix before, or at 
 the beginning of another thing; to appoint 
 beforehand; a pai-ticle put before a word 
 to vary its signification. 
 
 Pregnant, preg-nant (Latin, prce, 
 before ; gennao, to beget). Being with 
 young; teeming; fruitful; hence, full of 
 consequence; important. 
 
 Prehensile, pre-hensil (Latin, prehendo, 
 to seize). Seizing ; grasping ; adapted to 
 seize or grasp. 
 
 Prejudice, prejju-dis (Latin, prce, 
 before; judico, to judge). Previous judg- 
 ment, without trial or examination; opinion 
 formed without reason ; previous bias ; 
 injury ; wrong ; harm. 
 
 Prelate, prel-ate (Latin, prodatus, pre- 
 ferred). An ecclesiastic of the highest 
 order ; an archbishop, bishop, or patriarch. 
 
 Prelection, pre-lekshun (Latm, prce, 
 before : lego, to read). Properly, the 
 lesson or reading of the master prior to 
 that of the student, or other person, and 
 preparatory to it; applied generally to a 
 reading, lecture, or discourse read in public 
 or to a select company. 
 
 Preliminary, pre-limmin-ary (Latin, 
 pr(2, before ; limen, a threshold). Previous ; 
 introductory; that which precedes the 
 main discourse or proceeding; something 
 preparatory. 
 
 Prelude, pre-lude (Latin, proe, before ; 
 ludo, to play). Literally, to play before- 
 hand, as a few bars or short air of music 
 before a full piece or concert; hence, to 
 introduce with a previous performance, or 
 as preparatory of that which is to follow. 
 
 Premature, premmat-yur, or preemah- 
 ture (Latin, prce, before ; maturus, ripe). 
 Ripe too soon ; ripe before the season ; too 
 early; too hasty in believing, saying, or 
 doing; wanting due authentication. 
 
 I! 
 
PRE 
 
 PEE 
 
 247 
 
 Premeditate, pre-meddy-tate (Latin, 
 prce, befoi-e; meditor, to meditate). To 
 think or contrive beforehand; to fix the 
 thoughts previously with care and anxiety ; 
 to contemplate; to reflect upon. 
 
 Premier, prem-yur orpreem-yur (Lat., 
 pnmus, first). The fii^st, or chief; prin- 
 cipal ; the prime minister, or first minister 
 of state. 
 
 Prem-Unire, preemu-niry (Latin, prw- 
 moneo, to forewarn). A writ issued against 
 those offences which consist of introducing 
 a foreign authority into England, in oppo- 
 sition to that of the sovereign. A person 
 against whom a premunire is issued for- 
 feits thereupon the sovereign's protection, 
 and has his property and estates confiscated, 
 and occasionally rank and title annulled. 
 
 Premise, pre-mize (Latin, pt^ce, before; 
 mitto, to put). To explain or lay down 
 beforehand; to speak or write as intro- 
 ductory. 
 
 Premises, premmy-sez. In logic, the 
 first two propositions of a syllogism, from 
 which the conclusion is drawn ; also, pro- 
 positions antecedently proposed or proved. 
 In law, lands, tenements, &c., mentioned in 
 the preamble of a lease or deed. 
 
 Premium, preemy-yum (Latin). A 
 reward ; a prize won by success ; a bounty 
 offered to incite to diligence ; a prize offered 
 for a specific recoveiy ; the recompense 
 to underwriters for insurance. A sum per 
 cent, on loans, distinct from fixed interest. 
 
 Prepossess, preepo-zess (Latin, prce, 
 before ; pono, to put). To take or hold 
 previously ; to conceive a previous opinion 
 of ; to prejudge ; to bias ; to influence 
 favourably. 
 
 Preposterous, pre-poster-us (Latin, 
 jorce, before ; posterus, latter). Reversed 
 in order ; having or placing the last first, 
 and the first last; perverted; wrong; 
 absurd; foolish. 
 
 Pre-Raphaelite, pre-raf-yal-ite. A 
 school of modem artists, who profess to 
 follow the mode of study and expression of 
 the early painters who flourished before 
 the time of Raphael, and whose principal 
 theory of action is a rigid adherence to 
 natural and actual forms and effects, in con- 
 tradistinction to the style or rendering of 
 any particular school of art. 
 
 Prerogative, pre-roggah-tiv (Latin, 
 prcBy before ; rogo, to demand). An exclu- 
 sive or peculiar privilege ; a right exercised 
 before others ; personal preference. Royal 
 prerogative, implies that special pre-emi- 
 
 nence which a sovereign has, not only over. 
 other persons, but over the ordinary course 
 of the common law, in right of the regal 
 dignity. 
 
 Presage, pres-aje (Latin, prce, before ; 
 sagio, to perceive or foretell). To fore- 
 show ; to forebode ; to have a presenti- 
 ment ; to foretell. 
 
 Presbyterian, presby-teery-an. The 
 name applied to a sect of Protestants, who 
 maintain that the government of the Church 
 appointed in the New Testament was by 
 presbyteries, that is, by ruling elders and 
 ministers associated in its government and 
 discipline. The term is derived from the 
 Greek, preslus, elder. 
 
 Prescience, pree - she - ense" (Latin, 
 prce, before; sdentia, knowledge). Fore- 
 knowledge ; knowledge of things or events 
 before they occur. 
 
 Prescribe, pre-skribe (Latin, prce; 
 saribo, to write). To direct; to order; to 
 give law ; to settle by previoife appoint- 
 ment or direction ; to give a written direc- 
 tion as a remedy. 
 
 Prescriptive, pre-skriptiv (Latin,pra;/ 
 scriho, to wiite). Established by custom ; 
 consisting of or founded upon long usage ; 
 preceding rule. 
 
 Presentim.ent, pre-zenty-ment (Latin, 
 23rcE, before; se;i^w, to perceive). Previous 
 notion or feeling ; apprehension of evil ; 
 previous conception ; misgiving. 
 
 Presentment, pre-zentment. Act 
 of presenting ; appearance to the view ; in 
 law, the notice taken by a grand jury of 
 any offence from their personal knowledge 
 or observation, without any bill of indict- 
 ment, and on which an indictment must be 
 afterwards framed, before he who is pre- 
 sented can be called upon to answer it. 
 The term, in its m*re general application, 
 comprehends inquisitions of office, and 
 indictments. 
 
 Presents. In law, a term employed 
 for a deed of conveyance, a lease, or other 
 written instrument, as in the phrase, " Eaiow 
 all men by these presents;" that is, the 
 writing itself ; in Latin, Per presentes. 
 
 Press. A term employed to denote the 
 daily and weekly public journals; also 
 applied eUipticaUy to the representatives 
 of those j oumals. In a more general sense, 
 the press means the publications which are 
 issued through the means of printing. 
 
 Prestige, pres-teej. A favourable 
 impression created by a person's antece- 
 dents ; fame or good opinion established 
 
248 
 
 PEE 
 
 PRI 
 
 by previous achievements ; charm ; expec- 
 tation; illusion. The word is derived from 
 the Latin, prcestigice, jugglers' tricks, sleight 
 of hand ; thus dazzling the eyes by their 
 srapidity ; imposing upon, and exciting 
 wonder and admiration. 
 
 Preterit, pretter-it (Latin, prceter, 
 ■^eyond). A term in grammar applied to 
 the tense which expresses an action per- 
 fectly passed or finished, but without a 
 specification of time ; it is also called the 
 perfect tense. 
 
 'Preternatural, preetur - nattu - ral 
 (Latin, prceter, beyond ; and natural). Be- 
 yond the bounds of Nature ; something ex- 
 traordinary, yet not miraculous; in dis- 
 tinction from supei-natural. 
 
 Prevaricate, pre-varry-kate (Latin, 
 pi'cevaricor, to shift from one side to the 
 othei:). Literally, to move crookedly out 
 of a straight line ; hence, to swerve from 
 truth and honesty ; to shuffle or quibble ; 
 to act or speak evasively. 
 
 Prevision, pre-vizzhun (Latin, prce, 
 before ; video, to see). Foresight ; fore- 
 knowledge ; the faculty of seeing or know- 
 ing beforehand. 
 
 Price Current. In commerce, a list 
 publicly issued, in which are enumerated the 
 various articles of merchandise, with their 
 prices, the importand export duties to which 
 they are subject, with the drawback occa- 
 sionally allowed upon their being ex- 
 ported. 
 
 Prima Donna, pree-mah don-nah 
 (Italian). A female singer who takes the 
 principal parts. 
 
 Prima facie, pri-mah fay-she (Latin, 
 on the first view). In law, that which 
 appears at first sight, before the case is 
 argued or evidence adduced. 
 
 Primarily, prymur-ally (Latin, prbnm, 
 first). In ttie first place ; as origioaUy 
 designed or intended ; originally. 
 
 Primate, pri-mate (Latin, primus, 
 first). The chief ecclesiastic in a church ; 
 the highest among the clergy; an arch- 
 bishop. 
 
 Primeval, pri-meeval (Latin, primus, 
 first; oemim,^ age). Original; of the first 
 time or earliest ages. 
 
 Priming, pri-ming. The powder laid 
 in the pan of a gfun, having a flint lock, to 
 receive the fire from the steel, and being 
 thus ignited, to fire the powder of the 
 charge. In painting, the first coat or colour 
 laid on. 
 
 Primitive, primmy-tiv (Latin, primus^ 
 first). Established from the first ; original ; 
 ancient ; formal. In grammar, an original 
 word, in contradistinction from a derivative; 
 thus, heaven is a primitive ; heavenly, a deri- 
 vative. 
 
 Primogeniture, prime - j ennit - yur 
 (Latin, pnmus, first ; genitus, begotten). 
 The state of being bom first or earliest ; 
 seniority by birth among children. In law, 
 the right which belongs to the eldest son or 
 daughter. m ■ 
 
 Prince. A title applied to sovereigns | j 
 generally, and also given to rulers, who \ 
 exercise the functions of government in an 
 independent manner, even though they 
 enjoy the privilege by the wiU of another. 
 
 Principal, prinsy-pal (Latin, princi- 
 palis, chief). Chief; head or leader; 
 highest in rank, power, or authority ; most 
 important ; the first, chief, or capital sum 
 of money, as distinguished from the interest, 
 or the gain produced from it. 
 
 Principality, prinsy-paUy-te (Latin, 
 principalis, chief). The domain of a prince 
 or sovereign ; one invested with sove- 
 reignty ; the country which gives title to a 
 prince, as the principality of Wales. 
 
 Principia, prin-sip-yah (Latin). First 
 principles ; constituent parts. 
 
 Principle, prinsy-pl (Latin, principium, 
 a beginning). Original cause ; elementary 
 being ; the source or origin whence things 
 proceed ; a foundation ; a motive ; a 
 general truth; a tenet or position on 
 which morality is founded. In chemistry, 
 a constituent part. 
 
 Prior, pri-ur (Latin), The first in the 
 order of time ; former ; anterior ; antecedent ; 
 also, the name for a superior of a convent. 
 
 Priory, priur-ry. A convent, next in 
 dignity to an abbey. 
 
 Prism, pT:H7m (Greek, prisma, some- 
 thing cut off). A solid, the bases and ends 
 of which are eq^xal, similar, and parallel ; ' 
 an optical glass used in experiments on 
 light and colours, of tie form of a prism, 
 which separates the rays of light passing 
 through it, in consequence of the different 
 degrees of refrangibility that take place in 
 different parts of the same ra> . 
 
 Prismatic, priz-mattik (Fre'nch, pris- 
 maiiqvji)„ Formed like a prism ; prodi^ced, 
 distributed, or separated by a prisn: 
 Prismatic colours are those manifested by 
 the decomposition of a ray of light in passing 
 through a glass prism ; they comprise vio- 
 let, indigo, blue, green, yeUow, orange, red. 
 
I'lil 
 
 PEO 
 
 249 
 
 Pristine, pris-tin or pris-teen (Latin, 
 pHus, former.) First ; original ; ancient ; 
 accustomed ; wonted ; dating from or per- 
 taining to an earlier state or period. 
 
 Prithee, prith-ee. Corruption of pray 
 tliee. 
 
 Privateer, privah-teer. A ship or 
 vessel of war fitted out hj private indivi- 
 duals, and permitted by Government to 
 seize or plunder the ships of an enemy in 
 war. Unless the licence or commission of 
 Government be accorded, such vessel is 
 regarded as a pirate. 
 
 Privative, priwah-tiv (Latin, privo, 
 to deprive). Causing privation or loss ; 
 depriving a thing of that which belongs to 
 it ; characterised by the absence of some- 
 thing. In grammar, a prefix to a word, 
 which changes its signification and imparts 
 to it an opposite sense, as ^(,n in itnworthy. 
 Sometimes it takes the form of an aflB.x, as 
 less in houseless, childless, &c. 
 
 Privy CounciL An executive body, 
 pertaining to British poUty, with whose co- 
 operation the Crown issues proclama- 
 tions, which, if in accordance with the law, 
 are binding on the subject. A privy 
 council is never held without the presence 
 of a secretary of state. In debates at the 
 coxmcil-board, the councillor lowest in 
 degree delivers his opinion first; the 
 sovereign, if present, last; but although 
 the opinions of the privy councillors are 
 thus given, it is that of the sovereign alone 
 which is decisive. 
 
 Privy Seal. In England, a seal aflBxed 
 by the sovereign, or by the lord-keeper of 
 the privy seal, to instruments which after- 
 wards pass the great seal. 
 
 Pro. In composition, a prefix signifying 
 f(yrwards, hefwe, f(yi'th. Pro and con (pro et 
 contra), for and against. Fro bono publico, 
 for the public good. Pro rata, in propor- 
 tion. Pro re nata, as occasion serves or calls 
 for. Pro forma, for form's sake. Pro tern. 
 (pro tempore), for the time being, tempor- 
 arily. Pro hac vice, for this time ; on this 
 occasion. 
 
 Proa, pro-ah. A vessel which navi- 
 gates the South Seas, having the head and 
 stem formed in the same manner, but with 
 the sides differently shaped. It is fitted 
 with an outrigger, and is steered with a 
 paddle at either end ; moving in either a 
 forward or backward direction, with great 
 
 Probate, pro-bate (Latin, proho, to 
 prove). Proof; especially the •proot of a 
 
 will ; the right of proving wills ; the act or 
 jurisdiction by which the validity and 
 genuineness of wills are proved. 
 
 Probation, pro-bayshuja (Latin, probo, 
 to prove). The act of proving or putting 
 to the test ; moral trial ; a state of trial or 
 examination ; a year of novitiate before 
 admission to monastic life. 
 
 Probe, probe (Latin, probo, to prove). 
 To search or try a wound with an instru- 
 ment (also, the instrument itself) ; hence, 
 to prove or^ search for proof ; to search 
 to the bottom ; to examine thoroughly 
 and minutely. 
 
 Probity, probby-ty (Latin, proho, to 
 prove), Kectitude; integrity; consistent 
 and uniform uprightness ; approved ho- 
 nesty, honour, and veracity. 
 
 Problem, prob-lem (Greek, proballo, 
 to propose). A question proposed for solu- 
 tion ; something still undecided or undeter- 
 mined. In logic, a proposition which ap- 
 pears neither positively true nor false, and 
 consequently maybe asserted in the affirm- 
 ative or the negative. In mathematics, a 
 proposition which requires some operation. 
 
 Problematical, problem - mattik - al 
 (Greek, proballo, to propose). Question- 
 able ; uncertain ; characterised by doubt 
 and uncertainty. 
 
 Proboscis, pro-bossis (Greek, pro, 
 before ; bosko, to feed or graze). The 
 trunk of an elephant ; applied generally to 
 the long snout of other animals. 
 
 Process, pro-sess (Latin, procedo, to 
 proceed). Movement onward or forward ; 
 a coming or issuing forth ; progressive 
 course; gradual progress. In law, the 
 complete course of proceedings in a cause, 
 from the issuing of the writ to the termina- 
 tion of the suit. Original process is the 
 means taken to compel the defendant to 
 appear in court. Mesne process, that which 
 issues pending the suit, upon some secon- 
 dary or casual matter. 
 
 Proces verbal, pro - say vare - oal 
 (French). In French law, an authentic 
 minute of an official act, or statement of 
 facts. 
 
 Proclivity, pro-klivyy-ty (Latin, pro- 
 clivis, down4iiU). Bending forward to or 
 towards ; tendency ; natural bias or incli- 
 nation ; proneness ; propensity ; readiness ; 
 aptitude. 
 
 Pro-consul, pro-konsul, (Latin). A 
 Roman officer invested 'with the consiilar 
 command, without the office ; one who acts 
 for or in the place of a consul. 
 
250 
 
 PRO 
 
 PliO 
 
 Procrastina.te, pro-krastin-ate (Latin, 
 pro, forward; eras, to-morrow). To defer or 
 put off from day to day ; to delay to a 
 future time ; to be dilatory. 
 
 Procreate, pro-kreeate (Latin, pro ; 
 creo, to create). To generate and produce ; 
 to bring forth into life ; to beget ; to 
 engender. 
 
 Procrustean, pro-kruste-yan. Per- 
 taining to Procrustes, or his mode of toi'- 
 ture. Procrustes was a notorious robber 
 of ancient Greece, who toi'tured his victims 
 by placing them on an iron bed, and stretch- 
 ing or mutOating them to suit its dimen- 
 sions. Hence, "the bed of Procrustes" is 
 metaphorically ivpplied to any exquisite 
 torture. 
 
 Premonition, preemo-nishun (Latin, 
 proe, before ; moneo, to admonish). Pre- 
 vious warning, notice, or intimation. 
 
 ■ Prenomen, pre-nomen (Latin, ^^ropj 
 liefore ; noraen, a name). A name pre- 
 iised to the family name, among the Eo- 
 mans, in the same manner as Christian 
 names are used with us. 
 
 Pre-oecupy, pre-okku-pi (Latin, prcc, 
 before ; occupo, to occupy). To prepossess ; 
 to take previous possession; to obtain 
 i:)ossession before another. 
 
 Prepense, pre - pense (Latin, pro;, 
 before ; -pendo, to consider). Premeditated ; 
 previously conceived. Malice prepense, in 
 law, denotes forethought; thus, if a man be 
 slain upon a quarrel, and malice prepense is 
 proved, it is constituted murder. 
 
 Preponderate, pre-pondy-rate (Latin, 
 prcB, above ; pondus, weight). To exceed 
 in weight ; to outweigh ; to have greater 
 importance or moment ; to incline to one 
 side ; to overpower by influence. 
 
 Preposition, preppo - zishun (Latin, 
 2>rflE, before ; 2JO?io, to place). In grammar, 
 a word placed before another to express 
 some relation or quality, as, " He was famous 
 for bravery." 
 
 Proctor, prok-tiir (contraction of pro- 
 curator). An attorney m a spiritual court ; 
 a superintendent of a university, who 
 attends to the education and general con- 
 duct of the students. 
 
 Procurator, prokku - raytur (Latin, 
 p)rocuro, to care for). One employed to 
 take care of or manage the affairs of 
 another ; especially a person employed to 
 conduct another's cause in a court of law. 
 
 Prodigal, proddy-gal (Latin, prodigo, 
 to throw out ; to lavish). Wasteful ; lavish 
 
 in expenditure ; profuse ; expending money 
 without reason or necessity. 
 
 Prodigy, proddy-jy (Latin, prodigo, 
 to shoot out). Anything astonishing and 
 marvellous, yet not wholly unnatural: a 
 thing out of the ordinary course ; that 
 which astonishes by its greatness or 
 novelty. 
 
 Proem, pro-em (Greek, pro, before; 
 oime, asong). A prelude; a prologue; a 
 preface ; introductory or preliminary 
 matter to a book or writing. 
 
 Profane, pro-fane (Latin, pro; jamim, 
 a temple). Irreverent to God, or to sacred 
 persons or things ; not sacred ; secular ; 
 impure. The term was originally applied 
 to a person uninitiated, and therefore 
 not to be admitted within the fane, or 
 sanctuary. 
 
 Proffer, prof-fur (Latin, pro, before ; 
 fero, to bring). To propose or offer for 
 acceptance ; to attempt of one's own 
 accord; to bring forward or propose for 
 trial or experiment ; an offer made. 
 
 Proficience, pro-fishens \ (Lat.,pro- 
 Preficieney, pro-fishen-sy j / do, to 
 advance). Progress m knowledge ; ad- 
 vancement or improvement in any art ; 
 skill gained or acquired. 
 
 Profile, pro-feel, or pro- file (Latin, pro, 
 and filv.m, a thread, or thread-like line). 
 Primai'ily, an outline or contour, wrought 
 01 done in thread ; hence, in painting and 
 sculpture, a head or portrait represented 
 in a side view ; also, the outline of any 
 figure ; the contour of any member ; the 
 perpendicular section of a building. 
 
 Profligacy, prof - liggah - sy (Latin, 
 profligo, to ruin). Shameless wickedness ; 
 abandonment to vice ; loss of shame and 
 decency ; utter renunciation of moral prin- 
 ciple and virtue. 
 
 Profuse, pro-fuse (Latin, pro, forth ; 
 fundo, to pour). Lavish; excessively hber- 
 al; expensive without limit; super- 
 abundant ; exuberant ; wasteful to excess. 
 
 Progenitor, pro-jennit-ur (Latin, jsro- 
 gigno, to beget). A forefather; an an- 
 cestor in the direct line. 
 
 Prognosis, prog - nosis (Greek, pro, 
 before ; ginosko, to know). The art or aot 
 of foretelling the result of diseases from 
 their symptoms. 
 
 Prognosticate, prog-nostik-ate (Gr., 
 pro, before ; ginosko, to know). To foretell 
 or foreshow by existing signs : to indicate 
 future events ; to predict. 
 
 ♦ 
 
PEO 
 
 PEO 
 
 251 
 
 Programme, pro-gram (Greek, fro, 
 before; graplw, to write). An outline of 
 some intended performance or entertain- 
 ment; a detailed account of proceedings 
 at a concert, ball, &c.; a notice issued 
 from a imiversity to invite persons to an 
 oration. 
 
 Prohibit, pro-bibbit (Latin, proldheo, 
 to forbid). To hinder; to interdict; to 
 forbid ; to debar by authority ; to forbid 
 formally or officially. 
 
 Project, proj-ekt (Latin, pro, forward; 
 jacio, to throw). A scheme or design; 
 something proposed to be done ; a contriv- 
 ance , something formed in the mind. 
 
 Projectile, pro-jek-tUe (Latin, pro, 
 forward ; jacio, to throw). A body thrown 
 out or shot forward, as a stone from a 
 sling, a bullet from a gun, &c. 
 
 Prolegom.ena, proly - gommen - ah 
 (Greek, pro, before ; lego, to speak). Pre- 
 liminary remarks ; introductory discourse ; 
 prefatory remarks to a book or treatise. 
 
 Proletaire, proly-tare (French). One 
 of the labouring population : one of the 
 lower classes ; a common, and often a vile 
 person. 
 
 Prolific, pro-liffik (Latin, proles, off- 
 spring ; facio, to make). Productive ; 
 fruitful ; fertile ; producing or bearing 
 fruitfully or plentifully; figm'atively ap- 
 plied to the exercise of the brain, and the 
 f)0wers of invention, &;c. 
 
 Prolix, pro-liks (Greek, pro; lexus, 
 drawn out). Diffuse ; prolonged ; length- 
 ened out; wearisome; tedious; tiresome. 
 
 Prologue, pro-log (Greek, pro, bef6re ; 
 Zo^os, a discourse). A spoken introduction 
 to a discourse or performance, especially a 
 speech delivered previous to a theatrical 
 representation. 
 
 Prom.enade, prommen - ahd (Latin, 
 pro; mener, to lead). A walk; usually a 
 walk for recreation or amusement ; a public 
 walk, or place for walking exercise. 
 
 PromLethean, pro-meethy-an. Per- 
 taining to Prometheus ; capable of produc- 
 ing fire ; a name given to a kind of small 
 glass tube, containing concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid, and surrounded with an inflam- 
 mable mixture, which is ignited on being 
 
 Promineiit, prommy-nent (Latin, pro, 
 forth ; maneo, to remain). Standing for- 
 ward ; appearing conspicuously ; distin- 
 guished above others; striking the eye; 
 principal ; chief. 
 
 Prom.iseuous, pro-misku-us (Latin, 
 pro; misceo, to mix). Mingled; confused; 
 indiscriminately placed together ; a body 
 of individuals or a mass of things without 
 order ; without distinction. 
 
 Promontory, prommun-turry (Latin, 
 pro, forward; wio/is, a mountain). Ahead- 
 land or high point of land projecting into 
 the sea beyond the line of the coast ; dis- 
 tinguished from a cape, in being high 
 land. 
 
 Prom.pt, prompt (Latin, pro7no, to bring 
 out). Eeady f or action; quick in perfor- 
 mance ; speaking or acting instantly, and 
 without delay. Prompt cash, in commerce, 
 is a payment immediately upon the delivery 
 of the goods, or without waiting for the 
 usual term of credit. 
 
 Prom.iilgate, pr omul -gate (Latin, pro- 
 mulgo, to make public). To publish ; to 
 make known by open declaration ; to circu- 
 late a report ; to proclaim ; to adventure. 
 
 Prone, prone (Latin, pronus). Bending 
 downward ; inclining forward ; inclining ; 
 manifesting a propensity, tendency, or dis- 
 position. 
 
 Proof, proof (Saxon, profian). Evi- 
 dence ; testimony. In law and logic, that 
 amount of evidence which assures the 
 mind of the certainty of truth or fact, and 
 produces belief. In printing and engrav- 
 ing', an impression taken for correction. 
 In general, trial or experiment to ascertain 
 a fact. Proof spirit consists of equal parts 
 of alcohol and water. The term 2)roof is 
 also tised to denote impenetrability, 
 strength, &c. of bodies, as water-proof, 
 fire-proof, shot-proof ; and in this sense it 
 is figuratively applied to the mind or sensa- 
 tion, as being proof against cajolery, flat- 
 tery, kc. 
 
 Propaganda, proppah - gandah. A 
 term applied to either a religious society 
 or a political association, which has for its 
 object the propagation or spreading of cer- 
 tain principles, or views. 
 
 Propagate, proppah-gate (Latin, pro- 
 pago). To increase ; to continue or mul- 
 tiply by generation ; to spread ; to extend ; 
 to widen ; to diffuse from place to place, 
 and from person to person. 
 
 Propel, pro-pel (Latin, pro, before , 
 pello, to drive). To drive forward, or 
 before ; to urge forward by force. 
 
 Propensity, pro-pen sy-ty (Latin, pro, 
 forward ; pendeo, to incline). Incfina- 
 tioD ; tendency ; bent of mind ; procaness 
 or disnosition. 
 
PEO 
 
 PEO 
 
 Propinquity, pro-pinkwy-ty (Latin, 
 prope, near). Nearness in time or space; 
 nearness of kin, closeness of relationship. 
 
 Propitiate, pro - pishy - ate (Latin, 
 
 propillo, to atone). To render favour- 
 able or gracious ; to gain good-vsdll ; to 
 ingratiate one's self ; to conciliate ; to re- 
 concile ; to atone. 
 
 Propitiation, pro-pyshy-aysliun (Lat., 
 propitio, to atone). A sacrifice offered to 
 assuage Tvrath ; anything offered by way of 
 atonement ; that which has the power of 
 appeasing. 
 
 Propitious, pro-pishus- (Latin, 2^^'(>- 
 pidus, from p7-ope, near). Near or present 
 to aid ; willing to assist ; favourable ; gra- 
 cious. 
 
 Proportion, pro-pawrshun (Latin, pro, 
 before ; portio, a part, or share). The 
 comparative relation of one thing to 
 another ; adjustment, assortment, or 
 arrangement ; correspondence of parts ; 
 suitability or adaptation of parts; the 
 equality of ratios. In arithmetic, a n;le by 
 which, when three numbers are given, to 
 find a fourth, which bears the same relation 
 to the third as the second does to the first, 
 or bearing the same relation to the second 
 as the first does to the third. 
 
 Propound, pro-pownd (Latin, pro, 
 forth : pono, to put). To offer for consi- 
 deration ; to propose ; to exhibit ; to offer. 
 
 Propulsion, pro-pulshun (Latin, ^ro/ 
 pidso, to strike). The act of driving for- 
 ward ; to propel. 
 
 • Prorogue, pro-roge (Latin, prorogo, to 
 stretch forward). To protract; to prolong; 
 to postpone ; to put off ; to put off the 
 meeting of Parliament from time to time. 
 
 Prosaic, pro-zayik (Latin, prosa, prose). 
 Resembling prose; wanting in eloquence 
 of imagination, or fancy ; dull ; uninter- 
 esting. 
 
 Proscenium, pro - seeny - um. The 
 front part of the stage of a theatre. 
 
 Proscribe, pro-slmbe (Lat , proscnho). 
 To pronounce sentence ; to adjudge pun- 
 ishment ; to doom to destruction ; to inter- 
 dict ; to banish ; to outlaw. 
 
 Prose, proze (Latin, prosa). Language 
 without poetic measure ; ordinary continu- 
 ity of words. 
 
 Proselyte, prossy-lite (Gr., proseltftos, 
 a stranger). A convert to a new opinion; 
 one gained over to a creed or party ; one 
 persuaded to change his religious or politi- 
 cal opinions. 
 
 Pro-slavery. Favourable to slavei-j 
 or advocating it. 
 
 Prosody, prosso-dy (Greek, pros, to; 
 ode, a song). That part of grammar which 
 treats of the quantity of the syllables, of 
 accent, and the laws of versification. 
 
 Prospective, pro-spektiv (Latin, ^Jro- 
 spicio, to look forward). Looking forward ; 
 belonging to the future ; acting with fore- 
 sight. 
 
 Prospectus, pro-spektus (Latin). The 
 scheme or plan of any proposed under- 
 taking ; the plan of a literary work, with 
 the manner and terms of publication, &c. 
 
 Prostration, pros - trayshun (Latin, 
 prostenio, to cast down). A throwing 
 down, or falling down; depression; 
 dejection ; deprivation of strength. 
 
 Prot, prot \ (Greek, protos, first). A 
 
 Proto,pro-to j prefix expressing rela- 
 tion in priority ; in chemistry, applied when 
 more than one oxide of a substance is 
 known, to the first, as, protoxide of 
 nitrogen. 
 
 Protean, pro-teean. An epithet ap- 
 plied to change of form or appearance, 
 and the aptitude of assuming a variety of 
 shapes ; from Proteus, whose powers of 
 transformation are celebrated by the Greek 
 and Roman poets. 
 
 Protectionist, pro-tekshun-ist. In 
 politics, a name given to a person or party 
 advocating the imposition of duties on » 
 manufactiu-es and products, and other 
 restrictions in opposition to free trade. 
 
 Protege, pro-ta-zhay (French). One 
 under the care and protection of another ; 
 one who is patronised or protected. 
 
 Protest, pro-test (Latin, pro; tesior, 
 to attest). A solemn declaration of opinion 
 against a measure ; formal dissent ; public 
 testimony; avowal; proof. 
 
 Protestant, prottes-tant. The name 
 of a religious community, deriving its name 
 from the protestation made by the first 
 Reformers against the imperial edicts of 
 Charles V. 
 
 Protllonotary,pro-thonno-tary(Greek, 
 protos, chief ; notarius, a notary). Formerly, 
 the chief notary. In England, an officer 
 in the Court of Queen's Bench and Common 
 Pleas. The apostolic proihonotaries are 
 twelve persons in the Court of Rome, con- 
 stituting a college, who receive the last 
 wills of cardinals, and make informations 
 and proceedings necessary for the canonisa. 
 tion of saints, &c. 
 
PEO 
 
 PTO 
 
 253 
 
 Protocol, protto-kol (Greek, protos, 
 first ; kolon, a member or part). The 
 original copy of any writing ; that which 
 is first briefly noted, to be afterwards 
 amended and further enlarged ; a rough 
 draught of the points proposed as the 
 basis of a treaty or negotiation. 
 
 Prototjrpe, proto-tipe (Greek, protos, 
 first ; typos, a model or form). The ori- 
 ginal, jdreer which anything is formed ; the 
 original model, shape, or pattern. 
 
 Protract, pro-trakt (Latin, pro, forth ; 
 Iraho, to draw). To draw out ; to lengthen ; 
 to defer ; to put off the end or termina- 
 tion ; to retard ; to delay. 
 
 Protrude, pro-tmde (Latin, pro, forth ; 
 trudo, to thrust). To thrust forward ; to 
 project ; to shoot forth. 
 
 Protuberance, pro-tewby-rans (Latin, 
 protuhero, to bud forth). Something swell- 
 ing above the surrounding parts ; a pro- 
 jection ; a prominence ; a tumour. 
 
 Proverbial, pro-verby-al. Mentioned 
 in a proverb ; used or current as a proverb ; 
 commonly reported ; popularly known or 
 reported. 
 
 Provident, prowy-dent (Latin, pro, 
 before ; video, to see). Guarding against 
 future want; laying up a store for emer- 
 gencies ; foreseeing wants, and taking 
 measures; cautious; prudent. 
 
 Province, prov-inse (Latin, j07'o, before ; 
 vinco, to conquer). A division of a king- 
 dom or state; a country belonging to a 
 foreign power either by conquest or colo- 
 nisation ; ofl&cial superintendence or ma- 
 nagement; especial office or proper business 
 of any one. The term province was applied 
 by the Romans to a conquered country, 
 which they called provincia, and appointed 
 a pro-consul or deputy to govern ; hence 
 the term came to signify a district governed 
 by a deputy. 
 
 Provincial, pro-vinshal. Belonging 
 to a province ; rude ; unpolished. 
 
 Provincialism, pro - vinshal - izm. 
 Peculiarity of a province ; an idiom or 
 peculiarity of dialect characteristic of dis- 
 tricts remote from the metropolis. 
 
 Proviso, pro-vyzo (Latin, abbreviation 
 ^provisiis, it being provided). An article 
 or clause in any statute, agreement, con- 
 tract, grant, or other writing, by which 
 A condition is introduced; a conditional 
 stipulation. 
 
 Provocation, prowo-kayshun (Latin, 
 provoco, to provoke). An act which causes 
 
 anger ; incitement to passion ; that v/hich 
 promotes warfare or combat. 
 
 Provost, prov-ust (Latin, prcepositus, 
 placed over others). The chief magistrate 
 of a town, having similar functions and 
 jurisdiction as a mayor of other cities ; 
 also, a person who is appointed to preside 
 over or superintend, as the provost of a 
 college, provost of the Mint, &c. - 
 
 Prow, pro (Latin, prora). The head 
 or fore-part of a ship. 
 
 Prowess, prow - ess (Italian, prode, 
 brave). Valour ; bravery ; miUtary exploit ; 
 contempt for danger. 
 
 Proximate, proksy-mate (Latin, proxi- 
 omcs, the superlative of prope, near). 
 Nearest to ; having close or intimate con- 
 nection with ; next in the series or order 
 of our ideas of reasoning. 
 
 Proximo, proksy-mo (Latin). The 
 next or the coming month ; a term used in 
 dates, references, &c. 
 
 Proxy, prok-sy (a contraction of pro- 
 cnracy, the agency of another). A writing 
 authorising a substitute to vote ; a person 
 deputed to act or vote for another. 
 
 Prude, prood (French, prude). A 
 woman affectedly delicate and modest ; 
 one over-scrupulous, coy, or reserved. 
 
 Prurient, proory-ent (Latin, jjricrw, 
 to itch). Itching for anything ; having an 
 immoderate desire or appetite; uneasy 
 with desire. 
 
 Prussic Acid, prussik assid. An acid 
 which acts as a virulent poison, so called 
 because it was first obtained from Prussian 
 blue. 
 
 Psalter, sawl-tiur (Latin, psalterium). 
 The Book of Psalms ; a collection of devout 
 sentences, referring to the sufferings of 
 our Saviour, &c., used in the Eoman 
 Catholic service. 
 
 Pseiido, su-do (Greek, pseudos, false). 
 A prefix to words, signifying /a^se, counter- 
 feit, or spurious, as pseudo-apostle, psev,do- 
 prophet, pseiido-patriot. 
 
 Psycholo^, si-koUo-jy {Greek, psy die, 
 the soul ; logos, a discourse). The doctrine 
 of tho soul or mind ; a treatise or discourse 
 on the soul ; mental philosophy. 
 
 Ptolemaic, tolly-mayik. Pertaining 
 to Ptolemy, especially that system in astro- 
 nomy maintained by Ptolemy, that tho 
 earth was fixed in the centre of the uni- 
 verse, and that the sun and stars revolved 
 around it. 
 
2b4 
 
 L'L'1> 
 
 PUE 
 
 Puberty, pewbm*-ty (Latin, pulertas). 
 The state of transition from youth to 
 adolescence ; the time of life when both 
 sexes ripen to then- perfect state. 
 
 Publicist, pubHs-ist. One who writes 
 on the laws of nations ; one who treats of 
 national rights, 
 
 . Publislier, pubhsh-ur. One who makes 
 pubUciy or generally known ; one who puts 
 a book or other performance forth to the 
 public. 
 
 Puddling, pud-ling. The act of ren- 
 dering impervious to matter, by a mixture 
 of tempered clay and sand ; the process of 
 converting cast iron into wrought iron. 
 
 Puerile, puee-ril (Latin, pv.ej; a boy). 
 Boyish ; childish ; trifling in discourse or 
 habits ; unbecoming a man or a woman. 
 
 Pugilism, pewjil-izm (Latin, pugil, a 
 prize fighter). The practice of boxing or 
 fighting with the fist ; especially applied 
 to the act of fighting with the fists publicly 
 and for a wager. 
 
 Pugnacious, pug - nayshus (Latin, 
 "pugnus, the fist). IncHned to fight ; quar- 
 relsome ; fond of fighting, or provok- 
 ing quarrels for the purpose of fighting. 
 
 Puisne, pu-ne (French, 'puis, after- 
 wards; ne, bom.) Younger; junior; 
 inferior ; comparatively small. Puisne 
 judges comprise the judges and barons of 
 the Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, and 
 Exchequer, excepting the chief judges and 
 baron. 
 
 Puissant, pwees-sahnt (Latin, potentia). 
 Powerful ; able ; strong ; famous for might 
 and bravery. 
 
 Pulchritude, pulkry - tude (Latin, 
 pulcher, fair). Comeliness ; grace ; personal 
 beauty ; that quaUty of form and feature 
 which pleases the eye ; and also, the quali- 
 ties of the mind, and excellencies of the 
 character and disposition, which inspire 
 love and admiration. 
 
 Pullet, pull-et. A young hen, or female 
 fowl. 
 
 Pulmonary, pulmo-nary| (Latin, ^m^ 
 
 Pulmonic, pul-monnik j mo, the 
 lungs). Belonging to, or affecting the 
 lungs. 
 
 Pulse, puis (Latin, pulso, to beat). The 
 motion or beating of an artery, as the 
 blood is driven through it ; alternate 
 contraction and expansion; oscillation; 
 vibration. 
 
 Pulse, puis. Leguminous plants or 
 their seeds. The denvatioi^ of this word 
 
 is said, by some authorities, to be from pull, 
 because the produce of such plants is /jw^Zed 
 or plucked. Others trace the word to the 
 Latin puis, which was a pottage made of 
 the produce of leguminous plants. 
 
 Pulverize, pulver-ize (Latin, pulveris, 
 dust). To reduce to dust, or to a dry, fine 
 powder. 
 
 Pun, pun. A quibble ; a play upon 
 words ; a concert arising from the use of 
 two or more words which are similar in 
 sound, but differ in sense. This word is 
 probably derived from the Latin p^mctum, 
 a point, anything sharp or pungent. 
 
 Punctilio, punk-tilyo {'LaXm,punctum, 
 a point), A nice point in conduct or cere- 
 mony ; exactness in form ; scruple in 
 etiquette. 
 
 Punctuation, punktu-ayshun (Latin, 
 punctum, a point). The act or method of 
 dividing written or printed sentences by 
 points or stops. 
 
 Puncture, punk-ture (Latin, pungo, 
 to prick), A hole made with a sharp-pointed 
 instrument. 
 
 Pundit, pundit (Persian, paud, learn- 
 ing). In Hindostan, a learned Brahmin ; 
 one versed in the Sanscrit language, and- 
 in the science, laws, and religion of that 
 country. 
 
 Pungent, pim-jent (Latin, pungo, to 
 prick), Prickixig ; penetrating ; sharp ;- 
 biting ; affecting the tongue with a sensa- 
 tion of sharpness or acridness. 
 
 Punic, pu-nik (Latin, punica). Phoe- 
 nician; Carthaginian; pertaining to Car- 
 thage. Also a term implying treachery 
 and faithlessness, as punic faith. 
 
 Punka, pion-kah, A species of venti- 
 lator attached to the ceihngs of tfie rooms 
 in Hindostan ; and which, being kept con- 
 stantly in motion, cools the air of the 
 apartment. 
 
 Pupa, pu-pah (Latin, ^«^a). «Aninsect 
 in the third state of its existence ; a chry- 
 sahs. 
 
 Pupil, pu-pil (Latin, pupilla, a Httle 
 girl). One under the care of an instructor ; 
 a scholar under the care of a tutor ; award 
 under the care of a guardian ; also applied 
 to the apple of the eye, or a small aperture 
 in the centre of the iris, in which baby-like 
 figures are reflected. 
 
 Purblind, pur-blind . Partially blind ; 
 seeing obscurely or indistinctly; near- 
 sighted. In some parts of the country the 
 term is voveblind, and is said to be derived 
 
PUR 
 
 PYE 
 
 255 
 
 from th.e verb, to pore ; to look with the 
 eyes near to an object, as people with im- 
 perfect sight usually do. 
 
 Purgatory, purgah - turry (Latin, 
 purgo, to cleanse). According to the Ro- 
 man Catholic faith, a place where the souls 
 of the departed are purged from impurity 
 by punishment or by fire, before they are 
 admitted to a state of perfect bliss. 
 
 Purist, pu-rist (French, puriste). One 
 excessively nice or choice, especially in 
 the employment of words. 
 
 Puritan, pewry-tan . A name formerly 
 given to the dissenters from the Church of 
 England, on account of their professing to 
 follow the pure word of God, in opposition 
 to all traditions and human institutions. 
 The term is now applied by way of reproach 
 to one professing eminent purity in reli- 
 gion ; a person, excessively rigid, and af- 
 fecting to despise worldly advantages, 
 worldly pleasures, &c. 
 
 Purlieu, pur-lu (French, prir, pure or 
 clear; lieu, a place). The outskirts of a 
 forest; the outlets of a town; any place 
 bordering upon or in the neighbouihood ; 
 a submb ; a neighbourhood ; a district. 
 
 Purling, pur - ling (Saxon, porla). 
 Flowing with a gentle noise, as a brook ; 
 rippling; murmuring; gurgling. 
 
 Purloin, pur-loyn. To steal secretly ; 
 to abstract the property of another privily ; 
 to take by theft ; to practise theft. 
 
 Purport, pur-port (Latin, pro, forth; 
 porto, to carry). A meaning or design 
 carried or conveyed ; that which is 
 intended ; import ; tendency of written or 
 spoken words. 
 
 Purser, pur-sur. An officer on board 
 a ship who keeps accounts of payments made 
 and due, and who has the charge of the 
 provisions, and superintends the distri- 
 bution of them among the officers and 
 crew. 
 
 Pursuivant, pur-sweevant (French, 
 poursuivant). Literally, a follower or at- 
 tendant. A state messenger ; an attend- 
 ant upon a herald when he marshals a 
 public ceremony or procession. 
 
 Pursy, pur-sy. Inflated ; bulging or 
 puffing out ; hence, short-winded ; short- 
 breathed. 
 
 Purtenance, purty-nans (Latin, per- 
 tinens, belonging). Another name for 
 appurtenance ; anything pertaining or be- 
 longing. 
 
 Purulent, pewm-lent (Latin, pvs^ 
 matter). Consisting of matter or pus ; 
 generating matter. 
 
 Purveyor, pur-vayur (Latin, providere, 
 to foresee). One who buys provisions; 
 a person appointed to supply the wants of 
 the table ; a purchaser, or provider, of 
 commodities. 
 
 Puseyism, pewzy-izm, A term applied 
 to certain doctrines of faith, and a mode 
 of performing Divine worship, leaning to 
 the Roman Catholic Church ; so named 
 from Dr. Pusey, of Oxford, who, however, 
 is said to have disapproved of the tendencies 
 with which his name is associated. 
 
 Pusillanimous, pewsil-lanny-mus 
 (Latin, piisillus, small ; animus, mind). 
 Destitute of ordinary courage, or strength 
 of mind ; mean-spirited ; faint-hearted ; 
 cowardly; timid. 
 
 Pustule, pust-jrale or pus-sl (Latin, 
 ^iw, matter). A pimple; a small inflamed 
 swelling, containing pus. 
 
 Putative, pewtah-tiv (Latin, pvio, to 
 suppose). Supposed; reputed; imagined 
 to be. 
 
 Putrescent, pu-tressent (Latin, pu- 
 tresco, to putrefy). Decaying ; corrupting ; 
 dissolving, or rotting. 
 
 Pyramid, pirrah-mid (Greek, pyramis, 
 from pyr, fire, because fire ascends in the 
 figure of a cone). A solid figure, standing 
 on a triangular, square, oi:' polygonal base, 
 and terminating in a point at the top. The 
 pyramids of Egj^Dt are the most celebrated 
 structures of this kind ; some parts of them 
 rising upwards of five hundred feet, and 
 covering more than ten acres of ground. 
 
 Pyre, pire (Greek, pyr, fire). A pile 
 to be bui-ned ; a funeral pile. 
 
 Pyrites, pe-ryteez (Greek, pyr, fire). 
 Fire-stone, consisting of native compounds 
 of sulphur with stone and iron. 
 
 Pyro, (Greek, pyr, fire). Words com- 
 pounded with this term denote some change 
 produced by the action of fire. 
 
 Pyromancy, pirro-mansy (Greek, pyr,, 
 fire; manteia, prophecy). Divination by 
 fire, as practised in the ancient sacrifices. 
 
 Pyrotechnic, pirro-teknik ") (Grk. 
 
 Pyroteclinical,pirro-teknik-al J pyr). 
 Pertaining to fire -works, or the art of 
 making them. 
 
 Pyrrhic, pir-rik. Invented by or per- 
 taining to Pyrrhus; the name of an ancient 
 military dance ; a poetical foot, consisting 
 of two short syllables. 
 
256 
 
 PYT 
 
 QUA 
 
 Pythagorean, pi-thaggo-reean, or 
 pitii-aggo-rean. Relating to Pythagoras, or 
 his philowphy. Pythagoras first taught 
 that the sun was a movable sphere, situ- 
 ated in the centre of the universe, and that 
 the planets revolved about his centre. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Q. E. D. An abbreviation of quod erat 
 demonstrandum, "which was to be demon- 
 strated." 
 
 Q. E. F. An abbreviation of quod erat 
 faciendum, " which was to be done. " 
 
 Q. P. An abbreviation of quantum 
 placet, ^'siS much as you please." 
 
 Q. S. An abbreviation of quanttim 
 suj^cit, " as much as may sufl&ce." 
 
 Quackery, kwakker-ry. The prac- 
 tice of medicine without judgment or 
 knowledge ; false pretensions to skill ; pre- 
 sumption. This term is derived from 
 quack, to make a noisy crying; and hence, 
 to make noisy claims or pretensions. 
 
 Quadragesima, kwodrah-jessy-mah 
 (Latin, quadragesimus, fortieth). A de- 
 nomination givea to Lent, from its consist- 
 ing of forty days. 
 
 Quadrangle, kwod-rangul (Latin, 
 quatuor, four; angidus, an angle). A figure 
 with four right angles; a surface having 
 four sides and four equal angles ; the inner 
 square or court of a building. 
 
 Quadrant, kwod-rant (Latin, quad- 
 rano, a fourth). In geometry, the fourth 
 part of a circle, or 90 degrees ; an instru- 
 ment for taking the altitudes of the sun 
 and the stars ; . also, an implement for 
 elevating and pointing cannon, &c. 
 
 Quadrilateral, kwodril-latter-al (Lat., 
 quatuor, four ; latiis, a side). Having four 
 sides. 
 
 Quadrille, kah-dril, or kwah-dril 
 (Latin, quadrida, a small square). A dance 
 performed in sets of four ; a game played 
 by four persons with forty cards, being 
 the remainder of the pack after the foui- 
 tens, nines, and eights are thrown out. 
 
 Quadrillion, kwod-rillyun. The num- 
 ber produced by extending the million to 
 the fourth power. In English, _ expressed 
 by a unit with twenty-four ciphers an- 
 nexed ; in French, by a unit, with fifteen 
 ciphers annexed. 
 
 Quadroon, kwaw-droon (Latin, 
 quatuor, four). An epithet applied in 
 Spanish America to the offspring of a 
 
 Mul£lt{o woman by a white man; -that is, a 
 person with one-fourth of black blood. 
 
 Quadrumana, kwodru-maynah (Latin, 
 quadra; mantis, a hand). The name given 
 to the monkey tribe of animals, having 
 four hands corresponding to those of a 
 man. 
 
 Quadruped, kwodru-ped (Latin, 
 quadra ; pesfa. foot). Having four legs and 
 feet ; an animal with four feet. 
 
 Quadruple, kwodru-pl (Latin, quad- 
 rwplus). Four-fold ; four times told. 
 
 Quaere, kweer-e (Latin). Query; ques- 
 tion; to inquire. A term used to express 
 doubt or disbelief of some previous state- 
 ment; generally written query, and some- 
 times expressed by a note of interrogation (?). 
 
 Quaff, kwahf (Saxon, cwofian, to 
 swallow in gulps). To drink in large 
 draughts; to drink abundantly. 
 
 Quagmire, kwag-mire (from quale, 
 and mire). A mire or marsh which quakes 
 beneath the feet; soft wet laud, which 
 jdelds to the tread and sinks. 
 
 Quaint, kwaynt (Latin, compiles, 
 combed, trimmed). Primarily, dressed or 
 decked ; trimmed neatly qt nicely ; hence, 
 nice; exact; affected; tricked out; curious, 
 odd, or strange. ; 
 
 Quaker, kway-kxir. The name of a 
 religious sect, otherwise called Friends, 
 remarkable for the simplicity of theu* 
 manners, the frugality of their habits, . 
 and the plainness of their attire. Tho 
 name is said by some to be derived from 
 the quaking or trembUng manifested by the 
 early leaders of the sect when addressing 
 their hearers; but the Friends them- 
 selves attribute it to an expression made 
 use of by one of their most conspicuous 
 members, named Fox, who, when com- 
 mitted to prison, bade the magistrate to 
 ''quake" at the name of the Lord. 
 
 Qualify, kwoUy-fi (Latin, qualis, of 
 what kind). To render fit or suitable ; to 
 furnish with skill, capacity, or knowledge ; 
 to endow with ^ appropriate qualities ; 
 also, to alter, change, or reduce certain 
 qualities by the intermixture of others, 
 and thus to moderate or modify ; to miti- 
 gate ; to abate. 
 
 Quality, kwolly-ty (Latin, qualitas). 
 Anything forming a constituent part _; be- 
 longing to ; property ; characteristic ; 
 kind, sort, or condition; state, rank, 
 or degree; high degree, or exaHed 
 rank. 
 
 il 
 
QUA 
 
 Quandary, kwondal-ry (trencii, 
 qv!eii dirai-je, '' what shall I say of it? "). 
 A perplexity ; a doubt ; a difficulty ; a fear 
 arising from uncertainty. 
 
 Quantity, kwonty-ty (Latin, gica7i- 
 titas). That property of a thing which may 
 be increased or diminished; any indeter- 
 minate weight or measure. In mathematics, 
 any portion, definite or indefinite, known or 
 unknown, of any magnitude whatever, 
 which can be expressed by unitr. In 
 grammar, a term used to denote the 
 difference of time taken in pronouncing 
 the syllables "fa word, or the measure 
 which determines them to be called long 
 or short. 
 
 Quarantine, kworran-teen (Italian, 
 quaranta, forty). A term used originally 
 to denote the space of forty days, during 
 which vessels suspected of contagion, or 
 coming from places where contagious dis- 
 eases were known or suspected to be rag- 
 ing, were compelled to abstain from iuter- 
 course and commerce, and remain out of 
 port. A similar regulation exists at the 
 present time in a modified degree, the 
 number of days being decreased or ex- 
 tended according to circumstances. 
 
 Quarry, kwor-ry. An artificial ex- 
 cavation formed in rocky ground, for the 
 purpose of obtaining marble, stone, slate, 
 &c. ; also, a name given to game or prey 
 consumed or kUled. The etymology of the 
 first meaning is said to be derived from the 
 Latin quadrare, to square or make square, 
 because stones, &c., are hewn into square 
 blocks for building. The second meamng 
 is traced to the Latin, qua&rere, to seek or 
 search after. 
 
 Quarter-day. The day which com- 
 pletes three months, and upon which 
 quarterly payments, as rent &c., are 
 due or made. In law, these are Lady-day, 
 on the 25th of March ; Midsummer-day, 
 on the 24th of June ; Michaelmas- day, on 
 the 29th of September ; Christmas-day, on 
 the 25th of December. 
 
 Quarter-deck. That part of the 
 upper deck between the main-mast and 
 the mizen-mast. 
 
 Quarter-master. An officer in the 
 army, whose duty it is to attend to the 
 quarters for the soldiers, their provisions, 
 fuel, forage, kc. In the navy, an officer 
 who assists the mates in their duties, in 
 stowing the hold, coiling the ropes, keeping 
 time by the watch-glasses, &c. 
 
 Quarter Sessions, kwor-tur sesh- 
 uns. A general court held quarterly by 
 
 QUE 
 
 257 
 
 the justices of the peace of each county, 
 with jurisdiction to try and determine 
 felonies and trespasses. 
 
 Quartering, kwortur-ing (Latin, quar- 
 tits, the fourth part). A dividing into 
 four parts. In heraldry, the dividing of a 
 coat of arms into quarters ; in architecture, 
 a series of small upright posts. 
 
 Quarters. A place of lodging; a tem- 
 porary residence of officers or soldiers. 
 The stations of a ship's crew in time of 
 action. 
 
 Quartet, kwor-tet( (Italian, quartetto). 
 
 Quartette ( A musical composi- 
 
 tion for four voices or four instruments. 
 
 Quarto, kwor-to (Latin, quarto, the 
 fourth time). The name given to the size 
 of books next to the foUo, and which is 
 produced by doubling each sheet twice, 
 and thus making four leaves. 
 
 Quartz, kwortz (German, quarz). A 
 kind of stone or rocky substance ; it is an 
 ingredient in every rock, and exhibits a 
 variety of colours. 
 
 Quasi, kway-zi (Latin). A word signi- 
 fying as if ; just as if ; almost. It is some- 
 times used before English words to denote 
 similarity, approach to, or partial resem- 
 blance. Quasi contract, in civil law, is an act 
 which has not the strict form of a contrict, 
 but has the force of one. 
 
 Quasi modo, kwarzee-modo. In the 
 Roman Catholic calendar, the first Sunday 
 after Easter; so called because the introit 
 for that day begins with the words, " Quasi 
 modo getiiti infantes." 
 
 Quatrain, kwaw-train (Italian, quat- 
 trino). In poetry, a stanza of four lines, 
 rhyming alternately. 
 
 Quaver, kway-vur (from quiver). In 
 music, a measure of time equal to half a 
 crotchet, or the eighth part of a semibreve ; 
 a shake performed by the voice, or on an 
 instrument. 
 
 Quay, ke (French, quaz). An embank- 
 ment, or wharf, by the side of the sea or 
 river, where ships are loaded and unloaded. 
 
 Querulous, kwerru-lus (Latin, queror, 
 to complain). HabituaUy murmuring; 
 prone to tind fault ; addicted to repining ; 
 testy ; discontented ; ill-tempered. 
 
 Queiy, kweer-e (Latin, quxere). To put 
 questions; to interrogate; to inquire. 
 
 Quest, kwest (Latin, quoesitus, a seek- 
 ing, or asking for). Seeking; searching; 
 floldLn£:; examination, or inquiry. 
 
258 QUE 
 
 Questor,kwes-tur (Latin, qucestor). A 
 Homan officer who had charge of the 
 public treasury, including the care of fines, 
 taxes, and other collections of money. 
 
 Quibble, kwib-bl (Latin, quid libet, 
 " what you please"). A trifling with words ; 
 an evasion ; a pretence, or cavil ; a pun. 
 
 Quicken, kwik-en (Saxon, cwic). To 
 become alive; to be endowed with life, 
 spirit, or activity ; to inspirit or animate ; 
 to increase the speed; to hasten; to 
 •ccelerate. 
 
 Quiek-lime. Lime in its most active 
 and caustic state ; any carbonate of lime 
 deprived of its carbonic acid. 
 
 Quiek-sand. Sand easily yielding, or 
 readily moving under pressure ; loose sand 
 abounding with water ; metaphorically ap- 
 plied to the unsafe and treacherous founda- 
 tions upon which certain positions in life 
 are rested or taken. 
 
 Quiekset-hedge. A general name 
 for all hedges formed of living bushes, 
 plants, &c. ; but in a stricter sense, applied 
 only to thoso planted with hawthorn. 
 
 Quicksilver, kwik-sil-vur. A name 
 for mercury. A metal remarkable for its 
 fluidity, and which can only be affected by 
 extreme degrees of heat or cold. It is em- 
 ployed as the active agent in barometers 
 and thermometers. 
 
 Quiddity, qwiddy-ty (Latin, quiddi- 
 tas). A trifling nicety ; a cavil ; an eccen- 
 tric term used in school philosophy for 
 essence ; that which is a proper answer 
 to the question, Quid est? (''What is 
 it?") 
 
 Quidnunc, kwid-nunk (Latin, quid 
 nunc, " What now ? " ) An epithet applied to 
 a person who is curious to know everything 
 that passes, or to one who pretends to 
 know everything. 
 
 Quid pro quo, kwid pro kwo (Latin). 
 Literally, "What for what." A phrase used 
 to denote that one thing is made use of to 
 supply the defect of another ; an equiva- 
 lent ; a compensation ; a substitute. 
 
 Quiescent, kwi-essent (Latin, quies, 
 rest). Resting ; reposing ; becoming stiU ; 
 ceasing from action; lying in calmness and 
 tranquillity ; still ; peaceful ; calm. 
 
 Quietist, kwiet-ist. One of a sect of 
 mystics originating in Spain, who maintain 
 that religion consists in the internal rest 
 {quietus) of the mmd, employed in con- 
 templating God and submitting to his 
 Trill. 
 
 QUI 
 
 Quietus, kwi-eetus (Latin, quietus, 
 rest). An exchequer term, used for dis* 
 charge or acquittance to accountants. In 
 law, a quietus est, granted to a sheriff, dis- 
 charges him of all accounts due to the 
 Crown. Quietus, in a general sense, implies 
 final discharge; death-blow; repose; 
 death. 
 
 Qui-hi. An epithet applied to an 
 English resident in Calcutta. 
 
 Qui vive, ke veev (French). Literally, 
 '* Who lives or moves there ? " the challenge 
 of a French sentinel ; hence, the term 
 means to be on the alert, like a sentinel ; 
 to keep on the look-out ; to be on the tip- 
 toe of expectation. 
 
 Quin cunx, kwin-kunks (corruption of 
 Latin, quinque and unica). In horticulture, 
 a system of planting, consisting of five 
 trees or plants, with one in the centre. 
 
 Quinquagesima, kwinqua-'jessy-mah 
 (Latin, the fiftieth). Shrove Sunday, so 
 called being about the fiftieth day before 
 Easter. 
 
 Quinsy, kwin-zy (corrupted from 
 squinancy). An inflammatory swelling in 
 the throat. 
 
 Quintain, kwin-tin (French, quintaiiie). 
 A kind of game, formerly in vogue, for the 
 purpose of testing the agility of the per- 
 formers ; it consisted of tilting, when pass- 
 ing at full speed on horseback or on foot, 
 at an image or other object, fastened to a 
 bar turning on a pivot, and fixed on the 
 top of an upright post. 
 
 Quintessence, kwint-essens (Latin, 
 quinta, fifth ; essentia, essence). A term 
 used by the alchemist to denote the active 
 principle of anything, in which its proper- 
 ties and virtues reside, separated by art 
 from the inert matters with which it is 
 combined ; an extract from anything, con- 
 taining all its virtues in a small quantity ; 
 the virtue, spirit, or force of anything ex- 
 tracted. 
 
 .Quintuple, kwin-tu-pl. Five-fold. In 
 music, a species of time containing five 
 crotchets in a bar. 
 
 Quip, kwip (Welsh, cwip). A smart 
 saying ; a sharp jest ; a taunt ; a sarcasm. 
 
 Quire, kwire (French, cahier, a book of. 
 loose sheets of paper). Twenty-four sheets 
 of paper ; also, another form of choir. 
 
 Quirk, kwirk (German, zwirch, swerved, 
 or wrested). That which wrests or twists 
 anything from its course or right mean- 
 ing; an artful turn; a quibble; a subtle 
 conceit. 
 
QUI 
 
 EAC 
 
 Quit claim, kwit klame. In law, a 
 release of any action which one person has 
 agfainst another; a deed oi release by 
 which all claims are relinquished to an- 
 other without warranty. 
 . Quit rent. In law, a small rent re- 
 served^ payable in token of subjection, and 
 by the payment of which the tenant is 
 quitted or freed from all other service. 
 
 Quittance, kwit-acs (French, quii- 
 taTice). A discharge from debt or other 
 obligation ; recompense ; repayment. 
 
 Quiver, kwiv-ur (from cov&r). A case 
 or sheath for arrows. 
 
 Quixotic, kwiks-ottik. Like Don 
 Quixote; romantic to extravagance; im- 
 practicable; absurd. 
 
 Quod libet, kwod le-bet (Latin, what 
 you please). A nice point ; a subtilty ; 
 that of which you may make what you 
 please ; a thing disputed, affirmed, or 
 denied, as each pleases. 
 
 Quoif, koyf . \ A cap or hood ; 
 
 Quoiffure, koyf-fure. J a head-dress. 
 
 Quoin, kojm, or kwoyn (French, coin, 
 a comer). The name given to a stone or 
 other material put into the comer of brick 
 buildings to strengthen them. In artil- 
 lery, a wedge to raise cannon ; in printing, 
 a kind of small wedge inserted to bind the 
 pages of the forme in the chase. 
 
 Quondam, kwon-dam (Latin). Former ; 
 having been formerly, as a qicondam candi- 
 date. 
 
 Quorum, kwo-rum (Latin, genitive 
 plural of qui, who). Such a number of per- 
 sons as is competent, by the law in the 
 case, to transact business ; applied to a 
 special commission of justices ; also, one 
 in a commission without whom the rest 
 cannot act. 
 
 Quota, kwo-tah (Latin, quotus, how 
 much). A share or proportion ; rate or 
 portion assigned ; that part which each 
 member of a society has to contribute or re- 
 ceive in makingup or dividing a certain sum. 
 
 Quotation, kwo - tayshun (French, 
 coter). The act of producing the passages 
 of an author, either to illustrate or con- 
 firm ; the passage cited ; in mercantile 
 language, the price of commodities pub- 
 licly anno\>nced or specified to a corre- 
 spondent. 
 
 Quoth, kwuth or kwoth (Saxon, cw(b- 
 than). Say, says, or said. A defective 
 verb, used only in the first and third per- 
 sons, as, qiioth. I, quoih he. 
 
 Quotidian, kwo-tlddy-an (Latin, gwo- 
 tus, how much ; dies, a day). Occurring 
 daily; happening every day; specially 
 applied to a fever which returns every day. 
 
 Quotient, kwo-shent (Latin, quoties, 
 how often). Specifically, how often one 
 number is found in another. In arithmetic, 
 the number resulting from the division of 
 a greater number by a smaller, and which 
 shows how often the smaller is contained 
 in the greater, or how often the divisoi is 
 contained in the dividend. Thus, the 
 quotient of 12 divided by 3 is 4. 
 
 Quo "warranto, kwo w6rrun-to. In 
 law, a writ which lies against a person or 
 corporation that usurps any franchise or 
 liberty against the Crown. 
 
 Q, v. An abbreviation of gtumtum 
 vis, "as much as you will ; " also, an abbre- 
 viation of quod vide, " which see." 
 
 Ilabbi,rab-be orKab-bi ) (Hebrew, rah.) 
 
 Rabbin, rab-bin j A title as- 
 
 sumed by the Jewish doctors, signifying 
 lord, or master ; a distinction not conferred 
 by authority, but allowed by courtesy to 
 learned men. 
 
 Rabid, rab-id (Latin, rabies, rage). 
 Furious ; fierce ; mad ; raging ; as a rabid 
 dog. 
 
 Rabies, raybe-es (Latin.) A Latin 
 term for madness,.generally applied to the 
 disease in dogs, otherwise called hydro- 
 
 Raca, rah-kah. A Syriac word, used 
 as a term of contempt, signifying beggarly, 
 empty, vain, foolish, &c. This word was 
 and is still pronounced by the Jews with 
 gestures of indignation. 
 
 Race, rase (Latin, radix, a root). Liter- 
 ally, the root ; the origin whence anything 
 rises or issues: hence, the lineage of a 
 family ; a generation ; a particular breed ; 
 a particular flavour of wine ; a contest in 
 running ; a rapid course ; a movement or 
 progi'ession of any kind. 
 
 Rack, rak (Dutch, rek, a stretch). To 
 stretch or strain on a rack ; to afflict with 
 pain or distress ; to torture ; to harass by 
 exaction. 
 
 Racket, ralc-^^t (French, reticulum, a 
 little net;. Au instrument for striking a 
 ball; a clattering noise; bustle or confusion. 
 
 Rack rent. In law, the full yearly vali le 
 of the land ; rent raised to the utmost. 
 
 Racy, ray-sy (Latin, radix, a root). 
 Literally, tasting of the root or soil ; having 
 s2 
 
HAD 
 
 RAP 
 
 a strong or distinctive flaroxir; strong- 
 tasted. 
 
 Hadiance, rade-eeans (Latin, radius, 
 a ray). Sparkling lustre ; vivid bright- 
 ness ; shooting of rays. 
 
 Kadiate, rade-eeate (Latin, radius, a 
 ray). To emit rays ; diverging like rays 
 from a common centre; to shed light or 
 brightness ; to enlighten or illuminate. 
 
 Kadical, raddy-kal (Latin, radix, a 
 root). Pertaining to the root ; implanted 
 by nature ; original ; fundamental ; primi- 
 tive ; serving to originate ; deep or 
 thorough. In chemistry, the elementary 
 part of an acid. In botany, applied to 
 leaves which spring from the root. In 
 philology, a primitive word or letter. In 
 politics, a radical, or radical reformer, is 
 one who desires the rooting out of abuses 
 which have crept into the Government, 
 and the re-modeUing of institutions and 
 established things. 
 
 Radius, rade-yus (Latin, radius, a 
 ray). The semi-diameter of a circle ; a line 
 dra,wn from the centre. Plural, radii. 
 
 Ragout, rah-goo (French). A high- 
 seasoned dish, such as would tempt the 
 cloyed eater to taste again. From the 
 Latin re, again, and gustus, to taste; 
 whence the French (gouste) go^t. 
 
 Eaillery, raUer-rey (French, raillerie). 
 Jesting language ; slight satire ; good- 
 humoured laughing; banter; satirical 
 merriment. 
 
 Rajah, ray-zhah (Sanscrit). A title of 
 dignity in India, equivalent to king, prince, 
 or chieftain. 
 
 Rajpoot, rahj-poot. A Hindoo of the 
 military order. 
 
 Rally, ral-ly (French, rallier). To re- 
 assemble dispersed persons or things; to 
 re-collect disordered and scattered troops ; 
 the act of bringing disordered troops back 
 to their ranks. 
 
 Rally, ral-ly (French, railler, from 
 Latin, ridiculare, to laugh at). To ridicule 
 good-naturedly; to treat with satirical 
 merriment ; to banter ; to jeer. 
 
 Ramadan, ) rammah-dan. The great 
 
 Rhamadan, j annual feast among the 
 Mohammedans, celebrated during the 
 ninth month, and being a kind of Lent. 
 
 Ramification, rammy - f e - kayshun 
 (Lar-:n, ramus, a branch ; facio, to make). 
 Division or separation into branches ; the 
 act pf branching off into several direc- 
 tions; a branch. 
 
 Rampant, ram-pant (Saxon, rcnipgnd). 
 Breaking thi^ough restraint; climbing or 
 springing up ; rearing up, ready for action, 
 as the lion rampant, in the royal arms. 
 The word rampant, in the sense of spread- 
 ing or increasing, as a rampant vice, may 
 be traced to the exuberance of the vine, 
 which outgrows and repels restraint. 
 
 Rampart, ram -purt (French rempart). 
 A wall or mound round a fortified place, 
 for the pvirpose of resisting the direct fire 
 of the enemy. The name is also applied 
 to the unoccupied space between the wall 
 of a city and the houses next to it. 
 
 Rancour, rank-ur (Old French, ran- 
 coeur). Inveterate enmity ; deep and bitter 
 hatred ; malignity ; virulence ; corrup- 
 tion. 
 
 Range, rajoij (French, ranger). Any- 
 thing placed in an order or in a line ; a 
 row of things ; a wandering or excursion ; 
 compass ; extent. In gunnery, the path 
 of a ball, &c., or the line which it describes 
 from the mouth of the piece to the point 
 where it lodges. 
 
 Rank and File. In military affairs, 
 a name given to soldiers carrying firelocks, 
 and standing in the ranks, in which are 
 included the corporals. 
 
 Ransack, ran-sak (Danish, ransager). 
 To seek or search for plunder or booty ; 
 to search carefully and narrowly ; to plun- 
 der ; to pillage ; to take by violence. 
 
 Ransom, ran-sum (French, rancon). 
 The price paid for the redemption of a 
 prisoner ; the purchase money paid to 
 escape punishment and captivity; in a 
 scriptural sense, the price paid for eternal 
 life or pardon of sin. 
 
 Rant, rant (from rent). Literally, to 
 rend or tear ; to rave in violent or extra- 
 vagant language ; to declaim in a noisy 
 jind boisterous manner ; to use empty, 
 high-sounding words: boisterous, empty 
 declamation. 
 
 Ranz des Vaehes, rahnz day vahsh. 
 The name applied to certain simple melo- 
 dies of the Swiss mountaineers, played on 
 the Alpine horn. 
 
 Rapacity, rah-passy-ty (Latin, rapio, 
 to seize). Propensity to plunder; extor- 
 tion ; ravenousness ; the habit of seizing 
 by force. 
 
 Raparee, rappah-ree. A wild Irish 
 plunderer. 
 
 Rapt, rapt (Latin, raptus, carried 
 away). Literally, carried out of one's 
 self ; transported in ecstacy. 
 
RAP 
 
 REA 
 
 261 
 
 Raptnre, iiipt - ywc (Latin, rapttis, 
 carried away). Extreme joy; excessive 
 delight ; ecstacy ; transport ; uncommon 
 heat of the imagination. 
 
 !Rara avis, ray-rah ay-vis (Latin). 
 Literally, a rare or scarce bird ; employed 
 to denote a prodigy, or something very 
 unusual. 
 
 Rarefaction, rary - fakshun (Latin, 
 rarvs, thin ; facio, to make). The expan- 
 sion of bodies by a separation of their 
 parts ; the diminution of the density of a 
 body, as of a gas, by the agency of heat, 
 whereby it occupies more space without 
 accession of new matter : opposed to con- 
 densation. 
 
 Hase, raze (French, raser). To level 
 with the ground; to rub the surface in 
 passing ; to scratch, rub, or blot out. 
 
 Hatafia, rattah-feeah (Spanish, a fine 
 cordial). A spirituous liquor compounded 
 from the kernels of apricots, peaches, &c., 
 steeped in spirit. 
 
 Ratan, rah-tan. A small Indian cane ; 
 a walking-stick or schoolmaster's rod made 
 of such cane. 
 
 Hate, rate (Latin, ratus). A proportion 
 or standard ; a settled value ; an estimate 
 to place to the count ; a tax assessed for 
 public use. In the navy, the order or 
 class of a ship, according to its magnitude 
 or force. 
 
 Ratification, ratty-fe-kayshun (Latin, 
 raium, firm ; facio, to make). The act of 
 confirming ; assuring or securing ; giving 
 sanction or validity to the act of another. 
 
 Ratio, ray-sbeo (Latin). The relation 
 which one thing has to another of the same 
 kind in respect to magnitude or quantity ; 
 proportion ; rate ; degree. 
 
 Ratiocination, rashy - ossy - nayshun 
 (Latin, ratio, reason). The exercise of the 
 faculty of the mind called reason ; the act 
 of deducing consequences from premises 
 by the force of reason. 
 
 Ration, ray-shun (Latin, ratio, propor- 
 tion). Certain allowance of provisions. 
 In the army, a daily distribution of pro- 
 visions, drink, and forage to each soldier, 
 for the subsistence of himself and his 
 horse. 
 
 Rational, rasshun-al (Latin, ratio, 
 reason). Possessing or displaying the use 
 of reason ; agreeable to reason ; wise ; 
 judicious. 
 
 Rationale, rayshun-a-le (Latin, ratio, 
 reason). A detail with reasons; a series 
 
 of reasons assigned ; an account or solution | 
 of the principles of some opinion, action^' 
 or hypothesis ; theoretical explanation. 
 
 Ratlin. In nautical affairs, a smaU 
 line across the shrouds of a ship, forming 
 the step of the ladder. 
 
 Ratsbane, rats-bane. Poison for rats ; 
 arsenic. 
 
 Ratting, rat-ting. A political term, 
 used to denote the desertion of party, or 
 the abandonment of principles formerly 
 held. The word is derived from the cir- 
 cumstance of rats quitting ships which are 
 about to sink, or houses which are in im- 
 minent danger of falUng. 
 
 Ravage, rav-aje (Latin, rapio, to seize 
 violently). To lay waste ; to spoil ; to 
 plunder; destruction by time, ne^ect, 
 decay, &c. 
 
 Ravine, rah-veen (French, ravir, to 
 snatch away). In field fortification, a long, 
 deep hollow, excavated by the action of 
 water; hence, any long, deep hollow or pass 
 through mountains. 
 
 Rayah, ray-yah. In Turkey, a non- 
 Mohammedan subject, who pays the capi- 
 tatiocQ tax. 
 
 Raze, raze (Latin, rado, to scrape). To 
 lay level with the ground ; to subvert from 
 the foundation ; to erase ; to overthrow ; 
 to destroy ; to demolish ; to obliterate. 
 
 Razee, ray-zee (French). An epithet 
 applied to any vessel cut down to an ii^erior^ 
 class. 
 
 Razzia. An Arabic word, signifying 
 an incursion made by an armed force into 
 an enemy's country, for the purpose of 
 carrying off cattle and destroying the 
 standing crops. Its meaning is sometimes 
 extended to other sorts of incursions ; but 
 it is always connected with the idea of 
 pillage. 
 
 Re. A Latin prefix used in composition, 
 to denote iteration or backward action, or 
 something being acted again, as, re-turriy 
 re-admission. 
 
 Reach, reetsh (Saxon, raican). Extent ; 
 power of attaining ; effort; limit; contriv- 
 ance ; also, the distance between two 
 points on the banks of a river, in which 
 the current flows in a straight course. 
 
 Reaction, re-akshun. Counteraction ; 
 resistance ; the action whereby a thing 
 acted upon returns the action upon the 
 agent. In politics, the return to a former 
 state of government, or of feeling, after % 
 •^xanffe. 
 
262 £EA 
 
 Re-agent, re-ay-jent A test ; a 
 name in chemistry, for those substances 
 which are used to discover the presence of 
 other substances, in solution. 
 
 Real. A Spanish coin, varying in value 
 from twopence-halfpenny up to sixpence- 
 halfpenny. 
 
 Real, re-al (Latin, res, a thing). Actu- 
 ally existing; true; genuine; opposed to 
 fictitious. In law, pertaining to things 
 fixed, permanent, or immovable, as real 
 estate, in contradistinction to personal or 
 movable property. Real property con- 
 sists in lands, tenements, and heredita- 
 ments. 
 
 Realistic, real-istik, A species of 
 philosophy practised by a sect called 
 Realists, who maintained that the terms for 
 denoting the genera or species of things 
 represent real existences, and not mere 
 
 Realize, reah-lize (French, realiser). 
 To bring into being or action ; to impress 
 as a reality, or treat as real ; to convert 
 Taluablcs into money, or money into 
 valuables ; to make a profit ; to render 
 tangible ; to accomplish certain desires ; 
 to effect certain ends. 
 
 Realm, relm (French, royaume). The 
 territory of a sovereign ; the land or coun- 
 try ruled or governed ; the dominion or 
 government of a king. 
 
 Ream, reem (Saxon). A bundle or 
 package of paper, containing twenty 
 quires. 
 
 Rearguard, reer-gard. The body of 
 soldiers which is placed in the rear of an 
 army to defend it. 
 
 Re-assure, ree - ash - shure (French, 
 reassurer). To restore courage to ; to free 
 from terror. 
 
 Rebate, re-bate ) (Latin,re, 
 
 Rebatement,re-batement j again ; 
 French, battre, to beat down). In com- 
 merce, discount or deduction from the 
 stipulated price. In heraldry, an abate- 
 ment of the bearings in a coat of arms. In 
 architecture, a groove sunk on the edge of 
 any piece of material. 
 
 Rebec, re-bek (Italian, ribeca). A 
 Moorish instrument of music, resembling a 
 three-stringed fiddle. 
 
 Rebellion, re-bel-yun (Latin, re, again; 
 hello, to war.) An open and armed renun- 
 ciation of the authority of the government 
 of one's own country ; resistance to consti- 
 tuted authority. 
 
 EEC 
 
 Rebuff, re-buff (French, rebafo). A 
 sudden check ; refusal with harshness ; 
 stern rejection ; denial ; defeat ; repulse. 
 
 Rebus, reeb-us (Latin, res, a thing). 
 A conceit or 'ancy expressed by things ; an 
 enigmatical representation of some name, 
 by using only pictures and figures. 
 
 Rebut, re-but (French, rebuter). To 
 repel ; to foil ; to oppose by argument. 
 
 Recant, re-kant (French, rechanter, to 
 sing, or cha«t again). To revoke; to 
 retract what has been said ; to declare 
 a change of opinion. 
 
 Recapitulate,reekah-pittu-late(Latin, 
 re, again ; capio, to take). To repeat the 
 heads or chief points of ; to give a sum- 
 mary of the principal things mentioned ; to 
 reiterate the sum of a previous discourse. 
 
 Recede, re-seed (Latin, re, back ; cede, 
 to move). To go back; to withdraw j 
 to retire ; to return. 
 
 Recent, reese-ent (Latin, recens). New ; 
 late ; fresh ; happening not long ago ; 
 received lately ; being of modem origin or 
 existence. 
 
 Receptacle, re-septah-kl (Latin, re- 
 cipio, to receive). A place or vessel in 
 which anything is received, or in which it 
 is contained. 
 
 Recess, re-sess (Latin, re, back ; cedo, 
 to move). A withdrawing or moving back ; 
 suspension or remission of business ,part 
 of a room formed by the receding of the 
 wall ; a secret place ; the retreating of the 
 shore from the general line, so as to form 
 a kind of bay., 
 
 Rechauffe, ray-shofay (French). Lite- 
 rally, a warming up of food ; and hence 
 applied, in literary or artistic matters, to 
 the giving as new what is old ; offering to 
 the public in a new form what has already 
 been presented. 
 
 Recherche, re-share-shay (French). 
 Refined ; in good taste ; selected with 
 the utmost care. 
 
 Recipe, ressy-pe (Latin, imperative of 
 recipio, to take). A medical prescription ; 
 a direction of medicines to be taken by a 
 patient. 
 
 Recipient, re-sippy-ent (Latin, recipio, 
 to take). One who receives ; a receiver ; 
 the person or thing to which anythiug is 
 communicated. 
 
 Reciprocal^ re-sippro-kal (Latin, reci- 
 procus). Interchange of action ; done by 
 one person in response to something done 
 by another; alternate ; mutual. 
 
EEC 
 
 Keeital, re-sytal (Latin, re, again ; cito, 
 to call over). Rehearsal; a narration 
 affecting the interest of some individual ; 
 a telling or enumerating of particulars ; 
 the repetition of the words of another or of 
 writing. 
 
 Recitative, ressy - tah - teev (Italian, 
 redtativo). A term in music for a tuneful 
 kind of pronunciation, more musical than 
 common speech, and less so than song; 
 something between recitation and singing. 
 
 Reckoning, rek-kn-ing. The act of 
 computing or calculating. In navigation, 
 the place of a ship, calculated from the rate 
 as determined by the log, and the course as 
 determined by the compass, the original 
 starting-point being known. 
 
 Reclaim, re-klame (Latin, re, back ; 
 clamo, to call). To call back to its right 
 place that which has gone astray; to 
 reform from evil courses ; to reduce from 
 a wild to a tame or cultivated state, as 
 beasts, land, &c. ; to recover, or attempt 
 to recover. 
 
 Recline, re-kline (Latin, re, back ; 
 clino, to bend). To lean back ; to repose ; 
 to rest on one side or sideways. 
 
 Recluse, re-cluze (Latin, re; claudo, to 
 close). One who lives in retirement or 
 apart from the world ; one who shuts him- 
 self up from the society of man ; a her- 
 mit ; a monk. 
 
 Recognisance, re-kogny-zans, or re- 
 konny-zans (Latin, re, again ; con, with ; 
 nosco, to know). In law, a bond of record, 
 testifying the recognisor to owe to the re- 
 cognisee a certain sum of money acknow- 
 ledged in some court of record. 
 
 Recognize, rekkog-nize (Latin, re, 
 again ; con^ with ; nosco, to know). To 
 know again ; to acknowledge ; to review ; 
 to admit, as an obligation. 
 
 Recoil, re-koyl (Latin, re, back ; cuius, 
 the tail). To rush or fall back ; to start 
 backward ; to shrink from ; to move back, 
 as a cannon or gun when fired. 
 
 Recompense, rekkum-pense (Latin,re, 
 again ; con, with ; pendo, to weigh). Ee- 
 ward ; equivalent ; compensation. 
 
 Reconcile, rekkun-sile (Latin, re, 
 again ; concilio, to conciliate). To restore 
 to friendship or favour ; to appease enmity 
 between ; to bring to acquiescence ; to 
 make consistent. 
 
 Recondite, rekkon-dite (Latin, re, 
 again ; condo, to conceal). Difficult ; pro- 
 found ; secret ; hidden from the view or 
 intellect. 
 
 EEC 2d3 
 
 Reconnoitre,rekkon-noytr, or rekkon- 
 noy-tur (Latin, re, again; cognosce, to 
 know). A term in military language, 
 meaning to inform one's self, by actual 
 inspection, of the situation of an enemy, 
 the nature of the ground, the disposition 
 of the troops, &c. In a general sense, to 
 survey ; to examine by the eye. 
 , Recount, re-kownt (French, raconter). 
 To relate in detail ; to narrate ; to tell 
 over again ; to repeat. 
 
 Recourse, re-korse (Latin, re, again ; 
 curro, to run). Application, as for help or 
 protection ; application of efforts, art, or 
 labour. 
 
 Recreant, rekry-ant (French, recrianC). 
 Cowardly; mean-spirited; false to trust; 
 begging for mercy. One who yields or is 
 defeated with dishonour ; one who flies 
 frona battle. 
 
 Recreation, rekkry-ayshun (Latin, re, 
 again ; creo, to create). Relief from toil ; 
 relaxation of labour ; amusement ; plea- 
 sant and agreeable employment; diver- 
 sion. 
 
 Recriminate, re-krimmy-nate (Latin, 
 re, again ; criminor, to accuse). To return 
 one accusation with another ; to retort an 
 accusation. 
 
 Recruit, re-kroot (French, recruteVf 
 from Latin, recrescere, to grow again). To 
 add to the number or quantity ; to supply 
 a loss or deficiency; to supply a defici- 
 ency of troops with new men ; to repair ; 
 to restore ; to regain ; to retrieve. 
 
 Rectangle, rek-tang-gl (Latin, rectus, 
 right; angulus, an angle). In geometry, 
 a figure, the sides of which are all right 
 angles ; in arithmetic, the product of two 
 lines multiplied into each other. 
 
 Rectify, rekty-fi (Latin, rectus, right ; 
 facio, to make). To make or cause to be 
 right; to render conformable to rule or 
 order ; to correct, redress, adjust, 
 amend. In distUling, to cleanse, purify, 
 and increase the strength of spirit, by re- 
 peating the process. 
 
 Rectilineal, rekty-lin-eel \ (L a t i n. 
 Rectilinear, rekty-lin-eer J rectus, 
 right ; linea, a line). Having or consisting 
 of right lines ; having straight lines. 
 
 Rectitude, rekty-tude (Latin, rectm, 
 right). Rightness of principle or practice ; 
 uprightness in all things ; freedom from 
 any vice or bias. 
 
 Rector, rek-tur (Latin, rego, to rule). 
 A ruler or governor ; a clergyman who has 
 the charge and cure of a parish ; the mini- 
 
264 
 
 BJEC 
 
 EEF 
 
 gter of an unimpropriated parish ; the 
 head of a religious house or seminary. 
 
 Recumbent, re-kumbent (Latin, re- 
 cumho, to lean upon). In a lying or lean- 
 ing posture; reposing; relying upon; in- 
 active. 
 
 Recur, re-kur (Latin, re, again ; cnrro, 
 to run). To return to the mind ; to have 
 recourse to, or take refuge in ; to occur at 
 stated intervals, or by rule. 
 
 Recusant, re-kewzant (Latin, recusans, 
 refusing). One who refuses to acknow- 
 ledge the supremacy of the Crown in reli- 
 gious matters ; one who refuses to comply 
 with or conform to the terms of a commu- 
 nity or society. 
 
 Redan, re-dan (French). In fortifica- 
 tion, a work intended or formed with salient 
 and re-entering angles, so that one part 
 may re-flank and defend another ; it assumes 
 the form of an inverted V, the angle out- 
 ward. 
 
 Redemption, re-dempshun (Latin, re, 
 again ; emo, to purchase). Literally, re- 
 l^urchase ; in law, a conditional contract, 
 whereby the equity of re-entering lands, 
 &c., is retained, on paying the purchase- 
 money and legal charges ; ransom ; 
 release ; deliverance from punishment or 
 death. 
 
 Red Letter. A red-letter day is syno- 
 nymous with a fortunate one, so called 
 because festivals were formerly marked 
 with red letters in the calendar. 
 
 Redolent, reddo-lent (Latin, re, again ; 
 oleo, to smell). Sweet of scent ; having or 
 diffusing a sweet odoiir ; emitting fra- 
 grance ; breathing forth perfume. 
 
 Redoubtable, re-dowtah-bl (French, 
 redouter, to dread). Formidable ; terrible 
 to foes ; to be dreaded ; to be regarded 
 with fear and awe. 
 
 Redound, re-downd (Latin, re, again ; 
 nnda, a wave). To be sent, rolled, or 
 driven back ; to conduce ; to result. 
 
 Redress, re-dress (French, redresser). 
 To remedy wrong ; to set right ; to make 
 amends for ; to repair ; to relieve. 
 
 Redundant, re-dundant (Latin, re, 
 again ; unda, a wave). Superfluous ; super- 
 abundant ; exceeding what is natural 
 or necessary ; employing more words or 
 images than are requisite. 
 
 Reef, reef (German, rt/^. A range of 
 rocks lying generally near the surface of 
 the 'Water. In nautical affairs, a certain 
 portion of a sail between the top and 
 
 bottom, with a row of eyelet holes, which 
 is folded or rolled up, to contract the sail, 
 when the violence of the wind renders 
 such a coarse necessary. 
 
 Reek, reek (Saxon, rec). To emit steam 
 or vapour ; to exhale ; to smoke. 
 
 Reeve, reev (Saxon, gerefa, an officer 
 or governor). An officer, steward, or 
 governor, as shire-reeve, that is, sheriff; 
 borough-reeve. 
 
 Refectory, re-fektur-e (Latin, reficio, 
 to refresh) . A place or room for refection ; 
 an apartment in monasteries and con- 
 vents, used as a dining hall. 
 
 Reflex, re-fleks (Latin, re, back; 
 flecto, to bend). Directed backward ; in 
 a picture, that part which is illuminated by 
 reflected light from another part of the 
 same pictvire. 
 
 Refraction, re-frakshun (Latin, re, 
 back ; frango, to break). A term techni- 
 cally applied to denote the deviation of 
 bodies in motion (especially rays of light) 
 from their original course, arising from 
 different densities of the several parts of 
 ■ftie medium through which they pass. 
 
 Refractory, re-fraktur-e (Latin, re, 
 backward ; frango, to break). Obstinate ; 
 stubborn ; not submitting to authority or 
 command. 
 
 Refrain, re - frane (Latin, re, again ; 
 froenum, a bridle). To hold back ; to stay 
 action ; to abstain ; to forbear. 
 
 Refrain, re-frane. In music, the burden 
 of a song, or return to the first part. 
 
 Refrangibility, re - franjy - billy - ty 
 (Latin, re, again ; frango, to break). In 
 optics, the disposition of the rays of light 
 to be refracted in passing from one me- 
 dium into another. 
 
 Refrigerate, re-frijjy-rate (Latin, re, 
 again , frigeo, to be cool). To cool ; to 
 refresh ; to allay or abate heat. 
 
 Refugee, reffu-jee. One who flies from 
 his native country and takes refuge in 
 another ; one who seeks protection from 
 some other country or power than his 
 own. 
 
 Refulgence, re-fuljens (Latin, re, 
 again ; fulgeo, to shine). Brilliancy of 
 light ; sparkle ; splendour ; a flood of 
 light ; continuous brilliancy. 
 
 Refund, re-fund (Latin, re, back ; 
 fiindo, to pour). Literally, to pour back ; 
 hence, to restore ; to repay ; to return 
 what has been received. 
 
KEF 
 
 EEI 
 
 2G5 
 
 Kefute, re-fute (Latin, re, again ; Juto, 
 to disprove). To disprove by force of 
 argument ; to show to be false or erroneous; 
 to repel by force of reasoning ; to confute ; 
 to vanquish. 
 
 Regal, reeg-al (Latin, rex, a king). 
 Pertaining to a sovereign ; kingly ; royal ; 
 belonging to a ruler. 
 
 Regale, re-gale (Latin, regalis, kingly). 
 Literally, to entertain like a king ; to feast 
 sumptuously ; to gratify with good cheer ; 
 to enjoy the refreshment of food ; to 
 furnish something which delights, charms, 
 or pleases the senses or taste. 
 
 Regalia, re-gale-yah (Latin, regalis, 
 kingly). Ensigns of royalty ; the apparatus 
 of a coronation, as the crown, sceptre, orb, 
 swords of state, &c. In politics, the rights 
 and prerogatives of a king. In ecclesi- 
 astical affairs, the privileges attaching to 
 cathedrals, &c., and enjoyed by the grant 
 of the sovereign. 
 
 Regatta, re-gattah (Italian). A name 
 originally given at Venice to an exhibition 
 on the water, in which the gondoliers- con- 
 test for superiority in the art of rowing 
 the gondolas ; applied by us to a sailing or 
 I'owing match with boats, in which prizes 
 are contended for. 
 
 Regency, reejen-sy (Latin, rego, to 
 govern). Authority ; government ; govern- 
 ment administered for another; the persons 
 entrusted with vicarious government ; the 
 district under the jurisdiction of a vice- 
 regent. 
 
 Regenerate, re- jenny-rate (Latin, re, 
 again; genero, to hegei). To re-produce; 
 re-create ; to g\\e new life ; to change 
 the heart; to form into a new or better 
 state. 
 
 Regicide rejjy-side (Latin, rex, a 
 king; coedo, to kill). The act of murdering 
 a king ; one who kills a king. 
 
 Regime, ray-djeem (French). Form 
 of government ; administration ; mode of 
 living. 
 
 Regimen, rejjy-men (Latin, rego, to 
 govern). Regulation of diet and mode of 
 living, with a view to the preservation or 
 restoration of health; in grammar, that 
 part of syntax which regulates the govern- 
 ment of words ; the words governed. 
 
 Regiment, rejjy-ment (French, from 
 Latin, rego, to rule). A body or number of 
 soldiers under the regiment, or command, of 
 a colonel. A regiment visually consists of 
 about a tbonaand men. 
 
 Region, reej-yun (Latin, rego, to 
 govern). A government or district under 
 one ruler ; a district or tract either of 
 earth or air; a kingdom; a country; part 
 of a body. 
 
 Register rejjis-tur (Latin, regero, to 
 write down). A written account or entry 
 of facts, for transmitting to others, or to 
 future times, an exact knowledge of transac- 
 tions ; a record ; a list. 
 
 Registrar, rejjis-trar (Latin, regis- 
 trarius). An officer who has the care of 
 public records ; one who is appointed to 
 record certain events, as births, deaths, or 
 marriages. 
 
 Regium Donum, reejy-um do-num 
 (Latin, royal gift). An annual grant of 
 public money in aid of the Presbyterian 
 clergy of Ireland. 
 
 Regius Professor,reejy-us pro-fessor. 
 A name given to those who hold professor- 
 ships in the English universities, established 
 by royal bounty. 
 
 Regnant, reg-nant (Latin, rego, to 
 govern). Dominant; reigning; exercising 
 royal authority ; ruling ; governing. 
 
 Regression, re-gresshun (Latin, re, 
 back; gradior, to go). The act of going o>' 
 moving back ; return ; power of returning ; 
 the reverse of progression. 
 
 Regulars. In military affairs, that 
 part of the array which is permanently 
 established and retained. 
 
 Regurgitate, re-gurjy-tate (Latin, re; 
 gurges, a whirlpool). To throw or pour 
 back anything absorbed ; to reflow or flow 
 back ; to be poured back. 
 
 Re-liabilitation, rehah-billit-ayshun. 
 In law, the reinstatement of a criminal 
 in his personal rights, lost by a judicial 
 sentence; restoration; re-establishment; 
 investiture with power and authority. 
 
 Rehearse, re-herse (from re-hear). To 
 cause to hear or re-hear ; to tell to the 
 ear ; to tell in detail ; to repeat ; to recite ; 
 to relate. 
 
 Reimburse, re-imburse (Latin, re, 
 again. French, en, in; bourse, a purse). 
 Literally, to put into the purse again ; to 
 refund ; to make good a loss or outlay by 
 re-payment. 
 
 Reinforce, re-inforse (Latin, re, again; 
 in ; fortis, strength). To strengthen with 
 new force or assistance ; in artillery, ap- 
 plied to that part of a gun nearest tho 
 breech, made stronger to resist the explo- 
 1 sive force of the powder. 
 
EEI 
 
 REM 
 
 Reinstate, re-iastate. To place again 
 in a state or condition previously occui)ied ; 
 to restore possessions which have been re- 
 moved ; to re-invest. 
 
 Reis Efifendi, reez-ef-fendy. One of 
 the principal Turkish officers of state. 
 
 Reiterate, i-e-itter-rate (Latin, re, 
 again ; itero, to repeat). To repeat ; to 
 naake the same statement, or say the same 
 words again and again. 
 
 Reject, re-jekt (Latin, rejicio, to cast 
 back). To refuse anything offered ; to 
 dismiss without comphance ; to throw 
 aside as useless ; to cast away as evil ; to 
 discard ; repel ; renounce. 
 
 Rejoinder, re- jojTidur (Latin, re, again; 
 jtmgo, to join). The answer to a reply ; 
 in law-pleadings, the defendant's answer to 
 the plaintiff's repUcation. 
 
 Rejuvenescence, re-jeuvy-nessens 
 iJjSitva,re,Siga.m;juvenis, young). A resto- 
 ration of youth ; the state of being young 
 again. 
 
 Relapse, re-laps (Latin, o-e, back ; labor, 
 to fall). To fall back again ; to pass back 
 into a former stkte or condition ; to lose 
 ground ; to fail in progress. 
 
 Relax, re-laks (Latin, re, again ; laxus, 
 loose). To loosen ; to slacken ; to make 
 less severe ; to abate rigour or force ; to 
 labour less earnestly ; to remit fi'om close 
 attention ; to relieve from constipation. 
 
 Relay, re-lay (French, relais). A supply 
 of horses, kept in readiness at different 
 stages on the road to relieve others. A 
 relay of ground is ground laid up in 
 fallow. 
 
 Release, re-leese (French, relaisser). 
 To loosen, or set loose or free ; to free from 
 restraint, obligation, or penalty ; liberation 
 from confinement, restraint, or responsi- 
 bility. In law, a release is an instrument 
 in writing by which estates, rights, titles, 
 entries, actions, and other matters, are ex- 
 tinguished and dischai'ged. 
 
 Relegation, relly-gayshun (Latin, re, 
 back ; lego, to send). The act of banish- 
 ment; tne sending into exile; judicial 
 banishment. 
 
 Relent, re-lent (Latin, re; lentus, soft, 
 pliant). To soften in .temper; to be- 
 come more mild ; to have mercy upon ; 
 to take compassion ; to relax ; to remit 
 severity. 
 
 Relevant, relly-vant (French, relever, 
 to raise). Assisting or aiding ; acting in 
 
 alliance with; having applicableness in 
 argument ; pertinent ; relating to. 
 
 Relic, rel-ik (Latin, relinquo, to leave). 
 That which is left, or which remains ; the 
 body remaining after the soul has fled; 
 anything left behind ; something kept as 
 an object of religious veneration; some- 
 thing preserved as a memorial or remem- 
 brance. 
 
 Relict, rel-ikt (Latin, relinquo^ to 
 leave). A widow ; a woman left desolate 
 by the loss of her husband. 
 
 Relievo, re-leevo (Italian). In sculp- 
 ture, the projecture or prominence of figures 
 beyond or above the plane or ground on 
 which it is formed. It is of three kinds, 
 alto-relievo (high relief) ; basso-relievo (low 
 reUef ) ; demi-relievo (half relief). 
 
 Relinquisli, re-linkwish (Latin, 7'elin- 
 quo, to leave). To abandon ; to resign ; to 
 forego claim to ; to leave ; to quit ; to 
 depart from ; to forsake. 
 
 Reliquary, relly-kwary (Latin, relin- 
 quo, to leave). A receptacle for the relics 
 venerated in Roman Catholic churches. 
 
 Reluctance, re-luktans (Latin, re, 
 again ; luctor, to strive). Unwilhngness ; 
 repugnance ; struggle in opposing. 
 
 Remainder, re-mayndur (Latin, rema- 
 neo, to remain). That which is left after 
 a part is taken away ; in law, an estate 
 limited in lands, tenements, or rents, to 
 be enjoyed after the expiration of another 
 particular estate. 
 
 Remand, re-mand (Latin, re, back; 
 mando, to command). To send back; toi 
 commit again into the hands of a gaoler. ] 
 
 Remedy, remmy-dy (Latin, raedeor, to 
 cure). Anything calciilated to heal or 
 cure ; that which bestows health or safety ; 
 that which cures an evil or repairs a loss ; 
 redress ; aid ; help ; relief. 
 
 Reminiscence, remmy-nissens (Latin, 
 reminiscor, to remember). Recollection; 
 remembrance ; recovery of ideas ; rc- 
 calhng to mind ; a relation of what i« 
 recollected. 
 
 Remiss, re-miss (Latin, remissus). Care- 
 less ; negligent ; tardy in the performance 
 of duty; unmindful of obligation; heed- 
 less ; dilatory ; slack. 
 
 Remission, re-misshun (Latin, remitto, 
 to send back). Abatement ; relaxation ; 
 moderation; diminution of intensity; tem- 
 porary suspension of violence ; relinquish- 
 ment of a claim. 
 
 
REM 
 
 HEP 
 
 267 
 
 Remittance, re-mittans (Latin, remitto, 
 to send back). The act of sending money 
 to a distance ; money sent to a distance. 
 
 Remittent, re-mittent. Having alter- 
 nate increase and remission, as a remittent 
 fever. 
 
 Remnant, rem-nant (corrupted from 
 remanent). Anything which is left or 
 remains; the portion remammg after 
 partial destruction, removal, or separation. 
 
 Remonstrate, re-monstrate (Latin, re, 
 again; monstro, to show). To show reason 
 against anything in forcible terms; to 
 appeal strongly against any course or 
 measure ; to make urgent representation ; 
 to expostulate. 
 
 Remorse, re-morse (Latin, re, again ; 
 mordeo, to gnaw). Keen pain or anguish 
 caused by a sense of guilt ; uneasiness 
 occasioned by a guilty conscience; com- 
 punction ; regi'et for faults committed. 
 
 Remote, re-mote (Latin, removeo, to 
 remove). Distant in place or time ; not 
 agreeing with in quality ; not proximate as a 
 cause; foreign; alien; slight; inconsiderable. 
 
 Remuneration, re-mewny-rayshun 
 (Latin, re, again; munus, a gift). Keward ; 
 requital ; recompense ; payment for labour 
 performed ; equivalentfor services rendered. 
 
 Renaissance, ray-naysahnse (French), 
 Literally, new birth. In the fine arts, a 
 term applied to that peculiar style of 
 decoration revived by Raphael, in the 
 pontificate of Leo the Tenth, and which 
 resulted from the discoveries he made of 
 paintings then recently exhumed ; upon 
 these was based a new style of decoration, 
 having greater freedom than the antique, 
 but resulting therefrom. 
 
 Rencontre, ron-konte or ren-kowntur 
 (French). A collision ; combat without 
 premeditation ; an engagement between 
 armies or fleets ; applied in a general sense 
 to a meeting ; opportunity of seeing, &c. 
 
 Rendezvous, ronday-voo or rendy-voo 
 (French). A meeting- place ; a place ap- 
 pointed ; a house of call ; a place for 
 assembling troops ; a meeting. 
 Renegade, renny-gade ) (Latin, rene- 
 Renegado, renny-gaydo j gains, one 
 who cenies his religion). An apostate from 
 the faith ; a deserter of liis party ; one who 
 goes over to the enemy ; a deserter ; a 
 revolter ; a vagabond. 
 
 Renitence, re-nytens > (Lat,, reniteiis, 
 
 Renitency, re-nytensy j i esisting). In 
 
 mechanics, the resistance in solid bodies 
 
 when they press upon and are impelled 
 against one another. 
 
 Renounce, re-nownse (Latin, re, back; 
 nuncio, to tell). To disown ; to disclaim ; 
 to break off connection with ; to put away 
 from ; to reject, deny, abandon. 
 
 Renovate, renno-vate (Lat., re, again ; 
 novus, new). To make anew ; to restore 
 to the first state or primitive condition ; 
 to render new, fresh, or vigorous ; to renew 
 after decay. 
 
 Renown, re-nown (Latin, re, acjain ; 
 nomen, a name). Fame or celebrity ; 
 exalted reputation resulting from the 
 praise accorded to great achievements, 
 accomplishments, &c. 
 
 Reparation, reppar-ayshun (Latin, re, 
 again ; paro, to make ready). The act of 
 making amends ; recompense for an in- 
 jury ; indemnification for loss or damage. 
 
 Repartee, reppar-tee (French, from 
 repartir, to return a blow, as in fencing). 
 A smart reply ; a witty rejoinder ; a 
 retort. 
 
 Repast, re-past (Latin, re, again ; pas- 
 tus, food). A meal ; food or victuals ; the 
 taking of food or victuals. 
 
 Repeal, re-peel (French, rappeler, to 
 recall). To recall ; to revoke ; to abro- 
 gate ; to make void by an authoritative act. 
 
 Repeater, re-peetur. A watch that 
 strikes the hours at pleasure, by the com- 
 pression of a spring. 
 
 Repel, re-pel (Latin, re, back ; pello, 
 to drive). To drive back ; to force to re- 
 turn ; to thrust away ; to reject ; to refuse. 
 
 Repertory, repper-turry (French, re- 
 pertoire). A treasury ; a magazine ; a re- 
 pository ; a place where things may be 
 found. 
 
 Replenish., re-plennisb (Lat., 9'e, again ; 
 plenus, full). To re-fill ; to supply with 
 what is required ; to stock abundantly ; to 
 recover fulness ; to complete. 
 
 Replete, re-pleet (Latin, repleo, to fill). 
 Full ; completely filled ; filled to excess. 
 
 Replevin, re-plewin (low Latin, re- 
 plegio). In law, an action granted on a 
 distress, by which a person whose cattle or 
 goods are distrained has them returned to 
 his own possession, upon giving security 
 to try, in a suit at law, the right of taking. 
 
 Replication, repply-kayshun (Latin, 
 replico, to answer). An answer ; a reply. 
 In law, the plaintiff's answer to the de- 
 fendant's plea. 
 
REP 
 
 EES 
 
 Reprehensible, reppry - hensy - bl 
 (Latin, re, again ; prehendo, to lay hold of), 
 Blameable ; open to censure ; deserving 
 rebuke ; culpable ; censurable. 
 
 Representative, reppry - zentab - tiv 
 (Latin, re, again ; pvtxsens, present). Ex- 
 hibiting likeness ; bearing the character of 
 another ; one who exhibits the likeness of 
 another ; one who exercises power given 
 by another; that by which anything is 
 shown. 
 
 Repress, re-press (Latin, reprimo). To 
 press back ; to force back or restrain ; to 
 subdue or keep down ; to crush ; to check. 
 
 Reprieve, re-preev (French, reprendre, 
 to take back). Kespite after sentence ; 
 suspension of the execution of a sentence ; 
 interval of ease or relief. 
 
 Reprimand, reppry-mand (Latin, re- 
 primandus, to be checked or admon- 
 ished). Keprehension ; severe reproof for 
 a fault ; censure administered publicly. 
 
 Reprisal, re-pry zal (French, reprendre, 
 to re-take). The seizure of anything from 
 an enemy by way of retaliation or indem- 
 nification for something taken and de- 
 tained by him ; the re-taking of one's 
 own. 
 
 Reprobate, reppro-bate (Latin, repro- 
 ho, to reject). An abandoned person ; one 
 lost to shame ; one regardless of all law, 
 human and divine. 
 
 Reprobation, reppro-bayshun (Latin, 
 reproho, to reject). The act of disowning 
 with marked displeasure ; sentence of con- 
 demnation ; the state of being abandoned 
 to eternal destruction. 
 
 Reptile, rep-tile or rep-til (Latin, repto, 
 to creep). An animal which creeps or 
 crawls ; an animal that advances upon its 
 belly, as a serpent; metaphorically, ap- 
 plied to a mean, grovelling person. 
 
 Republic, re - publik (Latin, res, a 
 government ; puMicus, public). A state in 
 which the sovereign power is lodged in 
 representatives elected by the citizens. 
 RepuhLic of letters, the collective body of 
 learned men. 
 
 Repudiate, re-pewdy-ate (Latin, re- 
 pudium, a bill of divorcement). To 
 divorce ; to put away ; to reject ; to 
 deny a responsibility or a liability ; to 
 refuse to pay debts which have been in- 
 curred. 
 
 Repugnance, re-pugnanse (Latin, re- 
 piigno, to resist). Unwillingness ; reluct- 
 ance ; struggle of opposition ; inherent 
 
 dislike ; aversion ; contrariety or incon' 
 sistency. 
 
 Repulse, re-pulse (Latin, re, back ; 
 pello, to drive). To beat back or drive 
 off ; to check in advance ; to reject ; to 
 deny; to refuse. 
 
 Requiem, reekwy-em (Latin, requies, 
 rest). A hymn or prayer imploring rest 
 for the dead; in the Romish Church, a 
 hymn or mass sung for the requiem of the 
 dead; also, a grand musical composition 
 performed in honour of some dead person. 
 
 Requite, re-kwite (French, requiter). 
 To return either good or ill ; to repay 
 either a service or an injury ; to give like 
 for like ; to repay ; to recompense ; to 
 reward. 
 
 Rescind, re-sind (Latin, re; scindo, to 
 cut). Literally, to cut off ; hence, to an- 
 nul ; to revoke ; to abrogate. 
 
 Rescript, re-skript (Latin, re, back; 
 scribo, to write). The answer of an em- 
 peror when consulted on some diflBcult 
 question; equivalent to an edict or de- 
 cree. 
 
 Reserve, re - zerv (Latin, re, back ; 
 sa'vo, to keep). To keep back for especial 
 use ; to retain in one's own power ; to 
 store for an emergency or time of need. 
 
 Reserved, re - zervd. Exclusive in 
 habits ; cold or distant in manner ; back- 
 ward in conversation ; wanting in cordi- 
 ality ; unsociable. 
 
 Reservoir, rezzur-vwor (French). A 
 large collection of water, from which the 
 surrounding neighbourhood is supplied ; a 
 place where something is kept in store. 
 
 Residuary, re-zidduary (Latin, resi- 
 deo, to remain). Pertaining to the residue, 
 or part remaining. Residuary legatee is a 
 person to whom is bequeathed that part 
 of the effects and estate which remains 
 after deducting all the debts and specific 
 legacies. 
 
 Residue, rezzy-du (Latin, resideo, to 
 remain). That which remains ; that which 
 is left ; that which settles or sinks to the 
 bottom. 
 
 Residuum, re-ziddu-um. In che- 
 mistry, that which remains as the result of 
 any process after the more valuable por- 
 tion has been poured or drawn off ; alsa 
 called caput tnortuum. 
 
 Resilient, re-zilly-ent (Latin, re. again; 
 satio, to leap). Rebounding ; leaping 
 back ; retreating quickly. 
 
EES 
 
 EET 
 
 269 
 
 Resolvent, re-zolvent (Lat., re, again; 
 solvo, to loosen). That which causes solu- 
 tion ; that which is capable of dissolving ; 
 in medicine, that which has the power 
 ■ of preventing the suppuration of humours. 
 
 Resonance, rezzo-nans (Lat. , re, again ; 
 soiio, to sound). A returning sound; re- 
 verberation; in music, prolonged and re- 
 flected sound. 
 
 Resort, re-zawrt (French, ressortir). 
 To have recourse ; to apply ; to return 
 frequently ; to repair. 
 
 Respiration, respy - rayshun (Latin, 
 re, again ; spiro, to breathe). The act of 
 breathing ; reUef from toU ; an interval. 
 
 Respite, res-pit (French, repit). Tem- 
 porary suspension or delay, as of labour or 
 punishment ; relief by a pause ; to prolong ; 
 to suspend. 
 
 Resplendent, re-splen-dent (Latin, 
 re, again; splendeo, to shine). Shining 
 brightly; exceeding in brilliancy; refulgent. 
 
 Respond, re-spond (Latin, respondeo, 
 to answer). To answer; to reply agree- 
 ably ; to satisfy an appeal ; to answer when 
 called upon ; to suit. 
 
 Response, re-sponse (Latin, respondeoj 
 to answer). A reply ; a suitable answer ; a 
 sentence repeated after the minister in 
 religious services, by way of answer or 
 acquiescence. 
 
 Rest, rest (Saxon, o'est). Cessation of 
 action or motion ; quiet ; repose ; sleep ; 
 death. In music, a pause or interval of 
 silence. In commerce, rests are the days 
 of grace which are allowed for the payrnent 
 of the foreign bills and notes. A rest is 
 also an amount set apart in a banking 
 establishment as a sort of reserve fund for 
 emergencies. 
 
 Restaurant, resto-rong (French). An 
 eating-house ; a place where the public may 
 obtain refreshment. 
 
 Restitution, resty - tewshun (Latin, 
 restUuo, to restore). The act of giving back 
 anything which has been taken away ; re- 
 conferring rights, rank, oflBces, or privilege 
 of which a person has been deprived; 
 making good loss or damage; indemnifi- 
 cation. 
 
 Restorative, re-storrah-tiv. Having 
 the power to recruit any waste ; a medicine 
 which tends to restore the strength and 
 vigour. 
 
 Restrain, re-strane (French, restrain- 
 dri). To hold or hold back ; to repress ; 
 to hinder ; to limit. 
 
 Restrict, re-strikt (Latin, re, back 
 stringo, to grasp). To limit or confine ;^ 
 to keep within bounds. 
 
 Result, re-zult (Latin, re, back; salto, 
 to leap). Literally, to leap back or 
 rebound; hence, to spring from; to issue 
 forth ; to ensue. 
 
 Resume, ra-zewmay (French). A 
 summing up ; a recapitulation of the chief 
 points ; a general review of the subject. 
 
 Resumption, re-zumpshun (Latin, re, 
 back; sumo, to take). The beginning 
 anew after an intermission ; the re-entering 
 upon office or duty, after a temporary 
 abandonment. 
 
 Resuscitate, re-sussy-tate (Latin, 
 re, again ; suscito, to excite). To give new 
 life to; to set up again; to renew; to 
 revive. 
 
 Retainer, re-tayner (Latin, re ; teneo, to 
 hold). A dependent; a domestic of a 
 royal or noble household; among lawyers, 
 a fee paid to secure the services of a counsel 
 for a cei-tain cause. 
 
 Retaliate, re-tally ate (Latin, re, back j 
 talio, a requital). To return like for like , 
 to requite ; to repay in kind. 
 
 Retard, re-tard (Latin, tardus, slow). 
 To hinder; to obstruct; to delay; to 
 impede ; to prolong. 
 
 Retention, re-tenshun (Latin, retineo, 
 to retain). The act of withholding; the 
 power of keeping, as in the memory; 
 limitation or restraint. 
 
 Reticence, retty-sense (Lat*. ,reticentia). 
 Concealment by silence. In rhetoric, a 
 figure by which a pfTson really speaks of a 
 thing, while he makes a show as if he would 
 say nothing on the subject. 
 
 Reticule, retty-kule. A small net or 
 bag, such as is usually carried by ladies. 
 
 Retina, retty-nah (Latin, rete, a net). 
 The net-like expansion of the optic nerve 
 placed at the back of the eye, and which 
 has been called the fourth membrane of the 
 eye. It is the true organ of vision. 
 
 Retinue, retty-nu (French, retenue). 
 A number of followers or attendants ; the 
 persons composing the suit or train of a 
 distinguished personage. 
 
 Retort, re-tort ( Lat., retortus, twisted). 
 Literally, to twist or throw back; hence, 
 to return an argument or censure; to 
 make a keen or severe reply. In che- 
 mistry, a retort is a globular ^r pear-shaped 
 vessel with a long neck, bent nearly at 
 
270 
 
 EET 
 
 REV 
 
 right angles with the body; used in dis- 
 tilling, preparing gases, &c. 
 
 Se tract, re-trakt (Latin, re, back; 
 trako, to draw). To withdraw or draw 
 back: to recall what has been said; to 
 disavow ; to unsay. 
 
 Retrench, re-trench (Fr., retrancJier). 
 To cut or lop off; hence, to curtail ex- 
 penses ; to cut off or dispense with super- 
 flvdtios. 
 
 Retribution, rettry-bewshun (Latin, 
 re, back ; tribno, to pay). Return accord- 
 ing to the action ; repayment ; requital. 
 
 Retrieve, re-tree v (French, retrouver^ 
 to find again). Literally, to find again; 
 hence, to recover lost character ; to regain 
 forfeited position ; to restore from loss or 
 injury to a former good state; to repaii-; 
 to recall. 
 
 lletriever, re-treevur. The name of 
 a sporting dog employed to find out and 
 bring game when shot. 
 
 P. etrocession, reetro-seshun (Latin, 
 '•etro, backward ; cedo, to go). The act of 
 going backward; regression. 
 
 Retrograde, rettro-grade (Latin, retro, 
 backward ; gradior, to step). To go back- 
 ward ; to move reversely ; to recede. 
 
 Retrospect, rettro-spekt (Latin, retro, 
 back ; spicio, to look). A view or look upon 
 things behind or past : the consideration of 
 things past; review of time gone by; re- 
 flection. 
 
 E eimion, re-yoon-yun. A second union ; 
 a meeting after separation or estrange- 
 ment ; a social gathering. 
 
 Seveille, re- vale-yay (French, reveille)', 
 to awake). In military affairs, the beat of 
 drum, about day-break, to arouse the 
 soldiers, and to notify to the sentinels to 
 cease challenging. 
 
 Revel, rev-el (Dutch, revelm, to rove, to 
 rove loosely about). To feast with loose 
 and noisy men-iment ; to carouse ; a feast 
 with noisy mirtti ; a public time of rejoic- 
 ing. 
 
 Revelation, rewel-asyhun (Latin, re- 
 vela, to reveal). The act of disclosing what- 
 has been hitherto concealed ; the com- 
 munication of sacred truths from Heaven ; 
 that which is revealed. 
 
 Revenue, rewy-nu (Latin, re, back; 
 venio, to come). Literally, that which 
 comes back ; hence^ the return of gain or 
 profit ; income ; annual produce of rents or 
 taxes. 
 
 Reverberate, re-verby-rate (Latin, re, 
 again ; verbero, to strike). To beat back; to 
 bound back ; to resound ; to echo. 
 
 Revere, re- veer (Latin, re; vei'eor, to re- 
 verence). To regard with fear mingled with 
 respect and atfection ; to reverence ; to 
 venerate ; to worship. 
 
 Reverie, rewar-ry (French). Loose or 
 roving thought ; a fit of idle musing ; Avild 
 fancy ; irregular ideas without retiection or 
 connection. 
 
 Reverse, re-verse (Latin, re, back ; verfo, 
 to turn). Literally, to turn back in a con- 
 trary direction ; contrary or opposite ; that 
 side of a coin or meJal on which the head 
 is impressed ; change or alteration to the 
 contrary ; vicissitude of fortune. 
 
 Reversion, re- vershun (Latin, re, back; 
 verto, to turn). The returning of property 
 to the former owner or his heirs after the 
 death of the present possessor ; a payment 
 or benefit which is deferred till the happen- 
 ing of some event, as the death of a certain 
 person. 
 
 Revert, re-vert ( Latin, re, back ; verto, to 
 turn). To tiun back ; to turn to the con- 
 trary ; to change ; to refer again to. 
 
 Revetment, re-vetment, or rev-ate- 
 mawng (French). In fortification, a strong 
 wall on the outside of a rampart, intended 
 to support the earth. 
 
 Review, re-vu. To look back on; to 
 consider agsin ; to examine a second time ; 
 the act of surveying an army when per- 
 forming its evolutions ; a critical essay on 
 a new publication; a periodical work 
 devoted chiefly to articles of a critical 
 character. 
 
 Revile, re-vUe {re and vile'). To apply 
 opprobrious language to ; to speak of as 
 vile, mean, or base ; to viMfy ; to reproach ; 
 to slander. 
 
 Revise, re-vize (Latin, re, again ; video, 
 to see). A second perusal or examination; 
 among printers, a second proof of a sheet, 
 taken after the corrections in the first ; 
 to examine with care ; to review ; to 
 amend. 
 
 Revive, re-vjy (Latin, re, again ; vivo, 
 to live). To return to life ; to bring to life 
 again ; to recover new hfe or vigour ; td 
 recover from a state of depression of 
 neglect ; to renew ; to rouse again. 
 
 Revoke, re-voke (Latin, re, back; voco, 
 to caU). To recall ; to repeal ; to counter- 
 mand ; to restrain ; in playing cards, 
 especially the game of whist, a reyoke la 
 
HEY 
 
 BIT 
 
 271 
 
 the neglect of a party to follow suit when 
 ill his power to do so ; to declare void ; to 
 repeal. 
 
 Revolt, r3-volt (Latin, re, back ; volvo, 
 to turn). To fall off or turn from one to 
 another ; to renounce allegiance in a 
 body; to rebel. 
 
 Revoltinsr, re-volting (Latin, re, back; 
 volvo, to turn). Any act extremely cruel 
 or vicious; horrible; disgusting; unfit to 
 be told. 
 
 E-evolution, rewo-lewshun (Latin, re, 
 again ; volvo, to turn). Literally, a rolling 
 or moving round, a turning back or away; 
 hence, the turning from the present course 
 or progression by the people of a country ; 
 a great or entire change in any state of 
 things. 
 
 Revolve, re- vol v (Latin, re, again ; 
 volvo, to turn). To turn or roll round ; to 
 move round a centre ; to turn again and 
 again, as thoughts in the mind ; to consider ; 
 to reflect upon ; to contemplate. 
 
 Revolver, re-volvur. A fire-arm with 
 a number of V)arrels, which so revolve as to 
 bring them into a position for being dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Revulsion, re-vulshun (Latin, revello, 
 to pluck away). The act of drawing or 
 holding back ; in pathology, the occur- 
 rence of a secondary disease in a part 
 remote from the seat of the primary affec- 
 tion. 
 
 Re3rD.ard, ray-nard. An appellation 
 given to a fox, especiaDy in fables. 
 
 Rhapsody, rapso-dy (Greek, rapto, to 
 sew, or unite; ode, a song). Originally, 
 songs or portions of a poem joined together 
 or connected in the recital ; now applied to 
 a collection of sentences having no natural 
 connection or dependence ; a wild, ram- 
 bling discoui'se. 
 
 Rhetoric, retto-rik (Greek, rheo, to 
 speak). The art of speaking with elegance, 
 propriety, and force ; the power of per- 
 suasion or attraction ; oratory. 
 
 Rheum, rume (Greek, reo, to flow). A 
 thin, watery matter oozing from the glands, 
 particiolarly near the mouth. 
 
 Rhomb, rumb (Greek, rhomhos). A 
 quadrangular figure, of which the opposite 
 sides are equal and parallel, but the angles 
 unequal. 
 
 Rhyme, rime (Greek, rythnos). Verses 
 terminating with similar sounds ; corre- 
 Gpondei.ce of soimds at the ends of verses ; 
 vsrae or poetry in general. 
 
 Rhsrthm, rithm (Greek, rytlimos). In 
 music, varied movement, regulating the 
 length or shortness, the quickness or slow- 
 ness of the notes. In poetry, the relative 
 duration of the time employed in pro- 
 nouncing the syllables of a verse— the tiow 
 and proportion of sounds. 
 
 Ribaldry, ribbald-ry (Italian, rihal- 
 deria). Language of mingled vulgarity and 
 obscenity ; scurrility ; filthy jesting. 
 
 Ricochet, rikko-shet, or rikko-shay 
 (French). In gunnery, a method of firing 
 cannon, loaded with a small charge, and 
 elevated from three to six degrees, so that 
 the ball may bound and roll along the in- 
 side of the enemy's ramjoart. 
 
 Riding, ri-ding. In Eng-land, one of 
 three portions into which the county of 
 York is divided. The term is corrupted 
 from tritldng, third. 
 
 Ridotto, re-dotto. In Italy, a favourite 
 public entertainment, consisting chiefly of 
 music and dancing. 
 
 Rife, rife (Dutch, n-nff). Prevalent; 
 aboundmg ; frequent ; predominant. 
 
 Rift, rift (Saxon, ryft), A cleft; a 
 fissure ; a breach made by riving or split- 
 ting ; to split ; to tear open. 
 
 Rigging, rig-in g. A general name 
 given to all the ropes or chains about the 
 masts, yards, and other spars of a vessel, 
 used to support the masts, and to extend 
 or reduce the sails, or arrange them to the 
 disposition of the wind. 
 
 Rigid, rij-id (Latin, rigeo, to be stiff). 
 Stiff ; inflexible ; difficult to bend ; meta- 
 phorically, uDj-ielding ; harsh ; severe. 
 
 Rigour, rig-ur (Latin, rigco, to be stiff). 
 Stiffness ; inflexibility ; want of condescen- 
 sion or yielding ; exactness ; severity. 
 
 Reparian, re-pary-an (Latin, ripa, a 
 river). Kelating or belonging to the bank 
 of a river. 
 
 Risible, rizzy-bl (Latin, rideo, to laugh). 
 Having the power of laughing ; possessing 
 the faculty of laughter ; exciting laughter. 
 
 Rite, rite (Latin, ritus). A solemn act 
 of religion ; an external ceremony ; a cus- 
 tomary observance. 
 
 Ritornello, ritter-nello (Italian, rt- 
 torno, to return). In music, a repeat 
 played while the principal voices pause ; 
 the burden of a song. 
 
 Ritual, rit-yual (Latin, Hhis, a rite). 
 A book directing the order and manner of 
 
272 
 
 EIV 
 
 the ceremonies to be observed in celebra- 
 ting divine service ; a book in which the 
 rites and ceremonies of a religion are set 
 down ; pertaining to or prescribing rites. 
 
 Rivulet, rivu-let (Latin, rivulus). A 
 small river, brook, or stream of running 
 water. 
 
 Rix-dollar (Swedish, riks-daler, the 
 dollar of the realm). A silver coin in 
 Europe of different values, but usually 
 from four shillings to four shillings and 
 sixpence. 
 
 Roadstead, rode-sted. A place where 
 there is anchorage, and a certain degree of 
 shelter for shipping. 
 
 Roa,n, rone (French, vouen). Of a bay, 
 sorrel, or dark colour, with grey or white 
 spots thickly interspersed ; the term is 
 applied to horses. 
 
 Robust, ro-bust (Latin, robur, strength). 
 Strong ; hearty ; having a strong and mus- 
 cular frame ; full of strength and vigour. 
 
 Rodomontade, roddo-montade. Vain 
 boasting; empty bluster; rant. From 
 Jtodomonte, the name of a boastful hero of 
 Ariosto. 
 
 Rogation, ro-gayshun (Latin, rogare, 
 to ask). Supplication ; the litany. Roga- 
 tion week is the second week before Whit- 
 sunday, thus called from the three fast 
 days observed therein, upon which extra- 
 ordinary prayers are made for the fruits of 
 the earth. 
 
 Role, role (French). Character as- 
 sumed; part played; personation. 
 
 Rollicking, rollik-ing. Swaggering ; 
 careless and frolicsome in manner ; haviu/» 
 an abandoned air. 
 
 Romaic, ro-mayik. Modern Greek 
 language. 
 
 Romance, ro-manse. A tale of extra- 
 ordinary adventures wholly fictitious, and 
 bearing no resemblance to events in real 
 life ; any wild, extravagant story ; invention 
 of the imagination. The term is derived 
 from such tales being written originally in 
 the RomatV02 language, a mixture of 
 {Roman) bad Latin and Prankish. 
 
 Romanesque, roman-esk. In paint- 
 ing, appertaining to fable or romance ; in 
 literature, the common dialect of Lan- 
 Cfuedoc, and other parts in the south of 
 France. 
 
 Romanism, roman-izm. An epithet 
 applied to the tenets of the Church of 
 Home, or a tendency to adopt those 
 ieueta. 
 
 ROT 
 
 Romantic, ro-mantik. Pertaining to 
 romance ; wild ; improbable ; fanciful ; 
 opposed to the sober realities of life ; sen- 
 timental. 
 
 Rondeau, ) (French, rond, round). 
 Rondo, rondo j A kind of poetry, com- 
 monly consisting of thirteen verses, of 
 which eight have one rhyme, and five 
 another. It is divided into three couplets, 
 and at the commencement of the second 
 and third the beginning of the rondeau 
 is repeated in an equivocal sense. In 
 music, the rondeau generally consists of 
 three strains, the first of which closes in 
 the original key, while each of the others 
 is so constructed in modulation as to re- 
 conduct the ear, easily and naturally, to the 
 first strain ; also, a kind of jig or lively tune, 
 which ends with the first strain repeated." 
 
 Roquelaure, rokky-lor. A long cloak 
 for men, the name of which is supposed to 
 be derived from that of a nobleman. 
 
 Rosette, ro-zet. An imitation of a 
 rose, made of various materials, and worn 
 as a decoration. 
 
 Rosicrucian, rozzy-krewshan. A sect 
 or association of hermetical philosophers, 
 who sprang up in Germany in the four- 
 teenth century, and advanced great pre- 
 tensions to a knowledge of science. Among 
 other things, they pretended to be masters 
 of the secret of the philosopher's stone. 
 They took their name from ros, dew, and 
 crux, cross; dew being the most powerful 
 solvent of gold, according to their notions, 
 and cross an emblem of light. 
 
 Roster, ros-tur. In military affairs, 
 the plan or table by which all military 
 duty is regulated. 
 
 Rostrum, ros-trum (Latin). The Ijeak 
 of a bird ; the head of a ship ; a stage or 
 platform from which orators harangue. In 
 ancient Rome, a pulpit or stage in the 
 Forum, so called from being ornamented 
 with the prows (rostra^ of the vessels taken 
 from the Antiates. 
 
 Rota, ro-tah (Latin, rota, a wheel). An 
 ecclesiastical court of Eome, composed of 
 twelve prelates. 
 
 Rotation, ro-tayshun (Latin, rota, a 
 wheel). The act of turaing or revolving, as 
 a wheel ; regular succession ; successive 
 change in progression. 
 
 Rote, rote (Latin, rota, a wheel). To 
 learn by rote is to learn by going over and 
 over again the same words ; repetition of 
 words by the memory, without attending 
 to the meaning. 
 
EOT 
 
 BUB 
 
 273 
 
 Rotunda, ro-tundah (Italian, rotondo). 
 A building of a circular form both on the 
 outside and the inside. 
 
 Roue, roo-ay (French). One devoted to 
 sensual pleasures ; a debauchee ; a person 
 systematically practising vice ; a, profli- 
 gate. This term was originally applied to 
 a criminal who had been broken on the 
 (roue) wheel. 
 
 Rouge, rooj (French). A red paint 
 for the face. 
 
 Rough Casting, ruff kasting. In 
 buUding, the ordinary mode of finishing 
 the plaster and lath outside work of cot- 
 tages and inferior buildings ; forming or 
 moulding rudely. 
 
 Rough Draught, ruff drahft. A 
 draught not perfected ; a document con- 
 taining the rudiments only ; a rude sketch 
 or drawing in outline. 
 
 Rough shod, ruff shod. Having shoes 
 armed with points, so as to afford a hold 
 of sHppery ground. 
 
 Rouleau, roo-lo (French). A little 
 roll or bundle of paper, as a roll of gold 
 in paper. 
 
 Roulette, roo-let (French). A game of 
 chance in which a ball roUs around a circle 
 of coloured spaces. 
 
 Round ISTumber. A number which 
 ends with a cipher. 
 
 Round Robin. A written petition, 
 memorial, or remonstrance, the signatures 
 to which are placed round it in a circle, 
 so as not to show who signed it first. 
 
 Roundelay, rowndy-lay (French, ron- 
 dolet). A song or tune, and also a dance, 
 in which passages or parts are repeated. 
 
 Rout, rowt (Latin, ruptus, broken). 
 The breaking and discomfiture of a body 
 of troops ; the putting of a body of per- 
 sons to flight ; a clamorous or tumultuous 
 multitude; also, the name given to a 
 fashionable assembly or large evening 
 party. 
 
 Route, root (French). A road ; a way ; 
 a journey ; the course or way travelled. 
 
 Routine, roo - teen (Latin, rota, a 
 wheel). Round or course of business; 
 recurring order of practice or pursuit ; 
 duty performed according to certain rules ; 
 method ; practice ; custom. 
 
 Roving Commission. In nautical 
 affairs, an authority granted by the Admi- 
 ralty to the officer in command of a vessel 
 to cruise wherever he may see fit ; colloqui- 
 
 ally applied to that kind of liberty which 
 admits of a person's going where he pleases. 
 
 Rubble, rub-bl. Rough unhewn stone ; 
 the upper, fragmentary, and decomposed 
 portion of a stone quarry. 
 
 Rubefacient, rewby-fayshent (Latin, 
 rubefacio). Making red; in medicine, a 
 substance or external application which 
 produces redness of tho skin. 
 
 Rubicon, rewby-kun. The name of a 
 river which Ceesar passed when he invaded 
 Italy ; hence, to pass the Rubicon has come 
 to mean the taking a decisive step in an 
 enterprise. 
 
 Rubicund, rewby-kund (Latin, ruhi' 
 cundus). IncHning to redness. 
 
 Rubric, ru-brik (Latin, ruber, red). 
 Directions printed in books of law and in 
 Prayer-books, and so termed because they 
 were originally distinguished by being in 
 red ink. 
 
 Rudiment, roody-ment (Latin, rudi- 
 menta). The principle or element of any 
 art or science ; the rude or original state of 
 anything ; the first portion of instruction. 
 
 Rue, ru (German, Reue). To grieve for ; 
 to lament ; to regret. Probably from the 
 herb so called, being denominated the 
 "herb of grace," the emblem of repent- 
 ance. 
 
 Rugged, rug-ged (Saxon, rug). Rough ; 
 tmeven ; harsh ; rough in temper ; austere ; 
 violent ; sotir ; boisterous ; strong. 
 
 Ruminate, rewmy-nate (Lat., rumino, 
 to chew the cud). To bring back the food 
 from the throat to the mouth ; hence, to 
 bring past things to remembrance; to 
 reflect upon ; to meditate over. 
 
 Rummage, rum-maje (Latin, removeo, 
 to remove). To search narrowly, by turn- 
 ing over or removing other things ; to 
 look for in the midst of a heap. 
 
 Runagate, runnah - gate (corrupted 
 from the French renegat'). An apostate ; a 
 fugitive ; a deserter. 
 
 Runes, roonz. Gothic poetry op 
 rhymes. 
 
 Runic, ru-nik. An epithet applied to 
 the language and letters of the ancient 
 Goths. 
 
 Rupee, ru-pee. A silver coin of the 
 East Indies, value from 2s. to 25. 6d. 
 sterling. 
 
 Rural, ru-ral (Latin, rus, the country). 
 Relating to the country; suiting the 
 ^jountry. 
 
 S 
 
274. 
 
 EUS 
 
 Ruse, rooz (Frencli). Artifice ; trick ; 
 
 stratagem ; deception ; fraud. 
 
 Russ, russ. Pertaining to the Russ or 
 to Russians ; the language of the Russ or 
 Russians. 
 
 Russet, rus-set (Latin, rtissiis). Of a 
 brown red colour. 
 
 Rustic, rus-tik (Latin, I'lis, the coun- 
 try). Pertaining to the country; rude; 
 coarse; simple. 
 
 Rusticate, rusty-kate (Latin, nis, the 
 country). To reside or sojourn in the 
 country ; also to compel to reside in the 
 country ; to banish from a town or college 
 for a time. 
 
 RutMess, rooth-less (Saxon, hreowan). 
 Cruel; pitiless; heartless; barbarous. 
 
 Ryot, ry-ot. A peasant of Hindostan ; 
 a renter of land in India, who takes such 
 land upon a lease which is considered per- 
 petual, and at a rate fixed by ancient sur- 
 reys and valuations. 
 
 Sabaoth,, sab-ayoth (Hebrew). Armies ; 
 hosts. A name given to God in the Holy 
 Scriptures, implying his omnipotence, or 
 sole disposition of the events of war, and 
 his absolute government of the angelic 
 hosts. 
 
 Sabbatarian, sabbah-tary-an. One 
 who observes the Sabbath strictly; one 
 who observes the seventh day instead of 
 the first day of the week. 
 
 Sabbath, sab-bath (Hebrew, rest). A 
 time or day of rest; a cessation from toil; 
 a suspension of worldly pursuits and cares ; 
 a day set apart for rest and total cessation 
 from labour, in commemoration of the 
 Creator's resting on the seventli day. 
 
 Sabeanism, say-beeyan-izm. An 
 epithet applied to that species of idolatry 
 which consists in worshipping the sun and 
 stars, called emphatically, the hosts of 
 heaven : hence the term, from the Chaldaic 
 word for host or army. It is the oldest idol- 
 atry on record, and it exists to the present 
 day in Persia (Chaldea), whence it was im- 
 ported into Europe. 
 
 Sabines, say-bines . Am ancient people 
 of Italy. 
 
 Sable, say-bl. A little animal of the 
 Weazel species ; also the fur of this animal, 
 which is black and glossy; hence, sable 
 means also dark. 
 
 Sabot, sao-bo (Fr.). A wooden shoe, 
 sach as worn by the peasantry of France. 
 
 $A0 
 
 Sabre, say-bur (French, sah-e). A 
 sword generally with a convex edge, and a 
 broad heavy blade. 
 
 Sabulous, sab-yulus (Latin, sahulum, 
 sand). Resembling sand ; gritty. 
 
 Sac, sak. In natural history, a small 
 bag in the stomach of an animal. In law, M 
 the privilege enjoyed by the lord of a manor ■ | 
 of holding courts, trying causes, and im- ■ 
 posing fines. 
 
 Saccade, sak-kade (French, a jerk). _ 
 In horsemanship, a sudden and violent 
 check of a horse, by drawing or twitching 
 the reins suddenly, and with one motion ; 
 a correction when the horse bears heavy ou 
 the hand. 
 
 Saccharine, sakkah-rine (Latin, mc- 
 charum, sugar). Possessing the taste or 
 any other of the qualities of sugar ; per- 
 taining to sugar. 
 
 Saccharometer, sakkah-rommy-tur 
 (Latin, saccharum, sugar; metor, to mea- 
 sure). An instrument used by the officers 
 of Excise for ascertaining the strength of 
 wort, or the quantity of sugar contained. 
 
 Sacerdotal, sasser - dotal (Latin, 
 sacerdos, a priest). Belonging to the priest- 
 hood; priestly. 
 
 Sachem, say-kem. The chief of an 
 Indian tribe. 
 
 Sack, sak (Spanish, sacar). To take by 
 storm ; to pillage ; to strip a place by 
 plunder ; to rifle ; to ransack. 
 
 Sackbut, sak-but. A musical instru- 
 ment of the trumpet form, so constructed 
 that it can be lengthened or shortened at 
 pleasure ; a kind of trombone. 
 
 Sackcloth, sak-klawth. A coarse 
 kind of cloth of which sacks are made ; 
 formerly worn in times of pubhc fasting 
 and lamentation. 
 
 Sacrament, sakkrah - ment (Latin, 
 sacr amentum). Literally, an oath, parti- 
 cularly that which was formerly taken by 
 soldiers to be true to their commanders. 
 The word was adopted by the writers of 
 the Latin Church, and hence came to mean 
 a sacred devotion to anything; a bond or 
 obhgation, by ceremony, of devotion ; and 
 has been applied by way of emphasis to 
 the Lord's Supper, where the most sacred 
 vows are renewed by the Christian, in com- 
 memoration of the death of his Redeemer. 
 
 Sacred, say-kred (Latin, sacer). Set 
 apart for holy uses : consecrated ; holy ; 
 pertaining to Grod or to religion. 
 
SAC 
 
 Sacrifice, sakkry-fise (Latin, sacer, 
 holy ; facio, to make). To offer up ; to 
 give or yield up ; to devote ; to immolate ; 
 to destroy or give up for something else ; 
 an oflferingr made ; anything destroyed or 
 given up for something else. 
 
 Sacrilege, sakkry-lej (Latin, sacer, 
 holy ; lego, to steal). The crime of taking 
 anything dedicated to Divine worship, or 
 ussed for a sacred purpose; the crime of 
 violating or profaning sacred places or 
 things. 
 
 Sacristan, sakris-tan. One who has 
 the charge of the movables and utensils of 
 a church ; also, a person whose duty it is 
 to copy music for a cathedral choir. 
 
 Sacristy, sakris-ty. The vestry-room 
 or apartment in a church, where the con- 
 secrated vessels and utensils are kept. 
 
 Sadda, sad-dah. A work in the Per- 
 sian tongue, being a summary of the Zen- 
 davesta or sacred books. 
 
 Sadducees, saddu-seez. A sect among 
 the Jews, which denied the resurrection, 
 a future state, and the existence of angels 
 and spirits. They are said to have derived 
 their name from Sadoc, the supposed foun- 
 der of their sect. 
 
 Safe Conduct. A special pass, or 
 warrant of security under the great seal, 
 to protect a person in an enemy's territory, 
 or in a foreign country. 
 
 Safeguard, safe-gard. A defence or 
 security from danger; protection; pass- 
 port ; warrant of security. 
 
 Safety Lamp. A lamp used by miners 
 to prevent the fatal explosions caused by 
 the communication of flame in mines ; the 
 light is transmitted through a covering of 
 iron or copper wire-gauze. 
 
 Safety Valve. A valve usually em- 
 ployed in the boilers of steam-engines to 
 prevent explosions. It is constructed iu 
 such a manner that the power of the steam 
 opens it, before it is of a higher pressure 
 than the boiler is calculated to bear, 
 whereby the surplus power escapes, and 
 the valve closes again. 
 
 Saga, sah-gah. The general name for 
 the compositions comprising the history 
 and mythology of the Northern European 
 races. 
 
 Sagacity, sa-gassit-e (Latin, sagax, 
 quick-scented). Quick perception ; keen- 
 ness of judgment ; clear-sightedness; ready 
 discernment: acuteness. 
 
 SAL 
 
 275 
 
 Sagamore, saggah-more. The appel- 
 lation of a king or chief among certain 
 Indian tribes. 
 
 Sage, saje (Latin, salvus, safe). Pru- 
 dent; wise; foreseeing; discerning; judi- 
 cious ; grave ; a person of gravity and 
 wisdom. 
 
 Sagittarius, sajjy-tary-us (Latin, the 
 Archer). In astronomy, one of the twelve 
 signs of the Zodiac ; the niuth in order. 
 
 Sagittary, sajjy-tary (Latin, sagitta, 
 an arrow). A centaur ; a fabulous monster, 
 half man, half horse, armed with a bow 
 and arrow. 
 
 Sagittate, sajjy-tate (Latin, sagitta, 
 an arrow). Shaped like the head of an 
 arrow. 
 
 Saic, say-ik. A Turkish or Grecian 
 vessel, very common in the Levant ; it has 
 no top-gallant-sail nor mizen-sail. 
 
 Sal. The Latin word for salt ; a term 
 frequently used in chemistry and phar- 
 macy. 
 
 Salacious, sa-layshus (Latin, salaz). 
 Lustful ; wanton ; lewd. 
 
 Salam, sa-lam. An Eastern salutation 
 of ceremony and respect. The hteral 
 meaning of the word is peace or safety. 
 
 Salam.ander, sallah-mandur. A small 
 species of lizard, which is fabled as living 
 in fire. 
 
 Salic Law, sal-ik law (French, saliqut). 
 A fundamental law in France, by virtue of 
 which males only can inherit the throne. 
 
 Salient, sale-yent (Latin, salio, to leap). 
 Literally, leaping or shooting forth ; hence, 
 prominent, A salient angle points out- 
 wards, and is opposed to a re-entering, 
 which points inwards. In heraldry, the 
 term is appHed to a beast of prey, when its 
 fore-legs are raised in a leaping posture. 
 
 Salify, sally-fi (Latin, sal, salt; facio, 
 to make). To form into salt by combining 
 an acid with an alkali, earth, or metal. 
 
 Saline, sa-llne or say-line (Latin, tal, 
 salt). Consisting of salt; mixed with or 
 impregnated with salt; partaking of the 
 qualities of salt. 
 
 Saliva, sa-lyvah. The fluid by which 
 the tongue and mouth are moistened, 
 which is secretetl by certain glands called 
 salival. The name is derived from the tall 
 taste of the fluid. 
 
 Salivate, sally- vate (Latin, saliva). To 
 excite an unusual discharge of sahva, gene- ' 
 rally by mercury. , - 
 
276 
 
 SAL 
 
 Sally, sal-ly (French, sallie). To rush 
 out ; to make a sudden eruption ; the con- 
 ducting of troops to an attack; also, a 
 sprightly exertion of some faculty, as fancy, 
 wit, &c. 
 
 Sally-port. In fortification, a postern, 
 gate, or passage under ground, from the 
 inner to the outer works; in nautical 
 affairs, a large port on each quarter of a 
 fire-ship, for the escape of the men into 
 boats when the train is fired. 
 
 Salmagundi, salmah-gundy (French, 
 talmigondis, hotch-pot). A mixture of 
 chopped meat and pickled herrings, with 
 oil, vinegar, pepper, and onions ; hence, 
 applied generally to a mixture of various 
 ingredients. 
 
 Saltatory, sal-tayto-ry (Latin, salto, to 
 dance). Leaping or dancing; pertaining 
 to dancing; having the power of leaping 
 or dancing. 
 
 Saltpetre, salt-peetur (salt; Greek, 
 petros, a stone). A mineral salt composed 
 of nitric acid and potassa ; nitre or nitrate 
 of potash. 
 
 Salubrious, sa-lewbry-us (Latin, salus, 
 health). Healthful; wholesome; promot- 
 ing or preserving health; favourable to 
 health. 
 
 Salutary, sallew-tary (Latin, sahos, 
 health). Promoting health or contributing 
 to health; favourable to public safety; 
 Berving to some us^ul end or beneficial 
 pui"pose. 
 
 Salutation, sallew-tayshun (Latin, sa- 
 luto, to salute). The act of greeting or 
 addressing ; the form gone through when 
 persons meet or recognise one another; 
 courteous recognition ; friendly notice. 
 
 Salute, sa-lute (Latin, salus, health). 
 Literally, to wish health to ; hence, to 
 greet by some appropriate act. 
 
 Salvage, salvaje (Latin, salvus, safe). 
 In commerce, a reward or recompense 
 allowed by law for the saving of a ship, 
 goods, &c., from loss at sea ; applied gene- 
 rally to goods saved, whether from ship- 
 ■wreck, fire, or other disaster. 
 
 Salver, salvur (Latin, salvus, safe). A 
 tray or other vessel upon which refresh- 
 ments are handed to guests. 
 
 Salvo, sal-vo (Latin). A form used in 
 granting anything ; an exception ; reserva- 
 tion ; also the term for a military or naval 
 inlute. 
 
 SAN 
 
 Samaritan, sa-marry-tan. An inhabit- 
 ant of Samaria; an epithet appUed to a 
 charitable and benevolent person, from 
 the story of the Good Samaritan in the 
 Scripture. 
 
 Sanctify, sankty-fi (Lat., sanctm, holy ; • 
 facio, to make). To make holy; to freo 
 from pollution ; to separate, set apart, or 
 appoint to a holy use ; to make free from 
 guilt ; to secure from violation. 
 
 Sanctimonious, sankty - mony - us 
 (Latin, sanctus, holy). Having the appear- 
 ance of a saint ; putting on an outward show 
 of holiness ; professing great sanctity. 
 
 Sanction, sank- shun (Latin, sancio, to 
 ratify). The act which confirms a thing, 
 and renders it obligatory ; the act of 
 ratifying and giving validity to the 
 act of another ; ratification ; confirmation ; 
 authority. 
 
 Sanctuary, sanktu-ary (Latin, sanctus, 
 holy). A sacred place ; a temple ; a place 
 of worship ; a place of refuge and protec- 
 tion ; an asylum ; a sbelter. 
 
 Sanctum, sankt-um (Latin, sanctum, 
 sacred). A private place or apartment, 
 where affairs may be transacted in secrecy 
 and without fear of interruption. 
 
 Sanctum Sanctorum (Latin). 
 Holy of holies; most holy place. 
 
 Sand-heat. The heat of warm sand, 
 in chemical operations. 
 
 Sandstone. Stone or rock consisting 
 of grains of sand connected together. 
 
 Sane, sane (Latin, sanus). Sound in 
 mind ; having the mental faculties whole ; 
 capable of exercising the reason. 
 
 Sangaree, sangah-ree. Wine mixed 
 with water and sugar. 
 
 Sangfroid, sang-frwaw (French). 
 Cold blood ; coolness of manner ; indiffer- 
 ence ; self-possession ; absence of excite- 
 ment or nervousness. 
 
 Sanguinary, sangwin-ary (Latin, san^ 
 guis, blood). Bloody ; cruel ; with much 
 bloodshed; eager to shed blood; mur- 
 derous. 
 
 Sanguine, sang-gwin (La;tin, sanguis, 
 blood). Having the colour of blood ; 
 abounding with blood ; which conditioM j 
 is supposed to produce a temper ardenl^ 
 warm, confident ; as a sanguine temperon^ I 
 ment, one that causes its possessor to re- 
 gard things hopefully and cheerfully. 
 
 Sanhedrim, san-hedrim. The gre 
 council of seventy elders among the JevsJ 
 
SAN 
 
 SAT 
 
 377 
 
 which heard appeals from the inferior 
 courts, and had power over life and death. 
 
 Sanitarium, sanny-tary-um (Latin, 
 sanus, healthful), A place of retreat for 
 health in hot climates ; a residence adapted 
 for invalid persons. 
 
 Sanitary, sannit-ary (Latin, sanus, 
 healthful). Pertaining to health ; designed 
 to promote or secure health ; tending to 
 preserve health and prevent disease. 
 
 Sanity, sannit-e (Latin, sanus, health- 
 ful). Soundness of mind ; health. 
 
 Sans, sang (French). Without; de- 
 prived of. 
 
 Sanscrit, sanz-krit. The ancient lan- 
 g^iage of Hindostan, from which are formed 
 all the modern languages or dialects of the 
 great peninsula of India. 
 
 Sans culottes, sang ku-lot (French, 
 sans, without ; culottes, breeches). Ragged 
 men ; the name given in derision to the 
 popular party, by the aristocratic section, 
 in the beginning of the French Revolution 
 of 1789. 
 
 Sans souei, sang soo-see (French). 
 Void of care ; free and easy. 
 
 Sapid, sap-id (Latin, sapidus). Palat- 
 able ; pleasant to the taste ; having the 
 power of affecting the palate. 
 
 Sapient, sap-yent (Latin, sapio, to 
 know). Wise or sage ; sometimes used by 
 \ray of banter to imply knowingness, or the 
 assumption of wisdom. 
 
 Saponaceous, sappo-nayshus (Latin, 
 sapo, soap). Soapy; having the qualities 
 of soap ; resembling soap. 
 
 Saporosity, sappo-rossy-ty (Latin, 
 sapor, taste). The quahty by which the 
 sensation of taste is excited. 
 
 Sapper, sap-ur. One who saps or 
 undermines ; one whose business it is to 
 dig mines. Sappers and miners in the army, 
 called also the royal engineers, consist of 
 a body of non-commissioned officers and 
 privates, who are employed in building 
 fortifications, executing field-works, driving 
 mines during sieges, and operations of a 
 similar nature, 
 
 Sapphic, saf-fik. Pertaining to »Sap2^7io, 
 a Grecian poetess ; a kind of metre, so 
 called from Sappho, who used it. 
 
 Sapphire, saf-ire, or saf-fir (Arabic, 
 safara, to shine). A precious stone of 
 exceeding brilliancy, and variously co- 
 loured, as blue, red, violet, &c. 
 
 Saraband, sarrah-band (Spanish, 
 tarabanda). A dance and tune popular in 
 
 bin, and said to be derived from the 
 Saracens ; also, a musical composition of ft 
 grave and solemn character. 
 
 Saracen, sarrah-sen (Arabic, sara, a 
 desert). The general name for a people 
 who came originally from the deserts of 
 Arabia; a native or inhabitant of Arabia. 
 
 Sarcasm, sar-kazzum (Gk., sarhasmos, 
 from sarx, the flesh). A keen and cutting 
 reproach ; a bitter taunt ; an expression 
 calculated to wound the feehngs. 
 
 Sarcenet, sarse-net. A very thin and 
 finely woven silk ; supposed to be derived 
 from Saracen. Written also, sarsanet. 
 
 Sarcology, sar-koUo-jy (Greek, sarx, 
 flesh; logos, a discourse). That branch of 
 anatomy which relates to the softer parts 
 of the body, as the muscles, intestines, 
 arteries, veins, nerves, and fat. 
 
 Sarcophagous, sar-koffah-gus (Gk., 
 sarx, flesh; phago, to eat). Feeding on 
 flesh ; flesh-consuming ; caustic. 
 
 Sarcophagus, sar-koffah-gus (Greek, 
 sarx, flesh ; phago, to eat). A tomb or 
 coffin constructed from one stone. Accord- 
 ing to Pliny, it was originally the name of 
 a stone which, from its powerful caustic 
 quality, was selected for the construction of 
 tombs. 
 
 Sardine, sar-deen (Greek, sarda). A 
 species of small fish of the herring kind, 
 somewhat resembling the anchovy, and fre- 
 quently substituted for it. 
 
 Sardine, sar-deen. A precious stone, 
 named from Sardis, in Asia Minor. 
 
 Sardonic Laugh. A convulsive, in- 
 voluntary laughter or grimace, which 
 gives a peculiarly horrible aspect to the 
 countenance. So named because it waa 
 said to be produced by eating of a plant 
 called sardonica, which grew around certain 
 fountains of Sardinia. In a general sense, 
 the term is applied to a forced grin oi 
 laugh, which is put on to conceal the real 
 feelings. 
 
 Sardonyx, sar-doniks (Greek, sardios). 
 A precious stone, resembling the cornelian, 
 and of an orange colour. It was much 
 used by the ancients for engraving upon, ou 
 account of its combining hardness with 
 tenacity. 
 
 Satan, sayt-an (Hebrew). The enemy 
 of mankind; the devil; the chief of the 
 fallen angels. 
 
 Satanic, sa-tannik. Having the quali- 
 ties of Satan; deviUsh; infernal; very 
 wicked. 
 
1878 
 
 SAT 
 
 Satellite, sattel-ite (Latin, satelles, an 
 attendant) . In astronomy, certain secondary 
 planets, moving around other planets, as 
 the moon does around the earth ; so named 
 tecause always attending them ; hence, 
 applied to an obsequious follower or 
 dependent. 
 
 Satiate, sayshe-ate (Latin, satis, 
 enough). To fill more than enough ; to 
 satisfy the sense; to gratify beyond the 
 extent of want ; to pall ; to glut. 
 
 Satiety, sa-tl-ety (Latin, satis, enough). 
 Fulness beyond desire ; an excess of 
 gratification, exciting loathing. 
 
 Satire, sat-ire. A poem, or other com- 
 position, in which the follies and vices of 
 mankind are wittily exposed, in order to 
 their reformation ; keenness and severity of 
 remark. The term is derived from the 
 Latin, satura, a dish made of different 
 ingredients. 
 
 Satrap, sat -rap, orsa-trap. The Greek 
 name of the governors of provinces, under 
 the Persian kings, before the conquests of 
 Alexander. 
 
 Saturate, sattu-rate (Latin, satur, 
 full). To impregnate till no more can be 
 added ; to fill to excess. 
 
 Saturnalia, sattur-nale-yeah. Among 
 the ancients, feasts celebrated in honour of 
 Saturn, during which interA'al the slaves 
 were reputed masters; hence applied to 
 any season of unrestrained license and 
 feasting; an orgie ; a licentious entertain- 
 ment. 
 
 Saturnine, sattur-nine (Latin, satur- 
 ninus'). Of a disposition gloomy, grave, or 
 melancholy; supposed to be bom under 
 the influence of Saturn. 
 
 Satyr, say-tir, or sat-ir (Greek, satyros). 
 In mythology, a sylvan deity, represented as 
 Jialf man and half goat ; they were supposed 
 to assist in presiding over the woods and 
 forests, under the direction of the god 
 Pan. 
 
 Sauer-kraut, sowr-krowt (German). 
 Cabbage preserved in brine ; an article of 
 food common in Germany, like our pickled 
 cabbage. 
 
 Saurian, sawry-an (Greek, sauros, a 
 lizard). Pertaining to the order of reptiles 
 comprehending lizards, crocodiles, &c. 
 
 Savanna, sav-annah. An open meadow 
 or plain, especially such as are watered by 
 the Missouri and Mississippi. 
 
 Savant, sav-awng (French). A learned 
 man j a person of literary reputation. 
 
 SCA 
 
 Savour, say-vur (French, saveur). 
 Scent; odour; the quality of anything 
 which excites either the smell or taste; 
 relish ; flavour. Metaphorically used to 
 imply characteristic, or the quality which 
 renders anything remarkable or valuable. 
 
 Saw, saw. A cutting instrument ; also, 
 a maxim ; a proverb ; a sententious saying. 
 
 Sa'WTiey, saw-ny. A nickname for a 
 Scotchman (from Alexander). 
 
 Saxon, saks-un (Saxon, seax, a knife, 
 sword, or dagger). One of the nation or 
 people who formerly dwelt in the north of 
 Germany, and who invaded and conquered 
 England in the fourth and fifth centuries ; 
 the language of the Saxons. 
 
 Sbirri ) ber-ri (Italian, sberro, a con- 
 Birri j stable). A police force of 
 peculiar organisation, which existed in 
 the dominions of the Pope, and in other 
 Italian states. They were domiciled ia 
 private residences, furnished with arms, 
 and held themselves in readiness to sally 
 forth in search of notorious characters, or 
 suspected persons. 
 
 Scabbard, skab-ard. The sheath of a 
 sword. 
 
 Scagliola, skally-olah (Italian). An 
 imitation marble, formed by a mixture of 
 gypsum with Flanders glue, the surface 
 being studded, while soft, with splinters 
 (scagliole) of spar, marble, granite, &c. 
 
 Scale, skale (Saxon, scylan, to divide). 
 The dish of a balance ; a balance ; propor- 
 tion or measurement. In natural history, 
 the smaU laminae which cover the surfaces 
 of some fish and reptiles. In music, a 
 denomination given to the arrangement of 
 the six syllables of the gamut. In arith- 
 metic, the order of progression upon which 
 any system of notation is founded. 
 
 Scale, skale. To mount walls and 
 invest besieged places by means of a scale 
 or ladder ; to scrape off scales ; to separate 
 or come off in thin layers. 
 
 Scallop, skol-lup (Dutch, schelp). A 
 shell-fish ; a curve at the edge of anything 
 resembling a scallop shell ; to mark the 
 edge of anything with curves, like the 
 sheU of the scallop. 
 
 Scalp, skalp (Italian, scaljpo). The 
 skull, cranium, or bone which incloses the 
 brain; the skin which covers the top of 
 the head ; to cut or tear off the scalp or 
 integuments of the head. 
 
SCA 
 
 Scalpel, skal-pel. In surgery, a knife 
 used in anatomical dissections and sur- 
 gical operations. 
 
 Scan, skan (Latin, scandeo, to climb). 
 To measure a verse for the purpose of see- 
 ing what number of feet and syllables it 
 contains, and whether or no the quantities, 
 that is, the long and short syllables, be duly 
 observed ; in a general sense, to examine 
 with critical care ; to scrutinise. 
 
 Scandal, skand-al (Greek, shandalon, a 
 stumbling-block). Offence given by a fault ; 
 reproachful aspersion ; defamation ; shame ; 
 disgrace ; something uttered which is false 
 and prejudicial to reputation. 
 
 Scan dalum Magnatum, skandal-um 
 magnaytum (Latin). Great scandal. In 
 law, a defamatory speech, writing, or false 
 report, to the injury of a peer or a dignified 
 person, for which a writ thus named is 
 granted. Commonly contracted into scan, 
 inag. 
 
 Scandent, skan-dent (Latin, scandeo, 
 to climb). Climbing; applied to plants 
 •which climb either by spiral tendrUs, as 
 the pea, or by adhesive fibres, as the 
 bryony. 
 
 Scantling, skant-ling. A small quan- 
 tity ; a certain prdportion ; a pattern. 
 
 Scanty, skan-ty (Danish, shaaner, to 
 spare). Small in quantity; deficient in 
 number; narrow; sparing; meagre. 
 
 Scape-goat, skape-gote. In the 
 Jewish ritual, the name given to a goat 
 which was brought to the door of the 
 tabernacle, where the high priest laid his 
 hands upon him, confessing the sins of 
 the people, and putting them on the head 
 of the goat; after which the goat was 
 turned loose into the wilderness. Hence, 
 the term has come to be applied to 
 one who bears the blame or receives 
 the punishment which is justly due to 
 another. 
 
 Scapula, skappu-lah (Latin). The 
 shoulder-blade, or bone which projects at 
 the shoulder. 
 
 Scapulary, skappu-lary (Latin, scapula, 
 the shoulder-blade). Belonging to the 
 shoulders ; a part of the vestment of a 
 Eoman Catholic priest, consisting of two 
 narrow strips of cloth, worn over the 
 shoulders. 
 
 Scaramoucli, skarrah-mowtsh (Ita- 
 lian, scaramuccio). A buffoon in a motley 
 dress, so called from the skirmishing antics 
 he performs. 
 
 SCH 
 
 ^ 
 
 Scare, skare (Saxon, set/ran). To dis- 
 perse or put to flight; to frighten; to 
 terrify. 
 
 Scarecrow, skare-kro. An effigy or 
 figure set up to frighten away crows and 
 other birds; hence, anything terrifying 
 without danger ; vain terror. 
 
 Scarfing, skarf-ing (Saxon, scearf, a 
 piece). In carpentry, the jointing and 
 bolting of two pieces of timber together 
 transversely, so that the two may appear 
 as one, and serve the same purpose. 
 
 Scarf-skin, skarf-skin. The first or 
 outermost skin of the body; the cuticle; 
 epidermis. 
 
 Scarify, skarry-fi (Latin, scarifo). To 
 make slight incisions in the skin, so as to 
 draw blood from the smaller vessels, with- 
 out opening a larger vein. 
 
 Scarlatina, skarlat-eenah (Italian, 
 scarlatto, deep red). Another term for 
 scarlet fever ; a disease characterised by 
 patches of a scarlet colovir appearing on 
 the skin, and remaining for three or four 
 days. 
 
 Scarp, skarp (Italian, scar'p). In forti- 
 fication, the inner talus, or slope of the 
 ditch, next to the place at the foot of th« 
 rampart. In heraldry, the scarf whicli 
 mihtary commanders wear for opnament. 
 
 Seath, skathe (Saxon, scathian). To 
 damage ; to waste ; to destroy ; damage ; 
 injury. 
 
 Scathless, skathe-less. Without kurt, 
 damage, loss, or mischief. 
 
 Scenic, sen-ik (Latin, scenicus). Per- 
 taining to scenery ; produced by scenery ; 
 dramatic ; theatrical. 
 
 Scenography, se-noggrah-fy (Greek, 
 sl:ene, a scene ; gra'pho, to describe). The 
 art of painting on several planes, so that 
 all the different surfaces shall represent 
 only one design, and produce the same 
 effect as if delineated on one plane. 
 
 Sceptic, skep-tik (Greek, sheptomai, to 
 look about). One who doubts the truth of 
 any principle or system of principles ; one 
 who disbelieves the truths of revelation ; 
 an infidel ; an unbeliever. 
 
 Sceptre, sept-ur (Latin, sceptrum). A 
 short staff, representing sovereign power ; 
 the ensign of royalty borne in the hand on 
 state occasions ; metaphorically, royal 
 power or authority 
 
 Scliedule, shed-yule (Latin, schedula, a 
 small leaf of parchment or paper). In law. 
 
280 
 
 SCH 
 
 SCI 
 
 a scroll of paper or parchment, containing 
 some writing, as an inventory of goods, a 
 list of debts, &c., annexed to a document, 
 as a will, lease, or other deed, and more 
 especially to a statement of a bankrupt's or 
 insolvent's effects. 
 
 Sdiematism, skeemah-tizm (Greek, 
 schema). Combination of the aspects of 
 planets ; particular form of disposition of 
 a thing. 
 
 Scheme, skeem (Greek, schema). A 
 plan, design, or system, wherein several 
 things are brought into one view ; a pro- 
 ject, draught, contrivance ; a proposed 
 mode of accomplishing some end. 
 
 Scherzo (Italian). In music, a short 
 composition of a playful and sportive cha- 
 racter. 
 
 Schesis, ske-sis (Greek, scheo, to hold). 
 Habitude ; general state or disposition of 
 the body or mind, or of one thing with re- 
 gard to other things. 
 
 Sehirrhous, skir-rus (Greek, shirrhos). 
 A hard and almost insensible swelling; 
 hard ; knotty ; indurated. 
 
 Schism, sizzum (Greek, scMzo, to 
 divide). Literally, a division or separa- 
 tion; emphatically, a separation from a 
 church or Christian community, on account 
 of objection taken, or diversity of opinion. 
 The scriptural sense of the word would 
 appear to be a breach of charity, rather 
 than a difference of doctrine. 
 
 Schist, shist (Greek, schisfos, cloven). 
 A rock having a slaty structure. In 
 geology, a term synonymous with slate. 
 
 Scholar, skol-ur (Latin, schola, a 
 school). One who learns; a man of 
 learning ; an erudite person ; a man of 
 books. 
 
 Scholastic, sko-lastik (Latin, schola, a 
 school). Practised in the schools ; pertain- 
 ing to a school or schools ; relating to the 
 schoolmen or divines of the Middle Ages, 
 who dealt much in over-nice and subtle 
 speculations ; pedantic ; needlessly subtle. 
 
 Scholiast, skoly-ast (Latin, schola, a 
 school). A writer o" author of explanatory 
 notes ; one who writes notes or annotations 
 for the purpose of illustrating ancient 
 authors ; a name given particularly to the 
 old critics, who wrote marginal annotations, 
 called scholia, on the manuscripts of the 
 Greek and Latin classics. 
 
 School, skool (Latin, schola). A place 
 of education, as a college, university, &c. ; 
 a system of doctrine taught by particular 
 
 teachers, as the school of Socrates, the 
 Peripatetic school, &c. In the fine arts, 
 certain modes of drawing, painting, &c., 
 followed by pupils of a great master, as 
 the Flemish school, the Dutch school, the 
 Spanish school. 
 
 Schoolman, skool-man. One ver 
 in the school divinity of the Middle AgesJ 
 or in the niceties of academic disputa-^ 
 tion. 
 
 Schooner, skoon-ur (German, schoner). 
 A vessel with two masts, having the main- 
 sail and fore-sail suspended on one side ol 
 the mast, and not stretched across it. 
 
 Sciatic, si-attik ) (Latin, sciatica)^ 
 
 Sciatical, si-attik-al jlPertainingtothe 
 
 hip, or affecting it. 
 
 Science, si-ense (Latin, scio, to know).1 
 A clear and certain knowledge grounded 
 upon demonstration and self-evident 
 principles ; a system of any branch of 
 knowledge, comprehending the doctrine, 
 reason, theory, without any immediate 
 application of it to practice ; in a general 
 sense, knowledge systematically and pro- 
 perly arranged; also the seven liberalj 
 arts, namely grammar, logic, rhetoricj 
 arithmetic, music, geometry, astronomy. 
 
 Scintillation, sintil-layshun (Latir 
 scintillo). The act of sparkling ; an emisj 
 sion of sparks; the act of twinkling, 
 applied to the stars. 
 
 Sciolist, sio-list (Latin, scius, skilful) 
 One who thinks he knows more than he 
 really does know ; one who knows manj 
 things superficially. 
 
 Scion, sion (French). A small twig 
 taken from one tree to be grafted on to 
 another ; a slip or cutting to be engrafted: 
 metaphorically, applied to a junior member 
 of a family, or the younger branch of a 
 noble house. 
 
 Scioptic, si-optik (Greek, sHa, a 
 shadow ; optomai, to see). A sphere, or 
 globe, with the lens made to turn like the 
 eye, for projecting images of external 
 objects on a screen in a darkened chamber. 
 
 Scire Facias, si-re faysh-yas (Latin, 
 ''you shall cause to be known)." In law, a 
 judk;ial writ, summoning a person to show 
 cause to the court why something should 
 not be done. 
 
 Scirocco. See Sirocco. 
 
 Scissure, siz-zure (Latin, 
 divide). A longitudinal cut ; 
 
 A 
 
 rent, breach 
 
 fissure. 
 
 scindo, 
 I crack ; 
 
 1 
 
SCL 
 
 Selavonian, sklay-vony-an )Pertain- 
 
 Selavonie, sklay-vonik ) ing to 
 
 the Sclavi, a people who inhabited the 
 country between the rivers Save and Drave, 
 or to their language. The language is now 
 spoken by the Russians, Hungarians, Poles, 
 Bohemians, &c. 
 
 ScofiF, skoff (Greek, skopto). To treat 
 with insult or derision ; to address con- 
 temptuously ; to speak of scornfully; to 
 mock ; to deride. 
 
 Scollop. See Scallop. 
 
 Sconce, skonse (Dutch, schantze, a ram- 
 part). In fortification, an obsolete term 
 for a small fort ; a hanging or projecting 
 candlestick ; the tube of a candlestick, into 
 which the candle is inserted. 
 
 Scope, skope (Greek, skopeo, to view or 
 see). Literally, the extent of view, or 
 bound of vision ; hence, figuratively, the 
 extent of intellectual view ; the object of 
 purpose or design; aim; intention; ten- 
 dency; drift. 
 
 Scorbutic, skawr-bewtik (Latin, scoi'- 
 lutus). Afflicted with the scurvy ; of the 
 nature of the scurvy; pertaining to the 
 scurvy. 
 
 Score, skore. A notch made to register 
 something ; an account kept by notches cut 
 in wood, or lines drawn with chalk ; the 
 number twenty ; in music, the original 
 and entire draught of a composition, or its 
 transcript. Tlie term score is probably 
 derived from the Latin, excoriu, to take the 
 bark or rind. From the ancient custom 
 of keeping accounts, or reckoning by scores 
 or notches on a tally, this word came to 
 signify to set down as a debt ; also, ac- 
 count, obligation. The number of twenty 
 being called score is perhaps owing to 
 twenty notches only being made upon 
 one tally, and that then a new tally was 
 commenced, or another score. 
 
 Scoria, sko-reah (Latin). Dross ; re- 
 crement ; the oxide formed on the surface 
 of metals kept for a long time in a state 
 of fusion. 
 
 Scorpion, skawrpy-un (Greek, skorpios). 
 A venomous reptile or wingless insect, in- 
 habiting hot countries ; one of the signs of 
 the zodiac; metaphorically, a scourge. 
 
 Scot, skot (old French, escot, now ecot, 
 from Latin, quota, a share or proportion 
 paid bj- each). In law and English history, 
 a tax or tribute, laid on subjects according 
 to their means ; also, a tax or custom paid 
 for the use of a sheriff or baUiff. Scot and 
 lot means what is due from a person as a 
 
 SCE 
 
 281 
 
 parishioner. Scot free denotes a person 
 being exempted from paying his quota of 
 the reckoning or general expenses. 
 
 Scourge, skurj (Latin, corrigia, a 
 thong of leather). A whip or lash; an 
 instrument of chastisement, made of strips 
 of leather or lengths of cord ; in a more 
 extended sense, a punishment, an afflic- 
 tion, a visitation, a plague ; the thing that 
 afflicts, harasses, or destroys. 
 
 Scout, skowt (old French, esc<mte, a spy, 
 or eaves-dropper). In military affairs, on© 
 sent out before an army to gather intel- 
 ligence of the enemy's movements and in- 
 tentions by any means ; also, metaphori- 
 cally, to reject, to repel, to treat with 
 disdain and contempt. 
 
 Scowl, skowl (Saxon, scylian, to squint). 
 To look angry or suUen ; to knit the brows 
 so as to produce an expression of defiance 
 or scorn. 
 
 Screech Owl, skreetsh owl. A name 
 applied to several species of the owl, on 
 account of the screeching, or harsh and 
 discordant cry, which these birds utter at 
 night-time. 
 
 Screen, skreen (Greek, hrino, to sepa- 
 rate). To afford shelter or concealment ; 
 to protect from danger ; to hide the fault 
 or crime of another, in order that it may 
 escape punishment ; to sift or separate the 
 coarse part of anything from the finer 
 -6-^rticles. 
 
 Screw Steamer. The name given to 
 a steam-vessel which is propelled by a 
 screvj ; this screw consists of a revolving 
 wheel with broad blades, which, striang 
 upon the water, force the vessel forward. 
 
 Scribe, skribe (Latin, scriba, a writer). 
 Originally, an officer among the Jews, 
 whose business it was to write and interpret 
 Scripture ; also, the title of a Roman 
 officer, who wrote decrees or acts, and tran- 
 scribed authentic copies of them ; a writer ; 
 a notary. 
 
 Scrimp, skrimp (Swedish, skrnmpeny 
 shrivelled). To contract; to shorten; to 
 make too small. 
 
 Scrip, skrip (Latin, scriho, to write). 
 A piece of writing; a certificate of some 
 property or interest possessed, as in bank 
 stock, railway shares, &c. 
 
 Scripture, skrip-ture (Latin, scriho, to 
 write). Literally, "the writing " as being 
 superior in excellence to all other writings ; 
 applied distinctively to the books of the 
 Old and New Testament ; the Bible. 
 
SCE 
 
 SEA 
 
 Scrivener, skriwen-ur (French, l«*i- 
 ■vain). A public writer ; one who draws 
 contracts, or whose business it is to place 
 money at interest. 
 
 Scrofula, skroffu-lah (Latin, scrofa, a 
 .-sow). A disease, known also as the King's 
 Evil ; it affects various parts of the body, 
 but especially the glands of the neck. 
 
 Scruple, skroo-pl (Latin, scrupulus, & 
 doubt). The original signification of this 
 word was a small sharp stone, which, by 
 getting into a person's shoe while travelling, 
 causes uneasiness and pain ; hence, a hurt, 
 hindrance, or impediment, giving rise to 
 difficulty, hesitation, doubt, fear, or ap- 
 vprehension ; a nicety ; a delicacy ; also, a 
 weight equalHng twenty grains, or the third 
 part of a drachm ; any small portion. 
 
 Scrutiny, skrootin-e (Latin, scrutor, to 
 inquire). An exact and scrupulous search ; 
 close examination; diligent search; in- 
 quiry. 
 
 Serutoir, skroo-twor (French, icritoire). 
 A kind of case, chest, or cabinet of drawers 
 if or writing. 
 
 Scud, skud (Swedish, slcutta, to move 
 quickly). To flee with haste ; to move 
 rapidly along, as a vessel driven by the 
 wind; to pass over quickly; a thin cloud 
 driven swiftly by the wind. 
 
 Scull, skull (Icelandic, sJciola). A short 
 oar used in rowing a boat ; a kind of small 
 boat. 
 
 Scullion, skul-yun (old French, sculier). 
 A domestic servant, whose business it is to 
 clean the plates and dishes, and other culi- 
 jiary utensils ; hence applied to any low or 
 mean person ; any one who is employed in 
 mean offices. 
 
 Sculpture, skulpt-yur (Latin, sculpto, 
 to engrave or carve). The art of carving 
 figures or objects in stone, wood, metal, or 
 -oSier material; carved work or figures. 
 
 Scumbling, skumb-hng. In painting, 
 a mode ol obtaining a softened effect, by 
 blending tints with a neutral colour of semi- 
 transparent character, forming a sort of 
 glazing when lightly rubbed with a nearly 
 <iry brush over that portion of a picture 
 which is too bright in colour, or which re- 
 quires harmonising. 
 
 iScupper, skupper. A leaden pipe let 
 into a^essel's water-ways and through her 
 side, to carry off any water from the decks. 
 
 Scurrility, skur-riUy-ty (Latin, scurra, 
 a buffoon). Vulgar cr abusive language ; 
 low jesting or scoffing; indecent or un- 
 
 becoming expressions ; grossness of reJ 
 preach ; abuse ; invective. 
 
 Scutage, sku-taje (Latin, scutum, a 
 shield). In law and English history, a 
 contribution levied upon those who hold 
 land by knight-service. 
 
 Scutcheon, skutsh-un (Italian, sue- 
 clone). The shield or bearing of a family in 
 heraldry. See Escutcheon. 
 
 Scuttle, skut-tul. In nautical affairs, 
 a square opening in the deck or side of a 
 vessel, through which goods are shot into 
 the hold. To scittile a ship is to cut or 
 bore holes in any part of her, in order to 
 cause her to sink. 
 
 Scylla, sil-lah. A rock opposite the 
 whirlpool Charybdis, which the ancients 
 fabled to be the abiding place of a poetical 
 monster, half man and half dragon, and 
 which was greatly dreaded by mariners ; 
 hence, Scylla is metaphorically spoken of as 
 a thing greatly to be dreaded, and specially 
 avoided. See Charybdis. 
 
 Scymeter, simmit-ur. A sharp-cutting 
 sword with a curved blade, used chiefly by 
 the Asiatics. 
 
 Scythe, sithe (Saxon, siihe). An instru- 
 ment for mowing or cutting down com. 
 
 Scythian, sithy-an. Pertaining to 
 Scythia, a large open tract of country, 
 which occupied the most northerly parts of 
 Europe and Asia. 
 
 Se, se. A Latin prefix, signifying off, 
 aside, apart, away from. When prefixed 
 to some word denoting division or separa- 
 tion, it affirms or augments the force of 
 the meaning ; when prefixed to words ex- 
 pressing wholeness or entirety, it reverses 
 or negatives the sense. 
 
 Sea-board. The sea-shore ; toward the 
 sea. 
 
 Sea-faring. Used to the sea ; travel- 
 ling by the sea ; usually employed on the 
 sea. 
 
 Sea-girt. Surrounded by the sea; 
 washed or bordered by the ocean. 
 
 Seance, say-ahns (French). A seat in 
 some specified place ; session, as of some 
 public body ; a season or course, as applied 
 to an entertainment. 
 
 Sea Nymph, se nimf. A nymph or 
 goddess of the sea. 
 
 Sea-pie. A dish of paste and various 
 kinds of meat and other ingredients; a 
 dish much relished by sailors. 
 
SEA 
 
 SED 
 
 283 
 
 Sea-room. Open sea ; ample distance 
 from land for a ship's safety. 
 
 Sear, seer (Saxon, searian, to dry). To 
 dry ; to parch ; to bum ; to wither ; dry ; 
 not green ; withered. 
 
 Search. "Warrant. In law, a warrant 
 granted by a justice of the peace to search 
 houses and other places for stolen goods. 
 
 Season, se-zun (French, saison). A 
 term appUed to one of the four divisions of 
 the year ; a fit or suitable time ; a portion 
 of time devoted to any particular business, 
 entertainment, &c. ; any time distinguished 
 from others. Season also means to keep in 
 season, or perfection ; to preserve ; and be- 
 cause spices, herbs, &c., are necessary for 
 the purpose, the term has come to signify 
 to give a flavour or relish, as to season 
 highly. 
 
 Sea- worthy. A nautical term, imply- 
 ing that a vessel is in every respect fit for 
 the intended voyage, both as regards the 
 equipment of the ship and the competence 
 of the captain, officers, and crew ; also, that 
 she is provided with all that is required for 
 the purposes of safe and careful navigation. 
 
 Sebaceous, se-bayshus (Latin, sehum, 
 suet). Fat; pertaining to or resembling 
 fat, made of tallow or suet. 
 
 Secant, se-kant (Latin, seco, to cut). 
 Cutting ; dividing in two parts ; in geo- 
 metry, the right line drawn from the centre 
 of a circle, cutting and meeting with an- 
 other line, called the tangent. 
 
 Secede, se-seed (Latin, secedo, to go or 
 step aside). To go away, depart, or sepa- 
 rate from ; to separate from a religious or 
 poUtical body ; to withdraw from fellowship 
 or communion. 
 
 Seclude, se-klude (Latin, secludo, to 
 shut up apart). To withdraw from com- 
 pany or society ; to keep in close retire- 
 ment ; to live in solitude. 
 
 Second, sek-xmd (Latin, secundus). In 
 chronology, geometry, &c., the sixtieth 
 part of a minute, whether of a degree or 
 of an hour; it is denoted by two small 
 accents, thus ("). In music, an interval of 
 a conjoint degree, being the difference be- 
 tween any sound and the next nearest 
 sound above or below it. 
 
 Secondary, sekkun-dary (Latin, se- 
 cwndus, second). Next to the first order or 
 rate; not of the highest or first importance; 
 subordinate. 
 
 Second sight, sekkund site. Faculty 
 of seeing things future, or invisible to the 
 
 ordiaary sight ; a power claimed by certain 
 individuals, and especially by some of the 
 Highlanders of Scotland. 
 
 Secrete, se-kreet (Latin, secretwn). To 
 hide out of sight ; to conceal in an unfre- 
 quented or distant place ; to remove from 
 the observation and knowledge of others ; 
 to separate the various fluids of the body. 
 
 Sect, sekt (Latin, seco, to cut off). Lite- 
 rally, something cut off or separated; 
 hence, a class or body of men separated 
 from others, but united among themselves 
 in tenets of religion or philosophy. 
 
 Sectarian, sek~tary-an. Pertaining to 
 a sect ; holding exclusive opinions ; a dis- 
 position to dissent from the predominant 
 form of religion, or established opinion. 
 
 Section, sek-shun (Latin, seco, to cut). 
 A part of a divided thing ; a division ; a 
 distinct portion of a city, country, or com- 
 munity. In writings and books, a specific 
 part; often called a paragraph or article. 
 In geometry, a side or surface appearing, 
 of a body or figure cut by another ; also, 
 the place where lines or surfaces cut each 
 other. A section, as applied to buildings, 
 machines, &c., is a view as if cut down the 
 middle, showing the disposition and ar- 
 rangement of the interior. 
 
 Secular, sekku-lar (Latin, seculum, an 
 age). A term used as distinguished from 
 eternal, and equivalent to temporal ; hence, 
 pertaining to temporal things; things of 
 this world ; worldly. Among Roman Ca- 
 thoUcs, secular is used to imply not regular, 
 or under monastic rules. In music, it ex- 
 presses compositions not sacred. 
 
 Secularize, sekku-lar-ize). To con- 
 vert from spiritual appropriation to common 
 use ; to make secular. 
 
 Secundum Artem, se-kundum artem 
 (Latin). According to the principles of art; 
 scientifically, skilfully, judiciovisly. In 
 medicine, a term frequently used in prescrip- 
 tions, and denoted by the letters, S.A., to 
 indicate that the recipe^ must be made up 
 with the greatest care*, and the nicest 
 skiU. 
 
 Security, se-kevsry-ty (Latin, securus, 
 secure). Effectual defence or protection 
 from danger ; freedom from fear ; anything 
 given as a guarantee or pledge for the per- 
 formance of certain conditions, the repay- 
 ment of moneys, &c. 
 
 Sedan, se-dan (Latin, sedes, a seat). A 
 species of carriage or covered chair, usually 
 for one person, which is borne by two men. 
 
SED 
 
 SBL 
 
 Sedate, se-date (Latin, sedeo, to calm). 
 Composed; still; tranquil; calm; un- 
 ruffled; grave and formal in aspect or 
 Utanner. 
 
 Sedative, seddah-tiv (Latin, sedo, to 
 assuage). A term applied to medicines or 
 other means which diminish the animal 
 energy, without destroying life. 
 
 Sedentary, seddun-tary (Latin, sedeo, 
 uo sit). Sitting much ; motionless ; in- 
 active; applied to those employed on pur- 
 suits which are carried on in a sitting pos- 
 ture, and require but little active exer- 
 tion. 
 
 Sederunt, se-deerunt. Literally, "they 
 sat;" a technical term for a session in a 
 Scottish ecclesiastical court. 
 
 Sedgy, sejjy (Saxon, secg). Overgrown 
 with narrow flags or sedge. 
 
 Sediment, seddy-ment (Latin, sedeo,'to 
 sit). That which settles at the bottom 
 of a vessel containing liquid ; lees ; dregs. 
 
 Sedition, se-dishun (Latin, 
 This word originally meant going apart; 
 but because the Koman people,- when they 
 quarrelled with their rulers, used to retire 
 to Mount Aventine, the term came to sig- 
 nify factious proceedings, and insurrec- 
 tionary attempts ; a tumiilt ; an uproar ; 
 resistance to authority. 
 
 Seduce, se-duse (Latin, seduco, to lead 
 aside). To draw aside from right ; to cor- 
 rupt ; to deprave ; to mislead ; to deceive ; 
 to aUure. 
 
 Sedulous, seddu-lus (Latin, sedulus). 
 Literally, sitting closely at an employment ; 
 hence, diligent ; industrious ; assiduous ; 
 taking much pains ; keeping earnestly em- 
 ployed. 
 
 See, se (Latin, sedes, a seat). The seat 
 of episcopal power ; the jurisdiction of a 
 bishop of a diocese; an ecclesiastical pro- 
 vince. 
 
 Seedling, seed-ling. A plant just 
 sprung from the seed. 
 
 Seed-lobe. The pensile part of a seed, 
 designed to afford nourishment to the 
 young plant when it first begins to ex- 
 pand. 
 
 Seel, seel (French, sceller, to seal). To 
 close the eyes ; to hoodwink. In falconry, 
 to run a thread through the eyelids of 
 a hawk, when first taken, to prevent her 
 seeing well, and thereby to prepare her to 
 endvire the hood. 
 
 Seel, seel. In nautical language, toroU 
 or lean to one side, as a ship rolls. 
 
 Seemly, seem-ly (German, ziemen, to 
 beseem, to become). That which is be- 
 coming ; decent; well-behaved; proper; 
 fit ; appropriate to the occasion ; suifeible 
 for the purpose. 
 
 Seer, se-ur. A person who sees ; pre- 
 eminently one who foresees future events ; 
 one who foretels by the aid of vision; a 
 prophet. 
 
 Seethe, seeth (Saxon, seothan). To 
 decoct in hot or boUing water ; to steep in 
 hot water till all the virtues are extracted; 
 to prepare food in hot liquors. 
 
 Segment, seg-ment (Latin, segmentum, 
 from seco, to cut). A part cut off from a 
 figure. In geometry, that part of a circle 
 contained between a chord and an arc of 
 the circle, or so much of the circle as is cut 
 off by a chord. 
 
 Segregate, segry-gate (Latin, se, apart; 
 grex, a flock). To set apart; to sever from 
 a body; to separate from others. 
 
 Seigneurial, se-nury-al (French, seig^ 
 neur). Pertaining to the lord of a manor ; 
 manorial; independent; invested with 
 large powers. 
 
 Seigniory, seen-yur-e. A lordship ; a 
 manor ; a territory ; a dominion. 
 
 Seignor, seen-yur (French, seigneur). 
 A title in the southern parts of Europe, 
 equivalent to lord. Grand seignor, one of 
 the titles of the Turkish Sultan. 
 
 Seizen, se-zin (French, saisine). Inlaw, 
 possession. Seizen in fact imphes actual 
 possession ; seizen in law, is when lands 
 descend to an heir, but are not yet entered 
 upon. 
 
 Sejant, se-jant. In heraldry, applied 
 to a beast in a sitting posture. Sejant ram- 
 pant, sitting with the fore-feet raised. 
 
 Selah., se-lah. A Hebrew word met 
 with several times in the Psalms, and which 
 is supposed to signify silence, or a pause in 
 the musical performance of a song. 
 
 Selenography, selly-noggrah-fy (Grk., 
 selene, the moon ; grapho, to describe). A 
 description of the moon's surface. 
 
 Self-denial, self de-nyal. The denial 
 of personal gratification ; a curb placed upon 
 the appetite and desire. 
 
 Self-evident, self evvy-dent. Evidence 
 afforded by the thing itself, without any 
 other testimony or explanation. 
 
 Self-possession, self poz-zeshun. 
 Command over oneself ; calmness ; cool- 
 ness of judgment ; presence of mind. 
 
SEL 
 
 Selvedge ) selv-ej (French, salvage). 
 
 Selvage j The edge of linen, woollen, 
 and other fabrics ; the border of cloth. 
 
 Semaphore, semma-fore (Greek, sema, 
 a sign ; phoreo, to bear). A telegraph by 
 signals to the eye ; a mode of communica- 
 ting intelligence by signs. 
 
 Semblance, sem-blans (French, sera- 
 Her, to represent). Likeness ; appearance ; 
 resemblance; counterfeit; show. 
 
 Semi, semmy. A Latin prefix, used in 
 compound words, signifying half. 
 
 Semi-annular, semmy annu-lar (Latin, 
 semi; annulus, ariixg). Half round; having 
 the figure of a half ring or half circle. 
 
 Semibreve, semmy-breev (Latin, semi; 
 and hreve). In music, a note of half the 
 duration or time of the breve. It is equal 
 to two minims, or four crotchets, or eight 
 quavers. 
 
 Semicircle, semmy-surkul (Latin, semi; 
 circulus, a circle). Half a circle, or the part 
 comprehended between its diameter and its 
 arc ; any figure in the form of a half circle. 
 
 Semicolon, semmy-kolon. In gram- 
 mar, a mark of punctuation, thus (;), 
 denoting a pause in reading, greater than 
 the comma, and of less duration than the 
 colon, and of half the duration of the period. 
 
 Semi-diameter, semmy di-ammy-tur. 
 The half of a diameter; distance from 
 centre to circumference or periphery ; ra- 
 dius. 
 
 Seminary, semmin-ary (French, semi- 
 naire'). A school for young beginners, 
 where the seeds or first principles of educa- 
 tion are sown; any place of elementary 
 learning. 
 
 Seminate, semmin-ate (Latin, semino). 
 To sow ; to propagate ; to spread. 
 
 Semiology, seemy-ollo-jy. That branch 
 of the medical art which treats of the signs 
 and symptoms of diseases. 
 
 Semitone, semmy-tone. In music, 
 half a tone ; an interval of sound, as be- 
 tween mi and /a in the diatonic scale, which 
 is only half the distance of the interval be- 
 tween ut and re, or sol and la. It is the 
 smallest interval admitted in modern music. 
 
 Semi-vowel, semmy- vowel. In gram- 
 mar, a letter or consonant characterised by 
 an imperfect sound, as in/, I, m, n, r, s. 
 
 Sempiternal, sempy-tumal (Latin, 
 semper, always; eternus, eternal). Ever- 
 lasting ; eternal in futurity ; having a be- 
 ginning, but no end. 
 
 SEN 285 
 
 Senary, sen-ary (Latin, senarius). Per, 
 taming t® six ; six in number ; of six. 
 
 Senate, sen-ate (Latin, se7iex, old). The 
 Roman senate was originally composed of 
 {senes) old men ; hence it derived its name. 
 Its modern significance is an assembly of 
 councillors met together to enact laws and 
 frame measures for the good of the people, 
 or to debate upon the affairs of the state ; 
 a body of legislators. 
 
 Senatorial, sennah-tory-al. Belong- 
 ing to a senator, or pertaining to a senate ; 
 befitting a senator ; grave : dignified ; 
 venerable. 
 
 Senescence, se-nessens (Latin, se- 
 iiesco, to grow old). The state of growing 
 old ; decay through age. 
 
 Seneschal, senny-shal (French, s§- 
 nechal). An officer in the households of the 
 great, who has the direction of feasts and 
 domestic ceremonies ; a steward ; a major 
 domo. 
 
 Senile, se-nile (Latin, senilis). Per- 
 taining to old age; characteristic of old 
 age ; produced by or proceeding from old 
 age. 
 
 Senior, seen-yur (Latin, senior). One 
 older than another ; one old in office ; an 
 aged person. 
 
 Sennight, sen-nit or sen-nite (con- 
 tracted from seven nights). The space of 
 seven nights and days ; a week. 
 
 Sensate, sen-sate (Latin, sentio, to per- 
 ceive). Perceived by the senses. 
 
 Sensation, sen-sayshun (Latin, sentio, 
 to perceive). A general term denoting the 
 effect produced in the mind by the im- 
 pression of external bodies on the organs of 
 sense, by various changes in the internal 
 organs, and by affections of any parts of 
 the body which possess nerves. 
 
 Sensibility, sensy-billit-e (Latin, sentio, 
 to perceive). The power of receiving aa 
 impression and transmitting it to the brain, 
 so as to cause sensation ; acute or delicate 
 feeling ; susceptibility of impressions ; that 
 quality of a thing which renders it readily 
 affected. 
 
 Sensitive, sensy-tiv (French, sensitif). 
 Having sense or acute feeling ; possessed 
 of acute feelings ; easily affected ; apt tc 
 receive impressions from external objects. 
 
 Sensorium., sen-sory-um ) (Latin, se?i- 
 Sensory,sen-sory j tio, to per- 
 
 ceive). The brain ; the common centre at 
 which all the impressions of the senses are 
 received. 
 
286 
 
 SEN 
 
 Sensual, sensu-al (French, sensud). 
 Pertaining to the senses ; pleasing to the 
 senses ; carnal, opposed to spiritual ; mini- 
 stering to the bodily feelings only ; de- 
 voted to animal gratification ; lewd ; 
 luxurious. 
 
 Sensuous, sensu-us. Pertaining to 
 bodily or corporeal feeling ; connected with 
 sensible objects. 
 
 Sententious, sen-tenshus (French, 
 sententieux). Abounding with short sen- 
 tences, conveying moral maxims; short 
 and pithy ; pointed ; energetic. 
 
 Sentient, sen-shent (Latin, sentiens). 
 Having the faculty of perception ; that 
 which perceives ; a being or person having 
 the faculty of perception. 
 
 Sentiment, senty-ment (French, senti- 
 ment). Thought, notion, or opinion ; the 
 sense or meaning of anything ; that which 
 refers immediately to the feelings ; sense 
 considered distinctly from language ; a 
 striking sentence spoken or written. 
 
 Sentimental, senty-mental. Having 
 or affecting to have feeling ; of a romantic 
 tendency ; applied by way of contempt to 
 a manifestation of pathos or feeling, at the 
 expense of judgment. 
 
 Sentinel, senty-nel (Latin, sentio, to 
 perceive). One who is on the watch; a 
 soldier on guard ; one set to watch and 
 guard a place against surprise, by giving 
 notice of the approach of danger. 
 
 Separatist, seppah-raytist. One who 
 withdraws or separates from a religious 
 community ; especially one of a religious 
 sect established in Ireland in 1803. 
 
 Sepia, sep-eah. The cuttle-fish ; also, a 
 pigment or ink obtained from the cuttle- 
 fish, and used in water-colour painting. 
 
 Sepoy, se-poy. The name given in the 
 East Indies to the native infantry in the 
 British service. 
 
 Sept, sept. In Irish history, a clan, 
 race, or family, descending from a common 
 progenitor. 
 
 Septangular, sep-tangu-lar (Latin, 
 septem, seven ; angulus, an angle). Having 
 seven angles. 
 
 September. The ninth month of the 
 year, or the seventh from March, which 
 was formerly the seventh month in the 
 year. 
 
 Septenary, sep-tenna-ry (Latin, septem, 
 seven). Consisting of seven; the number 
 seven. 
 
 Septennial, sep-tenny-al (Latin, septem, 
 seven). Lasting seven years ; happening 
 once in seven years. 
 
 Septic, sep-tik (Greek, sepo, to putrefy). 
 In chemistry, a name applied to any sub- 
 stance that promotes the putrefaction ol 
 bodies ; relating to putrefaction, 
 , Septilateral, septy-latter-al (Latin, 
 septem, seven ; latus, a side). Having seven 
 sides. 
 
 Septuagenary, septu-ajjen-ary(Latin, 
 septuaginta, seventy). Consisting of se- 
 venty ; a person seventy years of age. 
 
 Septuagesima, sep-tuah-jessy-mah 
 (Latin, septuaginta, seventy). The third 
 Sunday before Lent ; seventy days before 
 Easter. 
 
 Septuagint, sep-tuah-jint (Latin, sep- 
 tuaginta, seventy). A Greek version of the 
 Old Testament, so called from the sup- 
 position of the translation having been 
 made by seventy-two Jews, who are called 
 in round numbers the seventy interpreters. 
 
 Septuple, septu-pl (Latin, septuplus). 
 Sevei5old ; seven times as much. 
 
 Sepulchral, se-pulkral (liatin, sepelio, 
 to bury). Belonging to a funeral or the 
 grave; also applied to a hollow or deep- 
 sounding tone of voice, such as may be 
 supposed to proceed from a sepulchre. 
 
 Sepulchre, seppul-kur (Latin, sepelio, 
 to bury). The place in which the dead 
 body of a human being is deposited ; a 
 cavity or vault intended for the interment 
 of the dead ; a tomb ; a gi-ave. 
 
 Sepulture, seppul-ture (Latin, sepelio, 
 to bury). A burial ; the act of bvuying ; 
 an interment ; an entombment. 
 
 Sequacious, se-kwayshus (Latin, se- 
 quor, to follow). Attendant ; following ; 
 obsequious ; pliant ; ductile. 
 
 Sequel, see-kwel (Latin, sequor, to 
 foUow). That which follows; the conclu- 
 sion or succeeding part ; a consequence or 
 inference. 
 
 Sequence, se-kwens (Latin, sequentia). 
 A consequence ; order of succession ; that 
 which follows ; series. In music, a similar 
 succession of chords. 
 
 Sequester, se-kwestur (French, si- 
 questrer, to lay aside). To withdraw or 
 separate from ; to retire ; to seclude one's 
 self ; to separate for a time ; to deprive of 
 property. 
 
 Sequestration, seekwes-trayshun 
 (Latin, sequestra, to sever). A separation 
 
SEQ 
 
 or setting apart ; a taking possession of 
 property for the benefit of creditors ; the 
 act of taking anything in dispute from the 
 possession of the contending parties, till 
 the right be determined by course of law ; 
 al»o, the disposing of the goods and chattels 
 of a person deceased, whose estate no one 
 will have any concern with. 
 
 Sequestrator, seekwes-traytur. One 
 who sequesters ; the person to whose caire 
 sequestered property is committed. 
 
 _ Sequin, se-kwin. A gold coin circula- 
 ting in Italy and Turkey, differing in value 
 according to the locality, and ranging from 
 7s. 6d. to 9s. 6d. 
 
 Seraglio, se-ral-yo. A Persian word, 
 Bignifying the palace of a prince or lord ; 
 used by way of eminence for the palace of 
 the Turkish Sultan in Constantinople, as 
 well as all the officers and dependents of 
 his court ; a house for concubines ; a harem. 
 
 Seraph, ser-af. An angel or spirit of 
 the highest rank ; a burning or flame- 
 coloured angel, so called from saraph, a 
 Hebrew word, signifying to bum. Plural, 
 seraphim. 
 
 Seraphine, serrah-feen. A musical 
 instrument of the organ species, adapted to 
 the size of an ordinary apartment. 
 
 Seraskier, se-raskeer. The name given 
 by the Turks to a general or commander 
 of land forces. 
 
 Sere, seer (Saxon, searian, to dry)' 
 Dry or withered. See Sear. 
 
 Serenade, serry-nade. Music or song 
 performed at night, usually in honour of 
 some person ; a custom prevalent formerly 
 in Spain and Italy, among lovers and gal- 
 lants. By some this term is said to be 
 derived from the Latin serenus, serene, in 
 allusion to the serenity of night; while 
 others trace the word to serus, late, because 
 such performances usually took place at a 
 late hour. 
 
 Serene, se-reen (Latin, serenus). Calm ; 
 clear ; placid ; tranquil ; unruffled in 
 aspect ; undisturbed in mind ; also, a title 
 of honour bestowed upon several princes 
 and magistrates in Europe. 
 
 Serf, surf (Latin, servus, a bondsman). 
 A bondsman ; a servant ; a peasant slave, 
 attached to the soil, and with a change of 
 owners transferred with it. 
 
 Sergeant, sahr-jent} (French, sergent, 
 
 Seijeant, j from Latin, ser- 
 
 viens, an attendant). In military affairs, 
 a non-commissioned officer in a company, 
 
 SES 
 
 287 
 
 whose duty it is to order and form tho- 
 ranks, and to see that discipline is observed.. 
 Serjeant-at-law, is a lawyer of the highest- 
 rank under a judge, iierjeant-at-arms, in 
 legislative assemblies, an officer who exe- 
 cutes the commands of the body, in pro- 
 serving order and punishing offences. Com- 
 mon-serjeant, an officer of the City of London 
 who attends the Lord Mayor and Court ot 
 Aldermen on court days, and is in coimcil 
 with them on all occasions. 
 
 Serial, seery-al. Pertaining to a series ; 
 a publication appearing at stated intervals ;. 
 a continuous story or other writing, com- 
 menced in one number of a periodical, and 
 carried on in others. 
 
 Seriatim, serry-aytim (Latin). In 
 regular order ; one after the other. 
 
 Series, se-rez (Latin). A continued 
 succession of things in the same order ; a^ 
 course of succession ; sequence ; connec- 
 tion ; order. 
 
 Serio-comic, seery-o-kommik. Having: 
 a mixture of seriousness and sport; tra- 
 gedy and comedy mingled. 
 
 Serous, se-rus (Latin, serum, whey). A 
 thin or watery fluii.Mty ; resembling or par- 
 taking of serum. 
 
 Serpentine, serpen-tine (Latin, ser- 
 pens, a serpent). Resembling a serpent ;. 
 winding like a serpent ; taking a devious 
 course ; spiral ; twisted. 
 
 Serrate, ser-rate \ (Latin, serra, a. 
 
 Serrated, ser-rayted j" saw). Having 
 teeth or indentations like those of a saw j 
 jagged; notched. 
 
 Serum, se-rum (Latin). The whey of 
 milk ; in the animal economy, a thin watery 
 fluid, of a greenish-yellow colour, which 
 separates from the blood, when cold and at 
 rest. 
 
 Servile, ser-vile, or ser-vil (Latin, ser- 
 vilis). Slavish ; dependent ; cringing ; 
 meanly submissive ; fawning. 
 
 Servitor, servy-tur (French, serviteur). 
 A servant ; an attendant or follower ; in 
 the university at Oxford, a poor siJudent, 
 who attends on other students for his 
 maintenance and learning. 
 
 Sesqui, ses-kwe. A Latin prefix t« 
 certain words, denoting so much and halt 
 so much, the whole of a thing and half 
 more. It is used in chemical language, 
 when the elements of an oxide are as 1 to 
 1^, or as 2 to 3, as sesqui-os^de, sesqui-car* 
 bonate. 
 
288 
 
 SES 
 
 Sesquialteral, sesky-altur-al (Latin, 
 sesqui, the whole and half as much more ; 
 alter, the other). In geometry, a term 
 denoting a ratio where one quantity or 
 number contains another and half as much 
 more, as three in respect of two. 
 
 Sesquipedal, ses-kwippy-dal (Latin, 
 sesquipes, a foot). Containing a foot and a 
 half. 
 
 Sessile, ses-sil (Latin, sessilis, sitting 
 close). In botany, applied to such parts of 
 plants as adhere closely to the stem, or are 
 not elevated above it. 
 
 Session, sesh-un (Latin, sedeo, to sit). 
 A sitting, or the act of sitting ; a stated 
 meeting of a public body ; the term during 
 which an assembly meets. 
 
 Setaceous, se-tayshus (Latin, seta, a 
 bristle). Bristly; set with or containing 
 fitrong hairs. 
 
 Set off, set off. An account set against 
 another; anything which serves as an 
 equivalent. To set off, to display to the best 
 advantage ; to embellish ; to heighten the 
 effect of. 
 
 Seton, se-ton (Latin, seta, a bristle). 
 In surgery, a twist of hair or silk drawn 
 through the skin ; also, the issue thus 
 made. 
 
 Settee, set-tee. A large seat with a 
 back, for lounging or reclining in. 
 
 Setter, sefc-tur. The name of a sport- 
 ing dog, which beats the field to start 
 birds. 
 
 Settle, set-tl. A long seat or bench 
 with a high back. 
 
 Settlement, settul-ment (Saxon, sceh- 
 tian, to reconcile). The act of adjusting ; 
 satisfaction of claims ; a jointure ; a place 
 or colony established ; subsidence. 
 
 Sever, sev-ur (French, sevrer). To part 
 from the rest ; to separate from ; to divide. 
 
 Sewer, su-er. A drain or passage under 
 ground, to carry off water or liquid refuse. 
 
 Sexagenarian, seksah - je - nary - an 
 (Latin, sexaginta, sixty). A person of sixty 
 years of age. 
 
 Sexagenary, sek-sajjy-nary (Latin, 
 sexaginta, sixty). Sixty in number ; denot- 
 ing the number sixty. 
 
 Sexagesima, seksah-jessy-mah. The 
 second Sunday before Lent, so called as 
 being about the sixtieth day before Easter. 
 
 Sexennial, seks-enny-al (Latin, sex, 
 six ; annus, a year). Lasting six years ; 
 liappening once in six years. 
 
 SHA 
 
 Sextain, seks-tane (Latin, sextans). la 
 poetry, a stanza, containing six lines. 
 
 Sextant, seks-tant (Latin, sextans, a 
 sixth). An instrument extensively em- 
 ployed in surveying, for taking the dimen- 
 sions of horizontal angles. It is formed 
 like the quadrant, with the exception that 
 it is only sixty degrees, or the sixth part of 
 the circle. In astronomy, the name of a 
 constellation of the southern hemisphere, 
 containing forty-one stars. 
 
 Sextile, seks-tile, or seks-til (Latin, 
 sextilis). A term denoting tho position of 
 planets, when distant from each other sixty 
 
 Sexton, sekst-un (French, sacnstainy 
 the keeper of the consecrated utensils of at 
 church). An under-officer of a church, 
 who has the care of the various utensils used 
 in the church, vestments, fiu-niture, &c. ; 
 also to attend on the officiating clergyman, 
 prepare graves, and perform sundry other 
 offices. 
 
 Sextuple, sextew-pl (Latin, sextwplus). 
 Sixfold ; six times as much. 
 
 Sexual, sek-shual. Pertaining to sex 
 or the sexes ; distinguishing the sex. 
 
 Shackles, shak-uls (Saxon, sceacul). 
 Fetters ; chains to bind ; figuratively, that 
 which restrains, confines, or deprives of 
 freedom. 
 
 Shades, shaydz. An epithet denoting 
 the lower region or place of the dead ; 
 hence, deep obscurity, darkness. 
 
 Shaft, shahft (Saxon, sceaft) An arrow ; 
 the part of a vehicle to which the horse is 
 attached ; the handle of a weapon ; any- • 
 thing straight, as the spire of a steeple ; a 
 narrow, deep, and perpendicular pit, such 
 as sunk in mines; the funnel of a chimney. 
 In architecture, the body of a column be- 
 tween the base and the capital. 
 
 Shagreen, shah-green (German, scha- 
 grin). A kind of leather made of the skin 
 of a fish ; also, leather prepared from the 
 skins of horses, mules, &c., made in imita- 
 tion of the former. 
 
 Shah, shah (Persian, prince). The title 
 given to the monarch of Persia ; a prince ; 
 a chieftain. 
 
 Shale, shale (German, schale). Slate- 
 clay ; indurated slaty clay, usually found 
 mixed among coal. 
 
 Shalloon, shal-loon. A slight wooUen 
 stuff, said to take its name from Chalonif 
 where it was originally manufactured. 
 
 II 
 
SHA 
 
 SHE 
 
 Shallop, shal-lop (French, cJialoupe). 
 A small vessel with two masts, and usually 
 rigged like a schooner ; also, a little light 
 vessel with a small mainmast and foremast, 
 with lug sails. 
 
 Shallow, shal-lo (Saxon, scylfe). Not 
 deep ; shoal ; figuratively, having no depth 
 of knowledge or learning ; supeiScial. 
 
 Shambles, sham-hulz (Latin, scabel- 
 lum, diminutive of scamnum, a bench). A 
 place where butchers slaughter animals, or 
 where meat is sold. 
 
 Shambling, shamb-ling. Moving with 
 an awkward shuffling gait. 
 
 Shampooing, sham-pooing. The act 
 of rubbing parts of the body briskly with 
 the hand, with a view of relieving pain ; 
 it is a process usually put in practice 
 after taking a bath. 
 
 Shamrock, sham-rok. • The name 
 given in Ireland to the three-leaved grass, 
 or trefoil. The original shamrock appears 
 to have been the wood-sorrel ; it is the 
 national emblem of Ireland, and as such is 
 associated with the rose of England and 
 the thistle of Scotland. 
 
 Shard, shard (Saxon, sceard). Any- 
 thing separated or divided ; a fragment of 
 an earthen vessel ; the shell of an egg, or 
 of a snail; the sheath of the wings of 
 insects. 
 
 Sharp, sharp. In music, a semitone 
 artificially raised ; opposed to flat. 
 
 Shaster, shas-tur, A sacred book 
 among the Hindoos, containing the dogmas 
 of their religion. 
 
 Shawm, shawm. A musical instru; 
 ment, resembling a hautboy, or comet ; 
 in antiquity, an instrument used in the 
 sacred music of the Hebrews. 
 
 Sheaf, sheef (Saxon, sceaj). Corn tied 
 up into a bundle after reaping; any bundle 
 or collection of things tied together. 
 
 Shear, sheer (Saxon, scyren). To cut 
 by two blades moving on a rivet ; to cut or 
 separate something from the surface, as 
 wool from sheep. 
 
 . Sheathe, sheeth. To put into a sheath 
 or scabbard, as to sheathe a sword; to 
 cover or line, as to sheathe a ship with 
 copper. To sheathe the sword is understood, 
 figfuratively, to discontinue war, to make 
 peace. 
 
 Sheen, sheen (from the verb, to shiTie). 
 Brightness; glitter; splendour. 
 
 Sheep-fold, sheep-fold (Saxon, sceapa- 
 fold). An inclosure for sheep ; a place 
 where sheep are collected and confined. 
 
 Sheer, sheer (Saxon, scir). Pure; 
 clear ; unmingled, as sheer ignorance, slieer 
 good-nature. ■ In nautical language, the 
 longitudinal bend or curve of a ship's deck 
 or sides; also, the position in which a ship 
 is sometimes kept at single anchor, to keep 
 her clear of it. 
 
 Sheet Anchor, sheet an-kur. The 
 chief and largest anchor of a ship, which, 
 in stress of weather, becomes the chief sup- 
 port, and is regarded as the last refuge to 
 preventthevessel'sdriving on shore ; hence, 
 figuratively, the main dependence in the 
 time of trial ; the last resource in the hour 
 of danger. 
 
 Sheik, sheek, or shake (Arabic). A 
 title of dignity belonging to the chiefs of 
 Arabian tribes ; one who has the care of a 
 mosque. 
 
 Shekel, she-kel. An ancient Jewish 
 silver coin, equal to four Attic drachms, 
 in value atiout 25, 6d. A shekel of gold 
 was worth £1 16s. 6d. 
 
 Shell, shel (Saxon, sceF). The head 
 covering of anything ; a rude kind of coffin ; 
 in gunnery, a hoUow, cast-iron ball to throw 
 out of mortars, having a vent through 
 which the powder is put that is to burst it. 
 
 Shellac, ) shel-lak. The resin lac 
 Shell-lac, j spread into thin plates 
 after being melted and strained. 
 
 Shell-fish, shel-fish. The name given 
 to all kiads of fish invested with a sheU^ as 
 the oyster, lobster, crab, &c, 
 
 Sheltie, shel-ty. The name of a small 
 but strong kind of horse found in the 
 Shetland Islands ; called also, a Shetland 
 pony. 
 
 Shelving, shel-ving (Saxon, scylfe). 
 Sloping; inchning. 
 
 Shelvy, shel- vy (Sax., scylfe). Abound- 
 ing with rocks and sand-banks, 
 
 Shemitic, shem-ittik. An epithet 
 for anything pertaining to Shem, the son 
 of Noah. The Shemitic languages, as they 
 are termed, comprise the Chaldee, Syriac, 
 Arabic, Hebrew, Samaritan, Ethiopic, and 
 old Phoenician. 
 
 Sheol, she-ol. A Hebrew term, denot- 
 ing the place of departed spirits ; the 
 shades. 
 
 Sherbet, sher-bet (Arabic, shardba, to 
 drink). A favourite beverage in Oriental 
 
290 
 
 SHE 
 
 countries, made principally of water, 
 lemon-juice, and sugar, and sometimes 
 mixed with, fragrant ingredients. 
 
 Sh-erifi", sher-if (Saxon, scir-geref). 
 Originally, reeve of the shire. An officer 
 in each county, to whom is intrusted the 
 execution of the laws. 
 
 Sherris. ) A name given for- 
 
 Sherris-sack. J merly, in England, to 
 a species of wine, supposed to be the same 
 as the modem sherry. 
 
 Slierry, sher-ry. A species of wine, so 
 called from having been first made at 
 Xeres, in Spain. 
 
 Shibboleth, shibbo-leth. In Scripture, 
 a term which was made the criterion by 
 which to distinguish the Ephraimites from 
 the Gileadites, as the former people could 
 not correctly pronounce the first consonant 
 sound, sh, and called the word Sihholeth ; 
 hence the term has come to be metaphori- 
 cally used as the criterion of a party, or 
 the characteiistic which distinguishes one 
 party from another. 
 
 Shimmer, shim-mur (Saxon, scymrian). 
 To shine ; to gleam ; to glisten. 
 
 Shingle, shing-gl (Latin, scindo, to 
 divide). A thin board sawed for covering 
 buildings ; also, round, water-worn, and 
 loose gravel and pebbles on shores and 
 
 Shingles, sbing-gulz (Latin, cingulum, 
 a girdle). A kind of eruptive disorder, 
 which usually breaks out about the region 
 of the abdomen, and almost encircles it as 
 a belt. 
 
 Ship - Chandler, ship-chand-ler. A 
 iealer in cordage, canvas, and every de- 
 scription of ships' furniture. 
 
 Shire, shire (Saxon, scyre, a division). 
 In England, a division of territory, other- 
 wise called a county. The shire was origi- 
 nally a division under the jurisdiction of 
 an earl or count, whose authority was en- 
 trusted to the [shire-reeve) sheriff, on whom 
 the government ultimately devolved. 
 
 Shirk, shurk (corrupted from sharJc). 
 To cheat ; to trick ; to evade ; to avoid a 
 responsibility. 
 
 Shoad, shode. A term given by miners 
 to a train of metallic stone mixed with 
 rubbish. 
 
 Shoal, shole (Saxon, sceoT). A throng 
 or crowd ; a multitude, as of fishes ; a shal- 
 low ; a sand-bank. 
 
 Shock, shok (Dutch, scTwlc). A violent 
 ooUisicn of bodies, or the concussion which 
 
 'I 
 
 SHE 
 
 it occasions ; a sudden agitation either of 
 body or mind ; conflict ; offence ; a pile 
 of sheaves of com ; a kind of rough 
 dog. 
 
 Shoddy, shod-dy. A term given to 
 a mass of wooUen rags cut up and mixed 
 with fresh wool, for conversion into cheap 
 cloth. 
 
 Short-coming, short-kum - ing. A 
 failure in supply; imperfect fulfilment of 
 a demand. 
 
 Short-sighted, short-site-ed. Unable 
 to see far ; figuratively, unable to discern 
 that which ultimately proves the most 
 judicious or beneficial. 
 
 Sho"W-bread, ) sho-bred. Among 
 
 Shew-bread, j the Jews, the twelve 
 
 loaves of bread which the priest of the 
 
 week placed upon the golden table, re- ' 
 
 presenting the twelve tribes of Israel. 
 
 Shrapnell Shell, shrap-nel sheL A 
 kind of bomb-shell (so named from its in- 
 ventor), filled with a quantity of musket 
 balls, which, when the shells explode, aroi 
 projected to a considerable distance, andi 
 work much mischief. 
 
 Shred, shred. To cut into smaU pieces 
 or long narrow strips. 
 
 Shrew, shroo (Saxon, syrwan). A tur- 
 bulent, clamorous woman ; a scold ; a vixen. 
 
 Shrewd, shrood (from shrewed). Pri- 
 marily, vexed, troubled, or provoked; bitter 
 and keen ; hence, penetrating j sagacious ; 
 cunning; sly. 
 
 Shrievalty, shreeval-ty. The office or 
 jurisdiction of a sheriff ; a sheriff's term of 
 office. 
 
 Shrift, shrift (Saxon, scrift). Confes- 
 sion made to a priest. 
 
 Shrine, shrine (Latin, scrinium, a 
 basket or chest for books, writings, &c.). 
 A casket or coffer ; a receptacle for any- 
 thing sacred or holy. In modern Cathohc 
 countries, the place where the body of a 
 saint or some particular relic is deposited ; 
 in ancient times, an ornamented tabernacle 
 for an idol ; in a poetical sense, an altar 
 associated with some beloved or adored 
 object. 
 
 Shroud, shrowd (Saxon, sa-'ud). A cover 
 or shelter ; a winding-sheet or dress for a ] 
 dead person. Shrouds, in nautical language, 
 are a range of large ropes, extending from 
 the head of the ship's mast to the right and 
 left side of the ship, as a support for the 
 mast. 
 
SHE 
 
 SIG 
 
 291 
 
 Shroud, shrowd. To dress in a shroud 
 to cover; to shelter; to hide or conceal; 
 to defend or protect. 
 
 Shrove - tide, shrove - tide (Saxon, 
 shrivi, to resort to priestly confession). 
 Literally and originally, confession time ; 
 celebrated on the Tuesday preceding Ash- 
 Wednesday, on which day Roman CathoHcs 
 made confession of their sins, preparatory 
 to the fast of Lent ; known also as Shrove- 
 Tuesday. 
 
 Shrub, shrub (Saxon, scrobhe). A bushy 
 plant or small tree of low growth ; gene- 
 rally with several permanent, slender, 
 woody stems, divided at or near the ground. 
 
 Shuttle, shut-tl. In weaving, the in- 
 strument with which the woof or weft is 
 thrown through the open lease or shot of 
 the warp before the reed. 
 
 Si, se. In music, the seventh sound. 
 
 Sialogogue, si-allo-gog (Greek, sialon, 
 saliva ; a^^'o^os, a leading or drawing forth). 
 A medicine which promotes the discharge 
 of the saliva. 
 
 Sibilant, sibby-lant (Latin, siMlans, 
 whispering). Hissing ; producing a hiss- 
 ing sound. Sibilant letters, or sibilants, are 
 those uttered with a hissing of the voice, 
 as s and z. 
 
 Sibyl, sib-bl (Greek, sios,. a god ; bouk, 
 council). In antiquity, the name given to 
 certain women supposed to be endowed 
 with the gift of prophecy, and especially 
 of foreshowing the fate of governments 
 and kingdoms. 
 
 Sibyline, sibbil-line. Relating to the 
 sibyls ; pertaining to the verses written or 
 composed by the sibyls. The sibyHne 
 books were certain volumes in which the 
 fate of the empire of Rome was supposed 
 to be predicted, and which were consulted 
 in times of great danger or of public 
 calamity. Certain Greek verses, divided 
 into eight books, and containing prsdic- 
 tions in connection with our Saviour, were 
 attributed also to the sibyls. The sibyline 
 leaves, or sibyline oracles, were prophecies 
 written by the sibyls in verse upon leaves. 
 
 Siccative, sikkah-tiv (Latin, sicco, to 
 dry). Causing dryness; that which pro- 
 motes the process of drying; tending to 
 dry. 
 
 Sice, sise. The number six at dice. 
 
 Sickle, sik-ul (Saxon, sciol). An instru- 
 ment for cutting com ; a reaping-hook. 
 
 Sic Passim, sik pas-sim (Latin). So 
 everywhere. 
 
 Sidelong, side-long. Lateral ; oblique ; 
 indirect; applied to certain glances of 
 the eye which are directed in a sidelong 
 manner. 
 
 Sidereal, si-deery-al \ (Latin, sidus, a 
 
 Sideral, sidder-al J star). Starry; 
 pertaining to the stars ; measured by tha 
 stars. 
 
 Siderography, sidder-oggrah-fy (Gt.^ 
 sideros, iron ; grajpjio, to write). The act 
 or art of engraving on steel. 
 
 Sideroscope, sidder-o-skope (Greek, 
 sideros, iroxi'^ skopeo, to view). An appa- 
 ratus for detecting minute particles of iron 
 in any substance. 
 
 Sidesman, sidze-man. A kind of 
 ofl&cer in cathedrals; an assistant to a 
 churchwarden ; applied also to a party 
 man. 
 
 Sidle, si-dl (from side). To progress 
 sideways ; to approach by the side. 
 
 Siege, seej (French, siege). The act of 
 surrounding a fortified place with an army," 
 and attacking it by means of batteries,,, 
 mines, and trenches, in such a manner as- 
 to capture or destroy the principal out- 
 works, and finally destroy the place ; any 
 continued endeavour to gain possession. 
 
 Siesta, se-esttah (Spanish, from Latin, 
 sexta, and hora, sixth hour, or noon). 
 Primarily, a short sleep taken at noon, in 
 order to avoid the heat of the day. In hot 
 countries, generally, a short sleep indulged 
 in after dinner ; in this latter sense it is 
 understood in England. 
 
 Sift, sift (Saxon, sife). To separate or 
 shake apart, by means of a sieve, the 
 larger particles from the smaller, or the 
 coarse from the fine ; hence, to examine 
 closely and separate carefully the genuine 
 from the spurious, the false from the true, 
 as to sift evidence. 
 
 Sight, site (German, sicTit). In the arts, 
 an aperture or point fixed to guide the eye 
 in taking an observation, as the sights of a 
 quadrant or a theodolite ; or in practising 
 with fire-arms, that which directs the eye. 
 to the mark, as the sight of a rifle. 
 
 Sign-manual, sine-mannu-al. The 
 royal signature superscribed at the tops 
 of bills of grants and letters patent, which 
 are then sealed with the privy signet or 
 the great seal, as the case may be, to com- 
 plete their validity ; a name written with a 
 person's own hand. 
 
 Signalize, signal-ize (Latin, sigimvt, a 
 mark). To render eminent or remarkable ; 
 to make distinguished ; to celebrate. 
 
 t2 
 
202 
 
 SIG 
 
 Signature, signa-ture (Latin, signnm, 
 a mark). A sign or mark written or im- 
 pressed ; a person's name, written by his 
 own hand ; in printing, a letter or figure 
 placed at the bottom of certain pages of a 
 work, by which the sheets are distinguished 
 and tiieir order designated. 
 
 Signet, sig-net (Latin, signo, to sign). 
 A seal, or private seal ; a seal commonly 
 used for the royal sign-manual. 
 
 Significant, sig-niffy-kant (Latin, 
 aignum, a sign ; facio, to make). Expres- 
 sive ; important ; forcible in conveying the 
 meaning intended ; betokening something. 
 
 Signify, signy-fi (Latin, signum, a sign ; 
 facio, to make). To declare by some token 
 or sign ; to make known ; to mean ; to ex- 
 press ; to import ; to ratify. 
 
 Silex, si-leks (Latin, silex, flint). In 
 chemistry, a stone or flint; one of the pri- 
 jQoitive earths, in which is included all the 
 varieties of precious stones. 
 
 Silhouette, sil-ooet (French, sillwuette). 
 In the fine arts, a profile or side face ; an 
 entire figure of anything represented as a 
 soUd black mass, the general outhne only 
 indicating the form. A flat piece of metal, 
 card, or wood cut to a certain form, to give 
 the sohd outline of a figure or piece of 
 ornament. 
 
 Silicious, sil-ishy-us (Latin, silex, flint). 
 Flinty; belonging to or partaking of the 
 nature of the siles. 
 
 Siliqua, silly-kwah (Latin). In botany, 
 the seed-vessel, pod, husk, or shell of 
 plants of the pulse kind ; among gold- 
 refiners, a oftrat, of which six make a 
 scruple. 
 
 Sill, sil. The timber or stone at the 
 foot of a windo-5? or door. 
 
 Silt, sUt (Swedish, sylta, to pickle). 
 Mud ; slime ; a deposit of fine earth from 
 water. 
 
 Silva, \ sil-vah (Latin, silva^ a wood). 
 
 Sylva, j A collection of poems ; history 
 of the forest-trees of a country. 
 
 Silvan, ) sil-van (Latin, silva, a wood). 
 
 Sylvan, j Woody; aboimding with 
 woods ; pertaining to the woods ; inhabit- 
 ing woods or groves. 
 
 Simile, simmy-le (Latin). A com- 
 parison, by which anything is explained or 
 presented in &n impressive form. 
 
 Similitude, sim-illy-tude (Latin, *im- 
 iliiudo, resemblance). Likeness ; resem- 
 blance ; comparison ; simile. 
 
 SIN 
 
 Simony, simmon-ny.' The corrupt pre- 
 sentation of any one to an ecclesiastical 
 benefice for gift or reward; the crime of 
 buying or seUing church preferment. The 
 term is derived from Simon Magus, who in 
 the days of the Apostles proposed to pur- 
 chase with money the power of conferring 
 the Holy Spirit. 
 Simoom, se-moom. \ The name of a 
 Simoon, se-moon. ) hot suffocating 
 wind which occasionally blows in Arabia 
 and Africa, generated by the extreme heat 
 of the parched plains and sandy deserts. 
 
 Simple, sim-.pl (Latin, sine, without; 
 plica, a fold). A single ingredient ; some- 
 thing not mixed or compound ; in chem- 
 istry, appHed to undecomposed substances, 
 CEilled elementary substances or elements ; 
 a name popularly applied to a herb. 
 
 Sim.pliiy, simply-fi (Latin, sine, with- 
 out ; plica, a fold). fTo make plain or 
 obvious; to unravel that which is com- 
 plicated ; to reduce to simple and few 
 principles ; to retrench superfluous speech 
 or writing. 
 
 Simulate, simmu-late (Latin, similis, 
 like). To feign ; to counterfeit the appear- 
 ance of a tMn^ which does not exiaft ; to 
 dissemble. 
 
 Simultaneous, simmul-tane-yus or 
 symul-tane-yus (Latin, simmul, at the same 
 time). Acting at the same time; occiu'ring 
 or existing at the same time; acting to- 
 gether; co-existent. 
 
 Sinciput, sinsy-put (Latin). The fore 
 part of the head, reaching from the fore- 
 head to the crown. 
 
 Sine, si-ne. A Latin preposition, sig- 
 nifying without, as in the following ex- 
 amples. SiTie die, without day, used to 
 express an indefinite time, a day not 
 specified, no particular day ; in law, when 
 a defendant is suffered to go sine die, he is 
 dismissed the court. Sine gud nan, without 
 which a thing cannot be, therefore, an in- 
 dispensable condition. Sine pari, without 
 fellow, appHed to muscles, veins, &c., 
 Which have no fellow. 
 
 Sinecurej, sinny-kure, or siny-kure 
 (Latin, sine, without ; cura, cure, or em- 
 ployment). An office to which a salary or 
 revenue is attached, but without employ- 
 ment ; a place or post of emolument with- 
 out duties to perform ; in church affairs, a 
 benefice without cxire of souls. 
 
 Sinew, sin-nu (Saxon, semoe). A tendon 
 or ligament, by which the joints of the 
 
 I 
 
SIN 
 
 SLA 
 
 292 
 
 body are moved; a muscle or nerve; 
 figui-atively, that which supplies strength 
 or support, as the sinews of war. 
 
 Sinister, sinnis-t\ir (Latin). Left ; on 
 the left hand ; opposed to the right ; hence, 
 opposed to good or good fortune; evil; 
 treacherous; bad; unfortunate; unfair; 
 unjust. 
 
 Sin offering, sin offur-ing. An expia- 
 tion for sin ; a sacrifice made for sin com- 
 mitted. 
 
 Sinuous, sinnu-us (Latin, simcs'). 
 Winding ; crooked ; bending or twisting 
 in and out. 
 
 Sinus, si-nus (Latin). A bay of the 
 sea ; an opening in the land ; in surgery, a 
 passage under the flesh. 
 
 Siplion, si-fon (Greek). A curved pipe, 
 having one arm longer than the other, 
 used to draw off liquors from vessels, with- 
 out disturbing the sediment which may be 
 deposited ; or for transmitting liquid from 
 one vessel to another without causing 
 waste. 
 
 Sir, sur (French, sire). A title or word 
 of respect used in addressing men ; a title 
 of a knight or baronet ; a title given in 
 American colleges to a master of arts. 
 
 Sire, sire (French). Father ; the elder 
 of a family or race ; the title of respect 
 in addressing a king; male parent of a 
 beast. 
 
 Siren, si-ren. In antiquity, a kind of 
 fabulous animal, otherwise called a mer- 
 maid ; they were represented as enchanting 
 mariners by the sweetness of their song, so 
 that the victims forgot their homes, and 
 perished of hunger ; hence, apphed to an 
 enticing woman, or one who is dangerous 
 by her blandishments. 
 
 Sirius, sirry-us (Greek, seirios). The 
 dog- star. A brilliant star of the first 
 magnitude, in the constellation Canis 
 Major, or the great dog. It is supposed 
 to be the brightest and the nearest of the 
 fixed stars. 
 
 Sirocco, se-rokko (Italian). A per- 
 nicious wind blowing from Syria and other 
 parts which lie south-east of Italy; it is 
 prejudicial to all kinds of vegetation, and 
 in appearance is said to resemble the 
 steam issuing from a boUer. 
 
 Sirrah, sir-rah. A term of contempt ; 
 a name of reproach and insult ; formerly 
 used in addressing vile persons, and applied 
 in anger to menials. The word is supposed 
 to be derived from sir, ha I 
 
 Sisterhood, sistur-hood. A number of 
 women of the same order ; women asso- 
 ciated together for some good or chari- 
 table purpose ; a society of females united 
 in one faith. 
 
 Site, site (Latin, sihis). Situation ; local 
 position; seat; place; a plot of ground 
 for building purposes. 
 
 Situ, situ (Latin). In situ means in its 
 appropriate situation ; in its original or un- 
 altered position. 
 
 Sitz-bath, sitz-bath. A bath in which 
 bathing may be performed in a sitting pos- 
 ture. 
 
 Siva, se-vah. In Hindoo mythology, 
 the Supreme Being, in the character of 
 destroyer or avenger. 
 
 Sizar, \ siz-ur. In the University of 
 
 Sizer, j Cambridge, a student of the 
 lowest rank, synonymous with a servitor 
 at Oxford. 
 
 Sketch, sketsh (Dutch, schets). An out- 
 line or general delineation of anjiihing ; an 
 incomplete draught ; a plan exhibiting the 
 principal points or ideas ; a dravv'ing traced 
 in outline, and lightly shaded. 
 
 Skid, skid. In ship-building a piece of 
 plank formed so as to answer the curve of 
 the ship's side, used to preserve the side 
 from being injured by weighty bodies 
 hoisted into or lowered out of the ship ; 
 also, an implement fastened to the wheels 
 of carriages to slacken their velocity in 
 descending a hill. 
 
 Skiff, skif (German, schiff). The popu- 
 lar name for any small, fight boat. 
 
 Skillet, skil-let (French, ecuelle). A 
 small kettle or boiler. 
 Skim-milk. Milk freed from its cream. 
 
 Skipper, skip-pm-. A famUiar name 
 for the master of a ship. 
 
 Skirmish, skur-mish (French, escara- 
 mouche). A loose desultory kind of engage- 
 ment in presence of two armies, between 
 smaU detachments sent out for the pm-pose 
 either of drawing on a battle, or of conceal- 
 ing by their fire the mbvements of the 
 troops in their rear. 
 
 Slack water. A term applied to the 
 interval between the ebb and the flow of 
 the tide. 
 
 Slag, slag (Danish, slagg). The dross of 
 metals ; the scoria of a volcano. 
 
 Slake, slake (Swedish, slacla). To 
 quench ; to extinguish ; to temper or drench 
 with water ; to allay. 
 
SLA 
 
 SNA 
 
 Slattern, slat-turn. A woman negli- 
 gent in her attire ; a slovenly woman. 
 
 Sleave, sleev (Saxon, slefa). The knot- 
 ted or entangled part of silk or thread, 
 
 Sledge-hanuner, slej-hammur. The 
 largest sort of hammer used by smiths with 
 both hands, in striking iron upon the anvil. 
 
 Sleek, sleek (German, slicht). Smooth ; 
 plain ; unruffled ; having a glossy smooth- 
 ness ; having the smoothness of an oily, 
 greasy substance ; smooth with fatness. 
 
 Sleeper, sleep-ur. In building, a piece 
 of timber laid upon dwarf walls for support- 
 ing the gi'ound joists of floors ; a beam 
 which supports the rails of a railway; 
 generally, cross, horizontal timbers for fix- 
 ing planking, &c., whence it is necessary 
 to fill under, in order to make a secure 
 foundation. 
 
 Sleet, sleet (Saxon, sliht'). A kind of 
 smaU hail, or mi x ture of snow with rain. 
 
 Sleight, slite (Gei-man, schlich, a trick). 
 Artifice ; trick ; dexterous practice. Sleight 
 of haiid, deception practised by rapid and 
 skilful employment of the hand ; a juggler's 
 trick. 
 
 Slip-knot, slip-not. A knot easily 
 untied, and so made as to close firmly 
 when a strain is brought to bear upon it. 
 
 Slipshod, slip- shod. With shoes or 
 slippers down at heel ; figm-atively used to 
 imply a loose, careless style of literary 
 composition. 
 
 Sloop, sloop (Dutch, sloep). A vessel 
 with one mast, commonly rigged wholly 
 with fore and aft sails. Sloop of war, is 
 any ship of war officered by a commander 
 in the royal navy. 
 
 Slope, slope (Saxon, aslupan). Inclined; 
 oblique ; slanting ; not perpendicular ; to 
 form with a slope ; to incline. 
 
 Slop-"Work, slop-wurk. A term applied 
 to ready-made wearing appareL 
 
 Slot, slot (Icelandic, slod). An oblong 
 opening ; a sHt or aperture in a machine to 
 admit another part; a bar or bolt; the 
 track of a deer. 
 
 ^ Slouched, slowtshd (Danish, sloff, stu- 
 pid). Downcast ; hanging down ; pressed 
 over the brows. 
 
 Slough, slo (Saxon, slog). A deep miry 
 place. 
 
 Slough, sluf . The skin which a serpent 
 casts off at its periodical renovation ; in 
 surgery, the portion which separates from 
 ^ foul sore. 
 
 Slue, slu. In nautical language, to turn 
 a cylindrical piece of timber, as a mast or 
 boom, about its axis, without moving it out 
 of its place. 
 
 Sluice, sloos (Dutch, sluis). A floodgate ; 
 a vent for water ; a channel for regulating 
 a flow of water ; the stream of water issuing 
 through a floodgate; a source of supply; 
 that through wMch anything flows. 
 
 Slur, slur (Dutch, slordig, sluttish). To 
 sully ; to contaminate ; to perform im- 
 perfectly; to pass hghtly. In music, to 
 play a passage in a smooth, gliding 
 manner. 
 
 Smack, smak (Saxon, sna^ca). A 
 vessel having one mast only, and ordinarily 
 rigged as a sloop ; chiefly employed in the 
 coasting trade. 
 
 Small-arms. A term apphed collec- 
 tively to rifles, muskets, carbines, pistols, 
 and instruments of similar cahbre. 
 
 Smalt, smawlt (Dutch, smelten). A blue 
 coloured glass, obtained by heating the im- 
 pxu-e oxide of cobalt, with sand and potash 
 reduced to powder. It is the hlue-stone 
 used in washing. 
 
 Smart-money, smart-munny. A name 
 given to money paid by a person to pm'chase 
 exemption from a disagreeable duty, or 
 buy himself off from some painful situa- 
 tion. 
 
 Smattering, smatter-ing (Swedish, 
 smattra, to crackle). Superficial know- 
 ledge ; a sHght acquaintance with any sub- 
 ject. 
 
 Smegmatie, smeg-mattik (Greek, 
 smegma, soap). Having the nature or 
 quahties of soap ; soapy. 
 
 Smelt, smelt (Dutch, smelten, to melt). 
 To melt ore for the purpose of extracting 
 the metal. 
 
 Smirk, smurk (Saxon, smwdan). To 
 smile pertly ; to look affectedly soft or 
 kind. 
 
 Smith, smith (Saxon, sniii!A)._LiteraUy, 
 one who smites or strikes ; hence, one who 
 beats with a heavy instrument ; one who 
 forges iron or other metals with a hammer ; 
 he that makes or forms anything. 
 
 Smoulder, smole-derr (Dutch, smoel, 
 bot). To bum and smoke without vent ; 
 to bum as embers or ashes. 
 
 Snaffle, snaf-fl (German, snaffie). A 
 kind of bridle which crosses the nose of a 
 horse, and which consists of a slender bit- 
 mouth without any branches. 
 
SNA 
 
 Snare, snare (Danisli, snara). Anything 
 set to catch an animal ; any contrivance by 
 which a person is entrapped or brought un- 
 warily into danger. 
 
 Snarl, snarl (German, schna'tTeii). To 
 growl as a dog or angry animal ; to speak 
 roughly and sharply; to depreciate in 
 bitter terms. 
 
 Sneer, sneer (derived from the same 
 root as sncn^e, or snoH). To insinuate con- 
 tempt by covert expressions ; to praise in 
 a jeering manner ; to scoff ; to contem- 
 plate with a look of contemptuous 
 ridicule. 
 
 Snowdrift, sno-drift. A heap or bank 
 of snow driven together by the wind. 
 
 Soar, sore (French, essor). To fly aloft ; 
 to rise high ; to mount on the wing ; figura- 
 tively, to tower high in thought or imagi- 
 nation. 
 
 Sobriety, so-bri-ety (French, sdbriete). 
 Temperance; moderation in drink; gravity; 
 seriousness. 
 
 Sobriquet, sobree-kay (French). A 
 nickname ; a name given on account of 
 some peculiarity or characteristic. 
 
 Soccage, sok-aje (Saxon). A tenure of 
 lands and tenements by a certain and 
 determinate service ; distinct from knight- 
 sei*vice. It is of two kinds : free soccage, 
 where the services are certain and 
 honourable ; and villein soccage, where the 
 services, though certain, are of a baser 
 nature. Written also, socage. 
 
 Sociable, so-sha-bl (Latin, socius, a 
 companion). Inclined to company ; favour- 
 ing companionship ; familiar ; agreeable. 
 
 Social, so-shal (Latia, socius, a com- 
 panion). Kelating to society ; fit for 
 society ; ready to join in friendly converse; 
 companionable. 
 
 Socialism, soshul-izm (Latin, socius, a 
 companion). A state of society, founded 
 upon the doctrine of co-operation and 
 mutual usefulness, and a community of 
 property among aU the members. 
 
 Society, so-si-ety (French, societS). 
 Community ; the union of many in one in- 
 terest ; any number of persons associated 
 for a special purpose ; a commercial associa- 
 tion ; company ; partnership. 
 
 Socinian, so-sin-yan. A follower of 
 Socinus, who held that Christ was merely a 
 man inspired, denied His divinity and 
 atonement, and disbeUeved the doctrine of 
 original depravity. 
 
 SOJ 
 
 295 
 
 Sock, sok (Saxon, socc). A short kind 
 of stocking ; the shoe worn by the ancient 
 actors in comedy ; hence the word is used 
 for comedy, and opposed to buskin, tho 
 emblem of tragedy. 
 
 Socket, sok-et (French, soucke). Tho 
 hollow of a candlestick ; the hoUow which 
 receives something inserted ; the receptacle 
 of the eye. 
 
 Socratic, so-krattik. Pertaining to 
 Socrates, the Greek philosopher. Socratic 
 philosophy, the doctrine and opinions, with 
 regard to morality and religion, taught and 
 maintained by Socrates. 
 
 Sod, sod (Dutch, zoode). A turf ; earth 
 with the embedded roots of grass; poeti- 
 cally, the turf or earth which covers the 
 dead. 
 
 Soda, sode-ah (Arabic). A mineral 
 alkali, produced principally by plants grow- 
 ing on the sea-coast, but derivable from 
 various other sources. 
 
 Sodality, so-daU-ity (Latin, sodalis, a 
 companion). Fellowship; fraternity; so- 
 ciety. 
 
 Sodden, sod-dn. Past part, of tho 
 verb to seethe. 
 
 Sofa, sofe-ah. An elegant long seat, 
 usually with a stuffed seat, and a frame of 
 mahogany or rosewood. The sofa of the 
 Orientals, from whom the name is borrowed, 
 is a sort of alcove, raised half a foot above 
 the floor, where visitors of distinction are 
 received. The name is also given to a 
 covered seat on the side of a room. 
 
 Soffit, sof-fit. The under side of an 
 overhanging erection, as the intrados of an 
 arch, the under side of a cornice, &c. 
 
 Sofism, so-fizm. The mystical doc- 
 trines of the Mohammedan priests, called 
 in the Persian tongue, soji. 
 
 Soi-disant, swah-deezang (French). 
 Self-styled ; would-be ; assumption of rank 
 or title. 
 
 Soil, soyl (Latin, solum). The common 
 name for that accumulation of various sub- 
 stances which lies upon the surface of tho 
 globe, and furnishes nutriment to plants, 
 or which is particularly adapted to the 
 purposes of agriculture. 
 
 Soiree, swah-ray (French). An evening 
 party. 
 
 Sojourn, so-jum (French, sejourner). 
 To dwell for a time ; to take up temporary 
 residence ; to live in a place for a time, as a 
 stranger in a foreign land. 
 
296 
 
 SOL 
 
 SOM 
 
 Sol, sol. In miisic, the fifth note of 
 the gamut. 
 
 Solace, sol-ase (Latin, solor, to comfort). 
 Consolation; mitigation of grief ; comfort in 
 trouble ; alleviation of sorrow. 
 
 Solar, so-lar (Latin, sol, the sun). Per- 
 taining iio the sun ; measured by the revolu- 
 tions of the sun. Solar system, is the order 
 and disposition of the several heavenly- 
 bodies, •which revolve about the sun, as a 
 centre of motion. 
 
 Solatium (Latin). Consolation; solace; 
 soothing unction. 
 
 Soldan, sol-dan, or so-w-dan. A title 
 formerly given to a general in command of 
 the caliph's army ; the epithet was after- 
 wards applied to a governor of Egypt. 
 
 Solder, ) saw-dur (Latin, solidare, to 
 Soder, ) make solid). To cement with 
 metallic matter ; to mend or unite. 
 
 Solecism, soUy-sizm (Greek, soloihismos, 
 from Sold, the name of a people who spoke 
 very bad Greek). An impropriety in lan- 
 guage by a misapplication of words ; an 
 expression opposed to the laws of langiiage, 
 especially of syntax ; unfitness ; absurdity. 
 
 Solemjiize, sollem-nize (French, solem- 
 niser). To perform with religious cere- 
 monies; to celebrate with ceremony and 
 respect ; to honour with particular rites ; 
 to make serious. 
 
 Sol-fa-ing, sol-fah-ing. In music, the 
 naming the notes of the gamut, ascending 
 or descending. 
 
 Solicitation, so-lissy-tayshun (Latin, 
 solicito, to ask). Earnest request ; impor- 
 tunity ; requesting a favour -with some 
 of earnestness : invitation. 
 
 Solicitor. In law, one who petitions or 
 solicits for another ; one who is permitted to 
 practice in the Court of Chancery, ia the 
 same manner as attorneys are allowed to 
 plead in other courts. 
 
 Solicitor-General. In England, an 
 officer of the Crown, who holds his office by 
 patent, and ranks next to the Attorney- 
 General, with whom he is associated in the 
 management of the legal business of the 
 Crown and the public offices. 
 
 Solicitude, so-lissy-tude (Latin, soli- 
 citudo). Anxiety; watchfulness; careful- 
 ness ; uneasiness of mind occasioned by the 
 fear of evil or the desire of good. 
 
 Solidarity, soUy-daiTy-ty (French, soli- 
 darite). A term implying such a consolida- 
 tion or union of interests as renders per- 
 
 sons jointly liable in property,- obligation, 
 &c. ; identity of interests. 
 
 Solidiiy, so-lidy-fi (Latin, solidzis, soHd, 
 facio, to make). To make solid or compact, t 
 
 Solifidian, soUy-fiddy-an (Latin, solzt^, 
 alone ; Jides, faith). One who maintains 
 that faith only, without works, is necessary 
 to justification. 
 
 Soliloquy, so-lillo-kwe (Latin, .tolus, 
 alone ; loquor, to speak). A reasoning or 
 discourse which a man holds rath himself ; 
 a written composition reciting what it is 
 supposed a person speaks to himself. 
 
 Solitaire, soliy-tare (French). A person 
 who lives in solitude ; a hennit ; a recluse. 
 
 Solivagant, so-liwa-gant (Latin, solus, 
 alone; vagor, to wander). "Wandering 
 about alone. 
 
 Solo, so-lo (Italian). A tune, air, or 
 strain to be played by a single instru- 
 ment, or sung by a single voice. 
 
 Solstice, sol-stis (Latin, sol, the sun ; 
 sto, to stand). In astronomy, a term applied 
 to the time when the sun is at the gi-eatest 
 distance from the equator, thus called be- 
 cause the luminary then appears to stand 
 still. The solstices are two in each year ; 
 the estival (summer) solstice, and the 
 hyemal (winter) solstice. The summer 
 solstice is when the sun is in the tror^ic of 
 Cancer, which is on the 21st of June, when 
 he makes the longest day. The winter 
 solstice is when the sun enters the first 
 degree of Capricorn, which is on the 22nd 
 of December, when the shortest day is ex- 
 perienced in the northern hemisphere. 
 
 Soluble, sollu-bl (Latin, soho, to melt). 
 Capable of being dissolved; that which 
 may be melted, or incorporated in a fluid. 
 
 Solve, solv (Latin, soho, to melt). Lite- 
 rally, to loosen ; to relax ; to disunite ; to 
 free from ; hence, to clear up ; to settle 
 doubts; to explain. 
 
 Solvent, sol-vent (Latin, soho, to melt). 
 Loosening the solidity ; melting ; releasing ; 
 having the power of dissolving or paying 
 debts. 
 
 Som.atist, sommah-tist (Greek, somay 
 body). In theology, one who admits tho 
 existence of corporeal or material beings 
 only. 
 
 Somatology, somah-toUo-jy (Greek, 
 soma, a body; logos, a discom-se). Tho 
 doctrine of material substances ; the priu- 
 ciples of materialism.. 
 
SOM 
 
 so:& 
 
 29-7 
 
 Sorabre, som-bur (Spanish, somhra, a 
 shade). Shady ; cloudy ; gloomy ; dull. 
 
 Somersault, summer-sawlt ) (Italian, 
 Somerset, summer-set ) sopras- 
 
 salto, from the Latin super, above ; salio, to 
 leap). A leap head over heels ; a leap in 
 which a person turns his body completely 
 over, and alights on his feet. 
 
 Somnam.bulism., som - nambu - Kzm 
 (Lat., somnus, sleep ; ambulo, to walk). A 
 term applied to the act or practice of walk- 
 ing in sleep, and also to a particular state in- 
 duced by what is termed animal magnetism. 
 
 Somniferou-S, som-niffy-rus (Latin, 
 sonimis, sleep ; fero, to bring). Causing or 
 inducing sleep ; soporific. 
 
 SomJiolenee, somno-lens ) (Lat., 5or/i- 
 
 Somnolency,somno-lensy j '/?,2(5, sleep). 
 
 Drowsiness; inclination to sleep ; intei'me- 
 
 diate state between sleep and wakefulness. 
 
 Sonata, so-nahtah (Italian, from sonare, 
 to sound). A solo for single instruments ; 
 it is usuallj'- a free composition for exhibit- 
 ing the composer's powers, without confin- 
 ing him within the rigid rules of counter- 
 point or measvire. 
 
 Sonnet, son-net (Latin, somes, a sound). 
 Literally, a little song; a short poem of 
 fourteen lines only; two stanzas of four 
 verses each, and two of three each, the 
 rhymes being adjusted by a pai-ticular nile. 
 
 Sonneteer, sonnet-eer. A writer of 
 sonnets; applied by way of contempt to 
 small poets. 
 
 Sonometer, so-nommy-tur (Latin, 
 sonv^, a sound ; metrum, a measure). An 
 instiiiment for measuring sounds, or the 
 intervals of sounds. 
 
 Sonorous, so-norus (Latin, sonus, 
 sound). Giving a full or loud sound; 
 possessing a clear, deep sound ; producing 
 sound. 
 
 Sootlisayer, sooth-sayur (Saxon, soih, 
 truth : and -sayer). Literally, one who says 
 or predicts the truth; one who foretells 
 future events ; a prognosticator. Among 
 the Romans, the Haruspices or Soothsayers 
 were at first held in some estimation ; but 
 their impositions being discovered, they 
 ■were looked upon with contempt. 
 
 Sop, sop (Saxon, sypan). Food soaked 
 in or made soft with liquid ; anything given 
 to pacify, so called from the sop given to 
 Cerberus. 
 
 Sopfa, sof. A title given in universities 
 to a student in his second year ; probably 
 
 from the Latin sopMsta, a sophist, a cavil- 
 ler. 
 
 SopMsm, sof-izm (Latin, sopMsmus). 
 A fallacious argument ; an argument which 
 carries with it the appearance of truth, 
 but leads a person into error; a subtle 
 fallacy. 
 
 Sophist, sof-ist (Latin, sophis(a). A 
 name originally given to philosophers, or 
 men remarkable for their wisdom ; next to 
 rhetoricians, and subsequently to such as 
 devoted their time to verbal niceties and 
 logical quibbles; hence, in modem lan- 
 guage, a captious or fallacious reasonsr. 
 
 Sophisticated, so-fisty-kayted. Adul- 
 terated ; not pure ; not genuine ; corrupt ; 
 perverted. 
 
 Sophistry, soflBs-tre. Fallacious reason- 
 ing; it is sometimes applied in a better 
 sense to the exercise 'of logic. 
 
 Soporific, soppo-riflB.k (Latin, sopor, 
 sleep ; fero, to bear or carry). Inducing 
 sleep ; tending to cause sleep ; a medicine 
 which causes sleep. 
 
 Soprano, so-prahno (Italian, supreme). 
 In music, the upper or treble part in com- 
 position ; also, the highest female voice. 
 
 Sorcery, sawrsur-ry. IMagic ; enchant- 
 ment ; witchcraft ; prediction by the pre- 
 tended aid of evil spirits. The word is 
 derived from Latin, sors, a lot, because lots 
 were used for the purpose. 
 
 Sordid, sawr-did (Latin, sordes, filth). 
 Primarily, filthy, foul, or dirty ; hence, 
 metaphorically, mean ; abject ; base ; 
 covetous ; fond of filthy lucre. 
 
 Sorites, so-rytez (Greek, soros, a heap). 
 In logic, an argument where one proposi- 
 tion is accumulated on another. 
 
 Sorner, sawm-ur. A term for one who 
 obtrudes himself upon another for bed and 
 board ; the word is derived from sorehon or 
 som, an arbitrary exaction of lodging and 
 entsrtainment from tenants in Ireland and 
 Scotland. 
 
 Sororicide, so-rory-side (Latin, soror, 
 a sister ; ccedo^ to kill). The murder of a 
 sister ; one who kills his sister. 
 
 Sorrel, sor-rel (French, saurer, to dry in 
 the smoke). A herb, so called from the 
 sourness of its taste ; also applied to a red- 
 dish, or faint red colour, as a sorrel horse. 
 
 Sortie, sawr-te (French, sortir, to issue). 
 A vigorous sally ; a sudden rushing forth ; 
 in military affairs, a secret movement of 
 attack made by strong detachments of troops 
 
298 SOE 
 
 from a besieged place, for the- piirpose of 
 destroying the enemy's works. 
 
 Sortilege, sawrty-lej (Latin, sors, a lot ; 
 lego, to select). The act or practice of 
 drawing lots ; originally, a species of divina- 
 tion performed through the medium of 
 drawing lots. 
 
 Sortition, sawr-tisshun (Latin, soriitio). 
 Appointment by lot ; selection by lot. 
 
 Sospiro, sos-piro (Italian, a sigh). In 
 music, the same as rest. 
 
 Sostenuto, sosty-newto (Itahan, sus- 
 tained). In music, a term used to denote 
 the sustaining of soiinds to their utmost 
 range; or the continuing of sounds, and 
 uniting them to each other. 
 
 Sothaic Period, so-thayik peery-ud. 
 A term employed in the calendar of the 
 .Egyptians and the Persians. Their year is 
 supposed to have comprised 365 days, so 
 that every f om- years they lost a day in the 
 solar year, and, after a period of 1.460 
 years, called l^e Sothaic I'eriod, the civil 
 and the solar years re-commenced at the 
 same time. The year was then made to 
 consist of 365 days, 6 hoiirs, and was 
 called the Sothic year, from Sothis, the dog- 
 star, at whose rising it commenced. 
 
 Sottish, sot-tish (Saxon, sot). Addicted 
 to intemperance ; stupefied by diink ; 
 senseless; duU; heavy. 
 
 SottoVoce, sot-to vo-chay (Italian, low 
 or imder voice). In music, soft or piano 
 voice ; moderate tone. 
 
 Sou, soo (French). A French coin, re- 
 presenting the twentieth part of a franc, 
 and answering to the English halfpenny 
 and the American cent. 
 
 SoueliorLg, soo-shong. The name of a 
 finer kind of black or Bohea tea. 
 
 Sough., suf, or sof (Saxon, soicgli). A 
 sewer or drain situated at the top of an em- 
 bankment for the pm-pose of conveying the 
 surface water to the side drain ; also, a 
 term apphed to the sighing or murmuring 
 sound, caused by the passage of the wind 
 through the trees. 
 
 Sound Dues. A toll or tribute levied 
 by the King of Denmark on all merchant 
 vessels passing the strait called the Sound, 
 which connects the North Sea with the 
 Baltic. 
 
 Sounding, sownd-ing. In navigation, 
 the operation of trying the depth of the 
 water, and the quality of the bottom, by a 
 line with a plummet at the end. 
 
 SPA 
 
 Source, sorse (French). Spring; 
 fountain-head ; original producer ; that 
 from which anything springs. 
 
 Souse, sowse (Dutch, souie). To steep 
 in salt and water ; to soak in brine ; to 
 plunge into any liquid; to fall into water 
 precipitately. 
 
 South, sowth. One of the cardinal 
 points, being that which is opposite to the 
 north ; the point of the horizon ninety de- 
 grees to the right of the point at which 
 the sun rises when in the equinoxes ; a 
 southern region, country, or place; pertain- 
 ing to or lying in the meridian towards the 
 sun. 
 
 South-east, sowth-eest. The point 
 equidistant between south and east. 
 
 Southerner, suthem-er. An inhabitant 
 or native of the south or southern states of 
 ihe North American Union. 
 
 Southron, suth-ron. A native or in- 
 habitant of the more southern part of a 
 country ; a term which the Scotch apply to 
 a native of England. 
 
 South-'w^est, sowth-west. The point 
 equidistant between south and west. 
 
 Souvenir, soov-neer (French). A keep- 
 sake ; a remembrance ; a memorial. 
 
 Sovereign, sower-in, or suwer-in 
 (French, souveraAn, from Latin, supernus, 
 supreme). Supreme in power ; a supreme 
 lailer ; one who possesses the highest autho- 
 rity ; a king ; a prince ; a ruler ; supremely 
 efficacious, as a sovereign remedy; pre- 
 dominant; principal; chief. Also, an 
 Enghsh gold coin, value twenty shillings. 
 
 Sovereignty, sower-inty, or suwcr- 
 inty. Supreme dominion ; supremacy ; the 
 highest rank, place, power, or excellence. 
 
 Sowans, so-anz. An article of food 
 made from oats, or from the husks of 
 oats. 
 
 Spa, spaw. A general denomination for 
 a mineral spring ; it is derived from a town 
 in the kingdom of Belgium, famous for its 
 mineral water. 
 
 Spalt, spawlt. Brittle ; cracked, as 
 timber. 
 
 Span, span (Saxon). The space from 
 one end of the thumb to the end of the 
 forefinger, when stretched to their utmost 
 extent ; as a measure, nine inches ; in a««- \ 
 tical language, a small hne, the middle ol i 
 which is attached to a stay. In architec- ; 
 ture, the extent of an arch between its piers ' 
 and abutment ; figuratively, a short extent 
 or space, as the span of life. 
 
SPA 
 
 SPE 
 
 999 
 
 Spandrel, spand-rel (Italian, spandere, 
 to spread). In architecture, the irregular 
 space between the curve of an arch and the 
 rectangle inclosing it. 
 
 Spaniel, span-yel. A variety of the 
 dog, introduced from Spain, remarkable for 
 its fondness and docUity ; hence, the word 
 is used for a fawning, obsequious person. 
 
 Spanker, spank-ur. In nautical lan- 
 guage, the aftermost sail of a ship or 
 barque. 
 
 Spar, spar. In mineralogy, a name 
 given to those earths, or crystaUisedminerals, 
 that have a shining lustre, and easUy break 
 into rhomboidal, cubical, and other forms ; 
 also, a small beam or rafter, especially a 
 round piece of timber used for the yards 
 and topmasts of ships. 
 
 Sparable, sparrah-bl (Saxon, sparran, 
 to fasten). Small naUs, especially such as 
 are used by shoe-makers. 
 
 Spargefaction, sparjy-fakshun (Latin, 
 spargo, to sprinkle). The act of sprink- 
 ling. 
 
 Sparse, sparse (Latin, sparsus, dis- 
 persed). Thinly scattered ; spread abroad. 
 In botany, not opposite ; not alternate ; not 
 in any regular order. 
 
 Spartan, spar-tan. Pertaining to 
 Sparta ; hence, hard ; heroic ; brave ; un- 
 daunted. 
 
 Spasm, spazm (Greek, spasmos, cramp). 
 Involuntary contraction of the muscles; 
 cramp; convulsion. 
 
 Spasmodic, spaz-moddik (Greek, spas- 
 mos, cramp). Convulsive ; resembling 
 spasms ; applied figuratively to an irregu- 
 lar style of composition, which breaks out 
 continually into rhapsodies, ejaculations, 
 &c. 
 
 Spatterdashes, spatter-dashes. Co- 
 verings for the legs, to protect them from 
 the wet and dirt. 
 
 Spatula, spattu-lah (Latin, spathula). 
 An apothecary's instrument for spreading 
 plasters. 
 
 Spavin, spav-in. A disease in horses, 
 generally consisting of a tumour on the leg, 
 producing lameness. 
 
 Special, spesh-al (Latin, species, a kind). 
 Particular ; peculiar ; chief ; denoting a 
 species ; designed for or applied to some 
 particular end or purpose. 
 
 Specialty, spesshal-ty. In law, a con- 
 tract, or the evidence of debt under a seal ; 
 u particular or peculiar case ; any pursuit 
 
 or employment to which a person particu- 
 larly devotes himself ; any especial ability 
 or aptitude. 
 
 Specie, spe-she (Latin, species, a kind). 
 Coined money ; metallic currency ; coin of 
 gold, silver, or other metal, as contradis- 
 tinguished from paper money. 
 
 Species, spe-shiz (Latin, specio, to see). 
 Literally, that which may be seen or is the 
 object of sight ; a collection of all the things 
 seen at one view ; that which is presented 
 to the eye ; a form or appearance. In na- 
 tural history, species signifies such indivi- 
 duals as are supposed to be descended from 
 a common stock, or which might have so 
 descended, characterised by one peculiar 
 form, but liable to vary, from the influence 
 of circumstances, only within certain nar- 
 row limits. In a general sense, sort, kind, 
 class, order. 
 
 Specific, spe-siffik ") (Fr., speci- 
 
 Specifieal, spe-siffik-al ) fique). That 
 which constitutes a thing of the species to 
 which it belongs ; distinguishing one from 
 another ; that which partic\ilarises or 
 specifies. In pharmacy, a specific is a 
 medicine which exercises a certain and 
 determinate influence on a particular dis- 
 ease ; a certain antidote against a given 
 complaint, 
 
 Spectac Gravity. Tho relative 
 weight of equal portions (as to bulk) of 
 different kinds of matter. 
 
 Specification, spessy-fe-kayshun. 
 Particidar mention ; distinct notation. In 
 architecture, a detailed account of the 
 materials and workmanship to be employed 
 in the erection of a bmldiiig. 
 
 Specious, spe-shus (Latin, speciosus). 
 Showy, or attractive to the view ; plausible, 
 though not strictly right ; appearing well 
 at first sight ; superficial; outwardly fair. 
 
 Spectacle, spektah-kl (Latin, specio, to 
 behold). A show ; an exhibition ; a gaz- 
 ing-stock ; anything shown publicly ; any- 
 thing exhibited to view as very remarkable. 
 
 Spectator, spek-taytur (Latin). A be- 
 holder ; one who looks on ; one present on 
 any occasion. 
 
 Spectre, spek-tur (Latin, specio, to be- 
 hold). An apparition ; a ghost ; a phan- 
 tom; the supposed appearance of any 
 person who is dead. 
 
 Spectrum, spek-trum (Latin, animage). 
 A visible form ; an image ; the image 
 formed on any white surface by a ray of 
 solar light passing through a small hole 
 into a dark chamber, when reflected by a 
 
300 
 
 SPE 
 
 SPI 
 
 triangulax glass prism. An ocular spectrum 
 is an image of a bright object, such as the 
 setting sun, which continues for some time 
 visible after the spectator has closed and 
 covered his eyes. 
 
 Speculate, spekku-late (Latin, speculor, 
 to view, tO'Contemplate). To view with the 
 mind ; to form or frame theories ; to look 
 forward to consequences ; to try, venture, 
 risk, or hazard ; to buy or sell with a pros- 
 pect Of profitable results. 
 
 Speculative, spekku-lativ (Latin, 
 speculor, to view). Given to vicAving things 
 mentally in their various aspects and re- 
 lations ; disposed to certain outlay for un- 
 certain advantages ; inclined to be venture- 
 some ; contemplative ; theoretical. 
 
 Speculum, speklvu-lum (Latin). A 
 mirror ; a metallic plate, highly polished, 
 which reflects images. 
 
 Spell, spel (Saxon, spel, a word). A 
 charm, consisting of some peculiar words of 
 occult power ; a tm-n of work. 
 
 SpeU-bound, spel-bound. Arrested 
 by a spell ; unable to act or move owing to 
 some powerful charm or secret influence. 
 
 Spelterjspel-tur (Dutch, spiawter'). The 
 commercial term for zinc. 
 
 Spendtlirift, spend-thrift {spend and 
 thrift). A prodigal; one who spends money 
 profusely or improvidently. 
 
 Sphere, sfeer (Greek, spJiaira). A 
 globe ; in geometry, a solid body contained 
 under a single surface, which in every part 
 is equally distant from a point called its 
 centre ; figuratively, a social circle ; a cir- 
 cuit of action, knowledge, &c. 
 
 Spherical, sferrik-al. ) Shaped like a 
 
 Spheric, sfer-ik. ) sphere; round; 
 
 globular. 
 
 Spheroid, sfe-royd (Greek, sphaira, a 
 globe ; eidos, Hkeness). A solid body ap- 
 proximating to the figm'e of a sphere, 
 but flattened at two opposite ends or poles. 
 
 Sphins, sfinks. In antiquity, an em- 
 blematical figure, composed of the head 
 and breasts of a woman, the wings of a 
 bh'd, the legs and claws of a Hon, and the 
 body of a dog ; and said to have been the 
 Egyptian symbol of theology. AIbo, a 
 fabulous monster of Thebes, which con- 
 tinued infesting the city, and devouring its 
 inhabitants, until such time as an enigma 
 which it propounded was solved. 
 
 Sphragistics,sfra-jistiks(Greek,spAra- 
 ^is, a seal). The science of seals, their 
 aistory, peculiarities, and distinctions. 
 
 Spieuiar, 
 
 dart. 
 
 spikku-lar. Resembling a 
 
 Spigot, spig-ot. A peg or pin to put 
 
 into a hole in a cask of liquor. 
 
 Spindle, spin-dl (Saxon, spindel). A 
 pin to form thread on ; anything of long 
 slender form ; in mechanics, a term synony- 
 mous with axis. 
 
 Spine, spine (Latin, spina). The back- 
 bone of an animal ; a thorn ; the prickly 
 ray of the fin of a fish. 
 
 Spinel, 1 spi-nel (French, spinelle). 
 
 Spinelle, J A mineral exhibiting 
 various shades of red, violet, or yellow, and 
 sometimes, though very rarely, black. 
 
 Spinet, spin-et (Italian, spinetto). A 
 musical name, thus called from spina, a 
 thorn or quUl, the tone being produced by 
 a crow's quill, inserted in the tongue of a 
 httle machine called a jack. 
 
 Spinning Jenny, spin-ning jen-ny. 
 A machine for spinning cotton or wool, 
 since superseded by the mule ; also called 
 spinning genie. 
 
 Spinous, spi-nus. Thorny; fuU of 
 spines ; armed with spines. 
 
 Spinster, spin-stur. Literally, a woman 
 who spins. In law, a maiden or unmarried 
 gui ; the common title for an unmarried 
 woman. 
 
 Spiracle, spirrah-kl, or spira-kl (Latin, 
 spiro, to breathe). A breathing-hole ; a 
 small apei-tm-e in animal and vegetable 
 bodies by which air or other fluid is exhaled 
 or inhaled ; any small aperture ; air ; a 
 vent. 
 
 Spiral, spi-ral (Latin, spira, a spire). 
 A curve of a circular kind, which in its 
 progress recedes from the centre ; winding 
 round a cylinder, at the same time rising or 
 advancing forward. 
 
 Spire, spire (Latin, spira, a spire). A 
 body shooting upwards to a point ; the top 
 or uppermost point; a winding, hke that of 
 a screw. In architecture, a steeple which 
 d'- Inishes as it ascends, either pyxamid- 
 ajy or conically. 
 
 Spirit, spir-it (Latin, spiritzis). Literally, 
 breath ; an immaterial substance ; an im- 
 material, intelligent being ; the soul of man ; 
 animal excitement, or the effect of it, as 
 life ; excitement of mind ; animation ; es- 
 sential quality ; anything eminently re- 
 fined; an apparition; an aerial being; 
 generally, ardour ; eager desire ; distilled 
 liquor. 
 
 tl 
 
SPI 
 
 SPO 
 
 JOi 
 
 Spirit Level. An instrument for as- 
 certaining the deviation of any surface 
 from the plane of the horizon. 
 
 Spiritoso, spirry-tozo \ (Italian, with 
 
 Spirito, spirry-to J spirit). In 
 music, a term denoting a spirited manner 
 of performing. 
 
 Spiritous, spirrit-us. Like spirit; 
 pure ; refined. 
 
 Spiritual, spirrit-yual (Latin, spiritu- 
 alis). Consisting of spirit; having or 
 partaking of the nature of a spirit; in- 
 corporeal ; pure ; not fleshy. 
 
 Spirituous, spirrit-u-us. Containing 
 spirit, or consisting of spirit ; ardent ; hav- 
 ing the quaUty of spirit ; fine ; pure ; 
 active ; lively ; gay ; vivid. 
 
 Spissitude, spissy-tude (Latin, spisd- 
 tudo). Crossness; thickness; thickness of 
 soft substances. 
 
 Spit, spit (Danish, spicT). A long piece 
 of iron on which meat is roasted ; a depth 
 of earth which may be pierced at once by a 
 spade ; a point of land running into the 
 sea; to put on to a spit; to thrust through. 
 
 Splay, splay. Displayed; spread; 
 'turned out. 
 
 Splay-footed, splay-foot-ed. Having 
 broad feet ; having the feet turned inwards. 
 
 Spleen, spleen (Greek, splen). In ana- 
 tomy, a part of the human body near the 
 stomach ; in its normal condition, it is al- 
 ways placed on the left side, in the left 
 hypochondrium, between the eleventh and 
 twelfth false ribs ; it was anciently sup- 
 i^osed to be the seat of anger, ill-humour, 
 and melancholy ; hence the term is used 
 synonymously with melancholy, vexation, 
 anger, &c. 
 
 Splenetic, splenny-tik. Full of spleen; 
 peevish ; a person afflicted with spleen. 
 
 Splice, spHse, In nautical language, to 
 join the ends of a rope together, or to unite 
 the end of a rope to any part thereof by 
 interweaving the strains in a reg-ular 
 manner. 
 
 Splint, splint ) (Dutch, splinter'). 
 
 Splinter, splint-ur ) A fragment split 
 off. In surgery, a long piece of wood, tin, 
 strong pasteboard, or the like, employed 
 for preventing the ends of broken bones 
 from moving, so as to interrupt the process 
 by which the fracture unites. 
 
 Spoil, spoyl (Latin, spolio). That which 
 is taken away, plundered, or piUaged ; any- 
 thing taken by violence ; booty secured by 
 a victorious army. 
 
 Spoke, spoke (Saxon, spaca). The baF 
 of a wheel, which, with others, is inserted 
 into the nave, and serves to support the 
 rim or felly. 
 
 Spokesman, spokes-man. One who 
 speaks for another ; one who is constituted 
 the mouth-piece of a deputation or body of 
 persons. 
 
 Spondee, spon-dee (Creek, sponde, a 
 libation). In Greek and Latin poetry, the 
 name of a foot containing two long syl- 
 lables; so called from its being originally 
 employed in the hymns simg in honour of 
 the gods during the offering up of a sacri- 
 fice. 
 
 Sponging house, spunj-ing howse. 
 The name for a lock-up house, or place of 
 security, belonging to the sheriff's officer, in 
 which persons arrested for debt are lodged 
 previous to being conveyed to prison, or 
 pending arrangements for the settlement of 
 the debtor's affairs. 
 
 Spongiole, spunjy-ole. In botany, an 
 organ situated at the extremity of the root, 
 and thus named from its sponge-like tex- 
 ture. It is by the spongioles being thus 
 situated that plants are able to absorb. 
 
 Sponsal, spon-sal (Latin, sponsalis). 
 Kelating to a marriage or to a spouse ; 
 hymeneal ; connubial ; nuptial. 
 
 Sponsion, spon-shun (Latin, sponsio). 
 The act of becoming sui-ety for another ; 
 in international law, an act or engagement 
 made on behalf of a state by an agent not 
 specially authorised, or exceeding the limits 
 of the authority under which it pm-ports to 
 be made. 
 
 Sponsor, spon-sur (Latin). One who 
 makes a promise or gives secui'ity for an- 
 other; a surety; a godicither; in baptism, a^ 
 sm-ety for the religious education of the 
 child baptised. 
 
 Spontaneous, spon-tany-us (Latin, 
 sponte, of one's own accord). Voluntary; 
 without compulsion or restraint ; acting 
 from internal feeling or impulse ; of free- 
 will or accord ; self-acting. 
 
 Spontoon, spon-toon (French, es- 
 pontOTi). A mihtary weapon, formerly borne 
 by infantry officers of a low rank ; a kind 
 of half pike. 
 
 Spool, spool (German, spule). A hollow 
 cylinder on which yam is wound. It is 
 larger than the pirn, on which yarn is 
 wound for the shuttle. 
 
 Spoonmeat, spoon-meet. A name 
 applied to any food eaten with a spoon. 
 
302 
 
 SPO 
 
 SQIT 
 
 Sporadic, spo-raddik ) (Gk., s^o- 
 Sporadical, spo-raddik-al ) radihos). 
 Dispersed; scattered. In pathology, an 
 epithet applied to diseases which are not 
 epidemic, but which occur here and there 
 from causes affecting only the individual. 
 
 Spore, spore \ (Greek, sporos. ) In 
 \ Sporiale, spor-ulej flowerless plants, 
 I; the organ of re-production, performing the 
 i functions of seeds. 
 
 \ Sport, spawrt. That which diverts and 
 / amuses ; especially, the diversions of the 
 
 field. 
 Sportive, spawr-tiv. Playful ; merry ; 
 
 frolicsome ; airy ; gay. 
 
 S.P. Q.R. In antiquity, an abbrevia- 
 tion of the words, Senatus Populus-que Ro- 
 manus, "the senate and the Roman people." 
 
 Spouse, spowz (Italian, sposo, sposa). 
 A familiar term for one united to another 
 in wedlock ; a husband or wife ; derived 
 from the Latin s])onsus, promised, be- 
 trothed. 
 
 Spray, spray (Saxon, sprcedan, to 
 spread). A small twig or shoot at the ex- 
 tremity of a branch or bough ; also, smaU. 
 drops of water scattered or dispersed by 
 the wind or the dashing of the waves. 
 
 Sprig, sprig. A smaU shoot or branch ; 
 figuratively applied to a junior member of 
 a noble family. 
 
 Spring, spring. One of the four seasons 
 or divisions of the year, so called because 
 vegetation then springs forth ; in common 
 language. Spring commences about the 1st 
 of February, and ends about the last day 
 of April. 
 
 Springe, sprinj (from spHng). A noose 
 made of horse-hair, or some other elastic 
 material, as a snare for birds, hares, rab- 
 bits, &c. 
 
 Spring-tide. A tide that follows the 
 new and full moon, being higher than the 
 ordinary tides. 
 
 Sprit, sprit, A small boom, pole, or 
 spar, which crosses the sail of a boat 
 diagonally, from themast to the upper after- 
 most comer, which it serves to extend and 
 elevate, A sprit sail is a sail so extended; 
 a sail attached to a yard which hangs over 
 the bowsprit. 
 
 Sprite, sprite (contraction of spint). A 
 spectre ; ghost ; apparition ; spirit ; also, 
 the name of an agile performer or tumbler. 
 
 Spry, spri. Lively ; active ; nimble ; 
 quick in movement or action. 
 
 Spud, spud (Greek, s;)3/cZ,^ a spear). A 
 short knife ; a tool resembling a chisel, for 
 destroying weeds ; a term applied in con- 
 tempt to anything short. 
 
 Spumous, spu-mus > (Latin 
 
 > (Latin, spuma^l 
 Spumy, spu-my J foam). Frothy » I 
 
 foamy ; consisting of froth or foam, 
 
 Spurious, spewry-us (Latin, spuntts). 
 Counterfeit ; not genuine ; unauthentic ; 
 illegitimate ; not lawfully begotten ; ficti- 
 tious; adulterated. 
 
 Spurn, spurn (Saxon, spuman). To 
 strike at or dash ; to push away ; to cast 
 off or throw away ; to reject with scorn ; 
 to refuse contemptuously; to treat wi " 
 indignity. 
 
 Spurt, spurt (Saxon, spuria). A suddei 
 gushing forth of liquid; figuratively, 
 sudden and short effort. 
 
 Squab, skwob (German, quobbel^fJ 
 plump, sleek). Anything fat and \inwieldy;j 
 short and fat ; thick and stout ; a stuffe ' 
 cushion ; a kind of sofa or couch. 
 
 Squabble, skwob-bl (Swedish, Hahla)Ji 
 A low brawl, or petty quarrel ; conten- 
 tion. 
 
 Squad, skwod. A military term ex- 
 pressing a small party of men who are 
 assembled for driU or inspection. 
 
 Squadron, skwod-rur (Latin, quadra, 
 a square). A body of soldiers formed into 
 a square ; a body of cavalry composed of 
 two troops; a part of a fieet; a detach- 
 ment of ships employed upon some expedi- 
 tion. 
 
 Squalid, skwol-id (Latin, squalidits). 
 Foul ; unclean ; covered with filth ; sur- 
 rounded by uncleanness, ,; 
 
 Squall, skwawl (Swedish, sqvail). In m 
 nautical language, a violent and sudden ^ 
 gast of wind. There are various kinds of 
 squalls ; the most remarkable is the ^eJiite 
 squall, which occurs usually near or within 
 the tropics, especially in the vicinity of 
 mountainous land. It generally blows with 
 great violence for a short time, and is liable 
 to happen when the weather is clear, without 
 any appearance in the atmosphere to in- 
 dicate its approach ; it is consequently very 
 dangerous. The only mark that accompanies 
 it is the white broken water on the surface 
 of the sea, which is torn up by the force of 
 the wind. 
 Squamous, skway-mus \ (Latin, squa- 
 Squamose, skway-moze ( ma, a scale). 
 Scaly ; haAing a resemblance to scales ; 
 covered with scales. 
 
 I 
 
 fi 
 
SQU 
 
 Squander, ^kwon-dur. (Ger. 
 den). To dissipate ; to spend money pro- 
 fusely ; to scatter ; to lavish ; to waste. 
 
 Square, skware (Frencli, qiiarre, or 
 carH, from Latin, quadra). Having four 
 equal sides, and as many angles ; forming 
 a right angle ; equal ; exact. In military 
 tactics, a formation of troops so as to pre- 
 sent four solid lines in front with a hollow 
 centre; a position usually taken up when 
 preparing to receive cavalry. 
 
 Square Measure. The squares of the 
 lineal measures. 
 
 Square ISTumber. The product of a 
 number multiplied by itself ; thus, 9 is the 
 square number of 3. 
 
 Square Rigged. An epithet applied 
 to a ship which has long yards, at right 
 angles with the length of the deck, in con- 
 tradistinction to sails extended obliquely 
 by stays or lateen yards. 
 
 Square Root. In arithmetic, a number 
 which, multiphed in itself, produces the 
 square number; thus 3 is the square root 
 of 9. 
 
 Square sails. In a ship, sails which 
 are extended by a yard, distinguished from 
 others extended by booms, stays, lateens, 
 and gaffs. 
 
 Squatter, skwot-tur. A name given to 
 one who squats or settles on waste land to 
 which he is not entitled. 
 
 Squa'W, skwaw. Among certain tribes 
 of American Indians, the name for a woman 
 or wife. 
 
 Squeamish, skweem-ish (probably from 
 qualmish). Fastidious ; dainty ; nice to 
 excess ; easily disgusted. 
 
 Squib, skwib (German, scliieben, to 
 thrust forward). A firework thrown in 
 the air or on the ground, and bursting with 
 a cracking noise ; a flash or spark emitted 
 or projected; metaphorically, a flash of 
 humour ; a petty lampoon ; a slight satire. 
 
 Squill, skwill (Latin, squilla). The sea- 
 onion. A plant with a large bulbous root, 
 growing upon the sandy shores of Spain 
 and the Levant. The root is one of the 
 naost powerful and efficacious remedies in 
 the materia medica. 
 
 Squire, skwire (contraction of esquire). 
 A title popularly given to a country gentle- 
 man, or one possessed of landed pro- 
 perty. 
 
 Squireareli3'-, skwire-arky. A term 
 sometimes applied to country gentlemen 
 'collectively; the power or social influence 
 
 STA 
 
 803 
 
 possessed by squires or country gentle- 
 men. 
 
 Stabat Mater (Lat., the mother stood). * 
 A celebrated Latin hymn, beginning with 
 these words. 
 
 Stability, sta-billit-e (Latin, sto, to 
 stand). Firmness ; steadiness ; fixedness 
 of aim or purpose ; constancy. 
 
 Staccato, stak-kah-to (Italian, separa- 
 ted). In music, a direction that the notes to 
 which it is affixed are to be detached in a dis- 
 tinct and striking manner from each other. 
 
 Stadium, staddy-um (Greek, stadion). 
 An ancient Grecian measure of length, con- 
 taining 125 geometrical paces, or 625 Eoman 
 feet, nearly corresponding to the English 
 furlong. Also, a race-course for men and 
 horses, and the ground on which the 
 wrestlers and athletse exercised. 
 . Stadtholder, stat-hole-dur (Dutch, 
 stadhouder, city-hold er ) . Formerly the title 
 of the chief magistrate of the united pro- 
 vinces of Holland; the governor or 
 lieutenant-governor of a province. 
 
 Staff", stahf. In military affairs, an es- 
 tablishment of officers in different regiments, 
 attached to an army, or attendant upon the 
 commander of an army. The staff usually 
 includes officers not of the line, as ad- 
 jutants, quarter-masters, chaplains, sur- 
 geons, &c. The stafif is the medium of 
 communication from the commander-in- 
 chief to every department of the army. In 
 music, the five lines upon which the notes 
 are written. 
 
 Stage, staje. In the drama, that part 
 of the theatre upon which plays are re- 
 presented; the term is also used in a 
 general sense to imply the theatrical pro- 
 fession, theatrical compositions, and thea- 
 trical matters, interests, and relations. In 
 travelling by road, a place of rest, or a 
 point of the journey where a change of 
 horses takes place. A time or period of 
 progress in human affairs, or in any under- 
 taking or performance. A degree in mental 
 advancement towards any knowledge, art, 
 or excellence. 
 
 Stage-coach. A coach which runs 
 regularly between certain places, and at 
 stat'ed times, to convey passengers. 
 
 Stager, staje-ur. A familiar term for 
 one who has been long on the stage of life ; 
 an old practitioner. 
 
 Staggers, stag-gers. In farriery, & 
 disease of horses, cows, and sheep. It is 
 said to be a kind of apoplexy, in which the 
 animal reels or staggers. 
 
304 
 
 STA 
 
 STA 
 
 Stagirite, ) stajjy-rite. An appellation 
 . Stagyrite, j" given to Aristotle, from 
 Stagira, a town in Macedonia, the place of 
 his birth. 
 
 • StagH-ation, stag-nayshun (Latin, siag- 
 nare, to stand). A state of immobility ; 
 cessation or absence of motion ; want of 
 activity in trade and commerce. 
 
 Staid, stade (from stay'). Sober; 
 steady; grave in deportment or demean- 
 our ; not volatile, fickle, or fanciful. 
 
 Stake, stake. A pointed piece of 
 timber to be set in the ground for the 
 purpose of forming a support or fence ; the 
 post to which persons who suffered martyr- 
 dom were secured — hence, synonymous 
 with martyrdom ; money, &c., pledged or 
 paid down by way of wager. 
 
 Stalactite, sta-laktite (Greek, stalasso, 
 to drop). A crystalline spar formed into 
 oblong, conical, round, or in-egular bodies, 
 composed of various crusts, and usually 
 hanging in the form of icicles from the roofs 
 of grottoes, caves, &c. 
 
 Stalagmite, sta-lagmite (Greek, stal- 
 agmium, a drop). A deposit of calcareous 
 or earthy matter formed by water impreg- 
 nated with carbonate of lime, kc, in 
 dnopping on the floor of a cavern. 
 
 Stalking-liorse, stawk-ing-hawrse. A 
 horse, real or fictitious, made use of by 
 fowlers to shelter themselves from the sight 
 of the game they desire to capture ; hence, 
 applied figui-atively to a person employed 
 as a tool, or to a pretence or mask by which 
 one attempts to conceal his real designs. 
 
 Stall, stawl (Saxon). A stand or station ; 
 the place in which horses or cattle stand ; 
 a place upon which or in which articles are 
 exposed for sale ; in a cathedral, the seat 
 appropriated in the choir to certain ranks 
 of the clergy. In theatres and places of 
 piiblic entertainment, a seat partitioned 
 off and set apart for one person's occupa- 
 tion. 
 
 Stall-fed, stawl-fed. A term applied 
 to cattle fed or fattened in a stable. 
 
 Stalwart, stol-wurt (Saxon, stoelweortlie, 
 worth the stealing, or taking). Conspicuous 
 for strength and bravery ; bold ; valiant ; 
 daring ; possessing prowess. 
 
 Stamen, stay-men (Latin, a filament). 
 In botany, the male organ of plants, formed 
 generally with the corolla, near the pistil, 
 consisting of two parts, the filament and 
 the anther 
 
 Stam.ina, stammy-nah (Latin, stamen, 
 \ filament or thread). The thread of life ; 
 
 the first principles of anything; the solids 
 of a human body; whatever constitutes 
 the chief support or strength of any- 
 thing. 
 
 Stam.p, stamp (Dutch, stampen). An 
 impress or mark ; a distinguishing cha- 
 racteristic ; reputation, either good or evil ; 
 authority ; currency ; cast ; form. 
 
 Stampede, stam-peed. ) A term de- 
 
 Stam.pedo, stam-peedo. j noting a sud- 
 den fright or panic among a herd of cattle, 
 which causes them to run away ; hence, 
 applied to a rush of persons from any 
 place. 
 
 Stanch., stantsh (French, etancker, from 
 Latin, stagiiare, to stand). To stay or stop 
 from flowing, as blood from a wound; to 
 cease to flow. See also Staunch.. 
 
 Standard, stand-ard (Saxon). A rule 
 or measure ; a rate ; a test ; a criterion ; 
 that which is established or permanently 
 fixed. In military affairs, an ensign of 
 war ; a staff with a flag and colom-s, around 
 which the soldiers are supposed to take 
 their stand. In horticulture, a term used 
 to distinguish trees from the dwarf kind, 
 or from such as are trained against walls. 
 
 Standish, stand-ish. A receptacle for 
 pens and ink to stand in. ^ 
 
 Stannary, stannar-ry (Latin, stamim, 
 tin). A tin mine ; the tin mines of a dis- 
 trict ; the royal rights in respect to such 
 location of mines. The Stannary Courts, 
 in the counties of Cornwall and Devon, 
 are held before the lord-warden and his 
 deputies, in virtue of a privilege granted 
 to the workers in the tin mines, there to 
 sue and be sued in their own courts, that 
 they may not be drawn from their business. 
 
 Stanza, stanz-ah (Italian, a stand or 
 station). A number of grave verses, con- 
 taining some perfect sense, terminating in 
 a pause. There are stanzas of four, six, 
 eight, ten, or twelve verses. Also, a part 
 of a poem containing every variation of 
 measui'e or relation in that poem. 
 
 Staple, stay-pl (Saxon, stapel, a stake). 
 A settled mart or market; the original 
 material of a manufactm'e ; the principal 
 commodity or production of a country or 
 district; settled; estabhshed in commerce. 
 
 Starboard, star-borde. In nautical 
 language, the right side of a ship, when a 
 person stands with his face turned towards 
 the head or prow. 
 
 Star Chamber. Formerly a court of 
 criminal jurisdiction in England, so called 
 
 (i 
 
STA 
 
 STE 
 
 305 
 
 rrom its roof being decorated with stars. 
 This court was empowered to decide upon 
 that class of offences respecting which 
 the law was silent; it also passed judgment 
 without the intervention of a jury. This 
 court was abolished in the time of Charles 
 the First. 
 
 Stark, stark (Saxon, stei'c). Strong; 
 firm ; confirmed ; completely established ; 
 absolutely; wholly; entirely. 
 
 Starveling, starv-ling. One who is 
 hungry and emaciated, and pining from 
 want ; an animal or plant in a perishing con- 
 dition, through want of proper nutrition. 
 
 Stasis, stay-sis (Greek, stasis, standing). 
 In pathology, stagnation of the blood or 
 ainimal humours. 
 
 Statesman, statze-man. One versed 
 in the art of governing a state or country ; 
 one entrusted with the conduct of public 
 affairs. 
 
 Static, stat-ik \ (Greek, statiJce). 
 
 Statical, stattik-alj" Relating to the 
 state of bodies at rest or in equilibrium ; 
 resting ; acting by the force of weight. 
 
 Station, staysh-un (Latin, sto, to stand). 
 A stand or standing ; a place or position ; 
 situation ; condition ; post or office assigned 
 or occupied ; rank or condition of life ; a 
 miHtary post ; the post or rendezvous of a 
 police force ; a place on railways for the 
 reception of passengers and goods. 
 
 Stationary, stayshun-ary (Latin, sto, 
 to stand). Fixed; not progressive; not 
 moving. In astronomy, an epithet applied 
 to the appearance of a planet, when it seems 
 to remain on the same point of the zodiac 
 for several days. 
 
 Stationery, stayshun-ery. A term 
 used to denote paper, pens, ink, and writ- 
 ing materials and implements of all de- 
 scriptions. The term is supposed to be 
 derived from the custom which prevailed 
 formerly of exposing these articles for sale 
 upon stalls, or stations, at fairs and other 
 places of public resort. 
 
 Statistician, stat-is-tisshun (Latin, 
 status, condition). A person who makes 
 the science of statistics his study ; one who 
 is employed in collecting r Jitistics. 
 
 Statistics, sta-tistiks (Latia, status, 
 condition). In political economy, the 
 science which determines the condition of 
 a country, in reference to its extent, popu- 
 lation, industry, wealth, power, &c. ; 
 applied generally to any collection of facts, 
 or details gleaned from actual things. 
 
 Statuary, stattu-ary (Latin, statuarCus). 
 The art of forming images or statues; 
 especially one who copies sculpture or 
 moulds images. 
 
 Statue, stat-yu (Latin, siatua, from 
 statuo, to set). An image ; a carved repre- 
 sentation of a hving being; a figure of 
 metal, stone, or wood. 
 
 Statuette, stattu-et. A small statue, 
 not exceeding half the natural size of a 
 figure. 
 
 Statu quo, stat-yu kwo (Latin). A 
 Latin expression, signifying the former 
 state of anything ; the condition or position 
 in which things were. Status quo, or status 
 quo ante helium, is a phrase used in speaking 
 of beUigerent powers, when they agree, as a 
 preliminary of peace, to restore their con- 
 quests, or to return to that condition in 
 which the parties respectively stood before 
 the commencement of hostilities. 
 
 Stature, stat-yur (Latin, statura). The 
 height of any animal, especially of man. 
 
 Status, stay-tus (Latin). Position ; 
 state or condition of a thing; place or 
 station in society. 
 
 Statute, stat-yute (Latin, statuo, to set 
 or fix). A law enacted by the legislature of 
 a state, to be observed by aU the subjects 
 of that state ; as distinguished from an act 
 which relates only to an individual or 
 section of the commimity. The term 
 statute is also applied to an act of a cor- 
 poration or of its founder, intended as a 
 permanent rule or law. 
 
 Staunch, stantsh (French, itancher). 
 Firm ; upholding ; supporting in need ; 
 steadfast. 
 
 Stave, stave (from staff). A thin, nar- 
 row piece of wood used in the constructiom 
 of casks ; a staff, or metrical series, so dis- 
 posed that when it is concluded, the same 
 order begins again. 
 
 Stay, stay (Spanish, estado). In the 
 rigging of a ship, a long rope employed to 
 support the mast, by being extended from 
 its upper end to the stem of the ship. 
 Stays, in seamanship, also implies the 
 operation of going about, or changing the 
 course of a ship, with a shifting cA *Jio 
 sails. 
 
 Stead, sted (Saxon, stede^ Primarily, 
 place ; the position of another ; to stansk 
 in stead, to be of great use and ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 Steak, stake. A slice of flesh fried (it 
 broiled. 
 
306 
 
 STB 
 
 STE 
 
 Stealth, stelth. The act of stealing; 
 theft ; secret act ; clandestine practice ; 
 unperceived means employed to accomplish, 
 a purpose or gain an object. 
 
 Steed, steed (Saxon, steda). A horse ; 
 a horse for state or war. 
 
 Steelyard, steel-yard. A description 
 of balance consisting of a short arm, from 
 which a required weight is suspended, and 
 a long graduated arm, to which an invari- 
 able movable weight is attached. Equi- 
 librium is attained when the weights are 
 reciprocally proportioned to their distances 
 from the points of suspension. 
 
 Steep, steep (German, stippert). To 
 soak ; to macerate ; to imbue. 
 
 Steer, steer (Saxon, steor). A young 
 ox of the male kind. 
 
 Steerage, steer-aje (Saxon, sieoran). 
 The act or practice of directing or govern- 
 ing in a course ; direction ; regulation ; 
 management ; that by which any course is 
 guided ; an apartment in the fore part of 
 a ship for the accommodation of the inferior 
 passengers, 
 
 Steganography, stegga-noggrah-fy 
 (Greek, steganos, covered; grapko, to 
 write). The art of writing in cypher. 
 
 Stellar, stel-lar | (Latin, stella, a 
 Stellary, stella-ry j star). Relating to 
 the stars ; full of stars ; set with stars. 
 
 Stelography, ste-loggrah-fy (Greek, 
 stele, a pillar ; grapho, to write). The art 
 of inscribing or writing characters on 
 pillars. 
 
 Stem, stem (Saxon, stemn). To stand 
 firmly against; to keep way steadily 
 against ; to oppose progress. 
 
 Stencil, sten-sil. Among artists, a thin 
 piece of parchment, pasteboard, or metal, 
 on which the outlines and general forms of 
 any figures are cut out ; this plate is then 
 laid upon plain paper, and the colour being 
 passed through with a brush, imparts a 
 delineation of the figure to the material 
 beneath. -• 
 
 Stenography, -ste-noggrah-fy (Greek, 
 stenos, secret ; grapho, to write). Short- 
 hand writing ; the art of writing in short- 
 hand, in which signs and characters are 
 used for whole words. 
 
 Stentorian, sten-tory-an. Extremely 
 loud ; able to utter a very loud sound ; 
 having a very loud voice. From Stentor, 
 the name of a herald mentioned by Homer, 
 whose voice was said to be as loud as the 
 ^-.Uof^ yrn\aefi of fiftv men. 
 
 Step-brother. A brother-in-law, or 
 by marriage. 
 
 Step-father. A father-in-law ; a father 
 by marriage only. 
 
 Step-mother. A mother-in-law ; a 
 mother by marriage only. 
 
 Steppes. A name given to plains o»* 
 level wastes of land, destitute of trees, in 
 some places covered with long, rank grass, 
 in others sandy and barren ; and presenting 
 an intermediate character between deserts 
 and prairies. They are common in Russia, 
 and in some parts of Asia. 
 
 Ster. A termination of several words 
 in the Enghsh language, derived from the 
 Saxon, steoran, to rule, to direct, and still 
 retaining the significance of guidance, 
 direction, &c., as in minister, maltster , 
 songster. 
 
 Stereography, stery-oggrah-fy (Gk.,^ 
 stereos, a solid ; grapho, to write). The art 
 of dravring the forms of solid bodies on a 
 plane. 
 
 Stereometry, sterry-ommy-tre (Greek, | 
 stereos, solid ; metron, measure). The art 
 of measuring sohds, or the finding the 
 cubic contents of bodies. 
 
 Stereoscope, steery-o-skope (Greek, 
 stereos, solid ; skopeo, to view). An optical 
 instrument adapted to both eyes, for com- 
 bining two corresponding pictures or 
 projections of an object, so as to exhibit it 
 in relief, or as the object itself would 
 appear to each eye respectively. 
 
 Stereotype, steery-o-tipe (Greek, ste- 
 reos, fixed ; typos, type, form). Literally, 
 a fixed metal type ; hence, a plate cast from 
 a mould of a composed page ; the art of 
 making plates of fixed metallic types for 
 printing books ; figuratively, any set form 
 of speech, or phrase, repeatedly used to 
 convey the same meaning or sentiment. 
 
 Sterile, ster-il (Latin, sterilis). Barren ; 
 unproductive; unfruitful; not producing 
 vegetation or crops. 
 
 Sterling, ster-ling. In Enghsh com- 
 merce, a term apphed to money when it 
 is of the fixed, or national, or standard 
 value; as a "pound sterhng," meaning 
 an English pound, not a pound indefinitely. 
 The derivation of this word is from Easter- 
 ling, or native of the East ; in reference to 
 certain coiners who were invited from the 
 eastern part of Germany into England for 
 the purpose of coining English money, 
 such coinage being thenceforward denomi- 
 nated easterling, esterling, sterling. The 
 word sterling possesses also a still wider 
 
 
STS 
 
 application, denoting genuineness and ex- 
 cellence of quality, as sterling value, sterling 
 worth, sterling wit, &c. 
 
 Stern, stern (Saxon, steam). The hind 
 part of a ship or boat, where th© rudder is 
 placed ; the hind part of anything. 
 
 Sternutation, stemu-tayshun (Latin, 
 sternuto, to sneeze often). A convulsive 
 shaking of the nerves and muscles, oc- 
 casioned by an irritation of the nostrils ; 
 the act of sneezing. 
 
 Stertorous, sterto-rus (Latin, sterio, to 
 snore). Breathing heavily ; snoring ; a 
 noisy kind of respiration, observable in 
 cases of apoplexy. 
 
 Stethoscope, stettho-skope (Greek, 
 stethos, the breast ; skopeo, to examine). In 
 medicine, a tubular instrument for discover- 
 ing by sound the minutest variations from 
 the healthy standard. This is done by the 
 physician applying the instrument to the 
 chest or stomach, and putting his ear to 
 the narrow end. 
 
 Stevedore, steevy-dore. One whose 
 occupation is ta load or unload vessels in 
 port. 
 
 Ste"ward, stew-ard (Saxon, stede, place ; 
 tmrd, guardianship). One who manages 
 the affairs of another ; a superintendent 
 or manager of the household or estate of 
 another ; one employed to collect rents or 
 dues, keep accounts, &c. An officer of 
 state of high rank and trust ; in colleges 
 and some other public institutions, an 
 officer who provides the food and super- 
 intends the culinary department. 
 
 Sthenic, sthe-nik (Greek, sthenos, 
 strength). In pathology, an epithet applied 
 to diseases in general which arise from ex- 
 cessive excitement. 
 
 Stigma, stig-mah (Greek). A brand 
 made with a heated iron; a mark of in- 
 famy ; anything which destroys reputation. 
 In botany, the upper part of the pistil, 
 which collects the granules of pollen upon 
 its surface, and transmits their influence to 
 other parts of a plant. 
 
 Stiletto, ste-letto (Italian, diminutive of 
 stilo, a dagger). A small dagger, with a 
 sharp point and a rounded edge ; an instru- 
 ment with which eyelet holes are made. 
 
 Still, stil. The name of the principal 
 vessel in which distillation is conducted ; 
 stUls are of various forms, the simplest of 
 which consists of a retort and receiver. 
 The term is commonly derived from Latin, 
 ttillo, to drop. 
 
 STI 
 
 307 
 
 Still-born, stil-bawm. Dead at the 
 birth; born lifeless ; abortive; figuratively 
 applied to any literary or other production 
 which attracts no notice or attention, and 
 of the existence of which the public is un- 
 aware. 
 
 Still-iife. In painting, a term applied 
 to that class of pictures representing fruit, 
 flowers, groups of furniture, or a variety of 
 other articles which generally form adjuncts 
 to a picture only, and none of which have 
 animate existence. 
 
 Stimulant, stimmu-lant (Latin, stimido, 
 to excite). Anything which induces excite- 
 ment ; that which incites, or acts as a spur 
 or goad ; a thing which inclines to action 
 by some forcible motive. In pathology, a 
 medicine calculated to excite or stimulate 
 the organic action of the various systems of 
 the animal economy. 
 
 Stimulus, stimmu-lus. Anything which 
 excites and tends to action, especially as 
 regards mental energy and moral excel- 
 lence. 
 
 Stipend, sti-pend (Latin, stiioa, money; 
 pendeo, to hang or weigh). Originally, the 
 money given to the Eoman soldiers as pay, 
 and weighed out to them ; with us it denotes 
 money paid for the fulfilment of an engage- 
 ment ; settled remuneration for services ; 
 wages or salary, especially the annual salary 
 of a clergyman. 
 
 Stipendiary, sti-pendy-ary. Receiv- 
 ing settled pay; performing services for 
 stated wages or salary. 
 
 Stippling, stip-ling. A mode of en- 
 graving on copper by means of dots, as 
 contradistinguished from engravings in 
 continuous lines ; also, the mode of drawing 
 by putting on tints and shadows of black- 
 lead or crayon by means of a piece of 
 coiled paper charged with pigment. 
 
 Stipulate, stippu-late. To settle 
 terms ; to contract ; to bargain ; to make 
 an agreement or covenant to perform or to 
 forbear something. The word is derived 
 from the Latin, stipula, a straw, because 
 formerly, in making a sale, a straw was 
 given to the purchaser in sign of a real 
 delivery — a custom said to be still retained 
 in some parts of France. The custom was 
 for the two parties to break a straw between 
 them, and each take his moiety, which they 
 afterwards re-joined, to recognise theirpro- 
 mise. 
 
 Stipule, stip-ule (Latin , stipula). In 
 botany, a leafy appendage to proper leaves 
 or their footstalks. The stipulse often beara 
 a strong resecablance to real leaves.^ 
 
STI 
 
 STR 
 
 Stirrup, stir-imp (Saxon, siirge-rapa, 
 step-rope). A kind of ring, horizontal on one 
 side, to receive the foot of the rider, and 
 attached to a strap which is fastened to the 
 saddle. In ships, stirrups are short ropes, 
 having their upper ends plaited and nailed 
 around the yards, and eyes made to their 
 lower ends ; the name of stirrup is also given 
 to a piece of timber put under the keel 
 •when some part of it is lost. 
 
 Stiver, sti-vur. A Dutch coin, equal to 
 about a halfpenny in value. It is also a 
 money of account in Holland and Flanders. 
 
 Stoccade, stok-kade> (Itahan, stocco). 
 
 Stockade, stok-ade j In fortification, 
 a sharp stake or post sunk in the earth ; 
 also, a barrier or fence made with such 
 stakes. 
 
 Stock, stok. A general term for the 
 commodities of trade ; a fixed or perma- 
 nent source of supply. In agriculture, the 
 domestic animals or beasts belonging to a 
 farm ; in commerce, a term denoting any 
 sum of money which has been lent to 
 Government on condition of receiving a 
 certain interest tiU the principal be re- 
 paid ; a fund raised by a public company. 
 
 Stock Broker. One who deals in pur- 
 chase and sale of stocks or shares in the 
 public funds for others. 
 
 Stock Dove. The name given to the 
 wild pigeon of Europe, long considered as 
 the stock of the domestic pigeon, but now 
 regarded as a distinct species. 
 
 Stock Exchange. The place or build- 
 ing where the pubhc stock is bought and 
 sold. 
 
 Stock-fish. The cod-fish dried, but 
 not salted. 
 
 Stock-jobber. One who speculates in 
 the funds, by buying or selling in anticipa- 
 tion of fluctuations which may occur in the 
 course of events. 
 
 Stoic, sto-ik (Greek, stoihos, from stoa, 
 a porch in Athens where Zeno taught). A 
 tOTm applied to one who affects insensibility 
 to either pain or pleasure, and who regards 
 with indifference that which moves the 
 passions ordinarily. The Stoics were a sect 
 of philosophers among the ancient Greeks, 
 followers of Zeno, who taught that men 
 should be free from passion, unmoved by 
 joy or grief, and submit without murmuring 
 to the inevitable necessity imposed by Fate. 
 
 Stoker, stoke-ur. One who attends to 
 the fire of a steam-engine or a brew- 
 house. 
 
 Stole, . stole (Latin, stola). A long vest 
 or robe ; a garment worn by the priests of 
 some denominations when they oflBciate. 
 Groom of the stole is an oflBcer of the royal 
 household and first lord of the bed-chamber. 
 His title is derived from the long robe worn 
 by the sovereign upon solemn or state 
 occasions. 
 
 Stolid, stol-id (Latin, stolidus). Stupid ; 
 dull ; f ooHsh ; passive ; wanting in energy ; 
 unimpassioned. 
 
 Stomaclier, stumma-tshur. Some-J 
 thing worn on the breast as an ornament ;| 
 an ornamental covering worn by women oi 
 the breast. 
 
 Stomachic, stum-akik (Greek, stoinA 
 achihos, pertaining to the s<x)mach). AJ 
 medicine or cordial tending to correct orj 
 invigorate the stomach. 
 
 Stomata, stom-ahtah (Greek). InJ 
 botany, passages through the epidermis ofj 
 plants, regarded as spiracles or breathing- 
 pores. 
 
 Stomatic, stom-attik (Greek, stoma, 
 the mouth). A medicine or application 
 calculated to cure diseases of the mouth. 
 
 Storthing, stort-ing. The parliament 
 of Norway, elected once in three years. 
 
 Stoup, stoop (Saxon, stoppa, a pot or 
 flagon). A word commonly applied in 
 Scotland to vessels for liquids ; in Roman 
 Catholic churches, the basin containing the 
 holy water placed in a niche at the entrance. 
 
 Stow, sto (Saxon, a place). To lay in 
 order and close ; to store up ; to pack or 
 put away; to put in a suitable place or 
 position. 
 
 Strabismus, stra-bismus (Latin, straha, 
 a squint-eyed person). Squinting ; a 
 distortion of one or both of the eyes, 
 whereby the pupU is turned from, instead 
 of being directed towards objects. 
 
 Straddle, strad-dl (Saxon, stredan, to 
 scatter or spread). To stand or walk wide, 
 or with the legs far apart. 
 
 Strait, strata (Latin, strictum). In 
 geography, a narrow pass of the ocesn, 
 through which the water flows from one 
 sea to another; metaphorically restricHd, 
 means narrow circumstances, distress _; *x 
 difficulty. 
 
 Strand, strand (Saxon). Sea-beach or 
 shore ; verge of the sea or of any navigable 
 river ; also, one of the plaits or parts of 
 which a rope is composed. 
 
 Stranded, strand-ed. The situation of 
 a ship when driven ashore, or lying aground. 
 
 (I 
 
STE 
 
 Strangulation, strangu-layshun (Lat., 
 strangulo). Suffocation; pressure upon the 
 windpipe, so as to cause choking ; the act 
 of strangling; figuratively, suppression; 
 preventing anything from appearing or 
 coming into existence. 
 
 Strappado, strap-paydo (Italian, strap- 
 pare, to pull). A military punishment 
 formerly practised ; it consisted in draw- 
 ing an offender to the top of a beam and 
 letting him fall, by which means a iimb was 
 occasionally dislocated. 
 
 Strata, stray-tah (Latin, plural of stra- 
 turn, a bed). Beds or layers of different 
 kinds of earth ; the thacker layers of 
 mineral matter forming the crust of the 
 globe. 
 
 Stratagem, stratta-jem (Greek, stratos, 
 an army ; ago, to lead). An artifice or trick 
 by which a person is deceived ; a scheme by 
 which some advantage is sought to be 
 obtained. 
 
 Strategy, stratty-jy (Greek, stratos, an 
 army ; ago', to lead). The science of 
 military command ; the different means of 
 conducting all the operations of war. 
 
 Strenuous, strennu-us (Latin, strenmis). 
 Energetic; bold; active; zealous; eagerly 
 pressing, or urgent. 
 
 Stress, stress (Saxon, strece, violence). 
 Force ; violence ; importance ; weight. I'o 
 lay a stress ujpon, to rest or rely on ; to lay 
 an emphasis on any particular word or 
 sentence. 
 
 Striate, stri-ate. ) Channelled ; 
 
 Striated, stri-ayted. ) formed into 
 channels. In botany, streaked, marked, or 
 scored vrith superficial or very slender lines. 
 
 Stricken, strik-en (from strike). 
 Struck; smitten; advanced; worn; far 
 gone. 
 
 Stricture, strik-ture (Latin, strictus, to 
 bind), A binding closely ; hard pressure ; 
 figuratively, a pressing hard upon with 
 critical remarks ; rigorous observation ; 
 censure. 
 
 Stridulous, striddu-lus (Latin, strid- 
 ulus). Making a small harsh sound or 
 creaking noise ; creaking ; cracking. 
 
 Strigose, stri-gose (Latin, strigosus, 
 lank, lean). Covered or set with stiff 
 bristles. 
 
 Stringent, strin-jent (Latin, stringo, to 
 bind). Binding; contracting; rigorous; 
 admitting no relaxation ; harsh ; severe. 
 
 Stripling, strip-ling. A youth; a lad; 
 a young tree. 
 
 STtr 
 
 309 
 
 Strong-hold. A fortress, fort, or 
 fortified placo; figuratively, any circum- 
 stance which strengthens a position or 
 supports a claim. 
 
 Strop, strop. An implement for sharpen- 
 ing knives, razors, &c. ; usually consist- 
 ing of a block of wood with a surface of 
 leather, or other material. 
 
 Strophe, stro-fe, or strof-e (Greek, 
 strepho, to turn). In Greek poetry, a 
 stanza, the first member of a poem ; so 
 called because the singers turned in one 
 direction while they recited that portion of 
 the poem. 
 
 Structure, struk-ture (Latin, siruo, to 
 build). In its general sigmficance, a 
 building of some size and importance ; act 
 or manner of building ; form ; construc- 
 tion ; internal constitution or organisation. 
 
 Strumous, stru-mus (Latin, struma, 
 scrofula). Affected with scrofula ; having 
 swellings in the glands. 
 
 Strychnia, strik-neah. ) In chemis- 
 
 Strychnyne, strik-nine. j" try, an al- 
 kaline substance obtained from the fruit of 
 the strychnos rmx vomica and strychnos 
 ingatia. It is a white substance, crystallised 
 in very small foiu'-sided prisms, and ex- 
 cessively bitter ; it acts upon the stomach 
 with violent energy, inducing lock-jaw, and 
 destroying life. 
 
 Stubble, stub-bl (Dutch, stoppel). The 
 lower portion of the stalks of corn remain- 
 ing in the ground after the corn has been 
 reaped. 
 
 Stucco, stuk-ko (Spanish, estuco). A 
 substance used for the surface of walls, in 
 the construction of ornaments for buildings 
 and other purposes. It is composed of 
 white marble, pulverised with plaster of 
 lime, and mixed with water, forming a 
 ductile paste. 
 
 Stud, stud (Saxon, stod). In building, a 
 small piece of timber or joint inserted in 
 the sUls and beams between the posts, to 
 support the beams or other main timbers ; 
 an ornamental button for the shirt ; a col- 
 lection of horses for breeding, racing, or 
 hunting purposes. 
 
 Studding-sail. A sail of a ship which 
 is set beyond the skirt of the principal 
 sails ; only set during light winds. 
 
 Studio, stewdy-o (Italian). The paint- 
 ing-room of an artist ; the work-shop of a 
 sculptor. 
 
 Stufa, stu-fah (Italian). A jet of steam, 
 issuing from a fissure in the earth. 
 
310 
 
 STU 
 
 SUB 
 
 Stultify, stulty-fi (Latin, stidtus, foolisli ; 
 facio, to make). To make foolish. ; to prove 
 to be foolish ; to commit acts of manifest 
 folly ; in law, to allege or prove to be in- 
 sane for avoiding some act. 
 
 Stump-orator. A popular tei-m for a 
 person who harang-ues from a rjtump or other 
 elevation ; one who addresses miscellaneous 
 assemblages out of doors ; a mob-orator. 
 
 Stunt, stunt (Saxon, sti'ntan). To hinder 
 from growth ; to retard the development of 
 animals or vegetables. 
 
 Stupendous, stu-pendus (Latin, stupeo, 
 to be astonished). Causing astonishment 
 by its magnitude ; astonishing ; wonderful ; 
 amazing. 
 
 Stupor, stu-por (Latin). A doprivation 
 or cessation of the senses ; heaviness ; dul- 
 ness ; numbness ; torpitude. 
 
 Sturdy, stur-dy (French, estourdi). 
 Hardy ; resolute ; robust ; full of energy 
 and vigour ; stout ; obstinate ; unyield- 
 ing. 
 
 Stygian, stijjy-an. Pertaining to the 
 river Styx, the fabled river of the infernal 
 regions; hence, infernal; black; dark; 
 gloomy. 
 
 Style, stile. ITiis word is derived from 
 the Latin, stylus, the name given to an 
 instrument pointed at one end and broad at 
 the other, which the Romans employer" in 
 writing upon their waxen tablets ; whence 
 the word has been used for the manner of 
 writing in general, and in a still more 
 extended sense applied to the manner of 
 speaking, acting, personal conduct, charac- 
 teristic, &c. In botany, a certain part in 
 the centre of a flower, so named from its 
 supposed resemblance to the stylus. 
 
 Styptic, stip-tik (Greek, stypJw, to re- 
 strain). Astringent ; producing contrac- 
 tion; having the quality of restraining 
 bleeding. 
 
 Suasion, sway-zhun. The act of per- 
 suading ; the influence brought to bear upon 
 anything. 
 
 Suavity, swawy-ty (Latin, s^iavitas). 
 Sweetness of disposition; amiability of 
 manner ; mildness ; softness ; gentleness. 
 
 Sub. A Latin preposition used in 
 English composition to signify immediately, 
 or closely, underneath. In its_ general sig- 
 mfica,tion, both alone and conjoined, it de- 
 notes under with regard to place, and figu- 
 ratively it implies a^er, with regard to time 
 or station in Me. It also denotes soTnewhat, 
 ^tess, hidden^ almost^ &c. 
 
 Subacid, sub-assid (Latin, sub, almost ; 
 acidibs, sour). Sour in a slight degTee ; a 
 substance moderately acid. 
 
 Subaerid, sub-akkrid. Moderately 
 pungent ; sharp in a shght degree. 
 
 Subah., su-bah. In India, a province ; 
 a viceroy ship. Subahdar, the native 
 governor of a province ; a native oflBcer 
 in the army. 
 
 Subaltern, sub-altum (Latin, .^h, 
 under; alter, another). A military term, 
 denoting every officer in the service under 
 the rank of captain ; inferior; subordinate. 
 
 Subaqueous, sub-akwy-us (Latin, sub, 
 under; aqua, water). Being under the 
 surface of the water ; formed under water ; 
 deposited under water. 
 
 Subastr al, sub-astral (Latin, sub, under ; 
 astra, a star). Being imder the stars ; 
 beneath the heavens ; terrestrial. 
 
 Subaudition, subbaw-dishun (Latin, 
 sub; audio, to hear). The act of compre 
 hending something not expressed. 
 
 Sub-contractor, sub-kon-traktu 
 One who takes a contract under the original 
 contractor, or under a previous contract. 
 
 Sub-division, subdy-vizzhun. The 
 part of a larger part ; the act of subdivid- 
 ing. 
 
 Subdue, sub-du (Latin, subdo, to put 
 under). To conquer; to vanquish; to 
 check the spirit of resistance ; to over- 
 come ; to tame ; to bring in subjection. 
 
 Suberic, su-berrik (Latin, suber, cork). 
 Pertaining to cork. 
 
 Subito, su-byto (Italian, suddenly). 
 In music, a term of direction, as volti subito, 
 "turn (the leaf) quickly." 
 
 Subjacent, sub-jaysent (Latin, sub, 
 under ; jaceo, to He). Lying under or be- 
 neath ; being in a lower situation, +hough 
 not directly beneath. 
 
 Subject, sub-jekt (Latin, sub, under; 
 jacio, to put). Placed, situate, Hving, or 
 serving under ; Uable to or responsible for ; 
 that on which any action, influence, or 
 thought is exercised ; tributary ; sub- 
 ordinate ; inferior ; exposed ; one who 
 lives under the dominion of another. 
 Subject matter, that which bears the same 
 relation to the subject as the whole gloesto 
 any particular part ; in logic, the subject of 
 a proposition is that of which anything is 
 affirmed by the predicate. 
 
 Subjective, sub-jektiv. Relating to 
 the subject, as opposed to the object ; an. 
 
SUB 
 
 epithet applied to tnose internal states of 
 thought or feeling- of which the mind is the 
 subject ; opposed to objective. 
 
 Subjoin, sub-joyn. To add at the end ; 
 to add after something else has been said 
 or written. 
 
 Subjugate, sub-joogate (Latin, siib; 
 jugiim, a yoke). To bring under the yoke ; 
 to render subject; to subdue. The term 
 is derived from a custom among the Romans, 
 who, after a victory, frequently compelled 
 their conquered enemies to pass under an 
 erection of spears in the shape of a yoke or 
 gallows. 
 
 Subjunctive, sub-junktiv (Latin, sub ; 
 jungo, to join). To join at the end. Sub- 
 junctive mood is a mood or manner of con- 
 jugating verbs, and is thus called because 
 usually subjoined to some other verb, or to 
 some conjunction ; thereby expressing con- 
 dition, contingency, or hypothesis. 
 
 Sublation, sub -lay shun (Latin, sub- 
 latio). The act of taking or bearing away. 
 
 Sub-lieutenant, sub-lef-tennant, or 
 sub-lu-tennant. In the English army, an 
 officer of the royal artillery and the fusi- 
 leers, in which there are no ensigns, and 
 who is the same as second lieutenant. 
 
 Sublimate, subbly-mate (Latin, sub- 
 limis, high). To raise by chemical fire ; to 
 refine, as solid substances, by heat ; to 
 exalt ; to elevate ; to heighten. 
 
 Sublime, sub-lime (Latin, sublimis, 
 high). High in place or style ; lofty ; 
 grand ; that which exalts the mind or ele- 
 vates the soul. 
 
 Sublineation, sub-leeny-ayshun (Lat., 
 sub, under ; linea, a line). Mark of a line 
 or lines under a word or sentence ; under- 
 lining. 
 
 Sublunar, sub-lewnar ) (Latin, sub. 
 
 Sublunary, siiblu-nary ] under ; luna, 
 
 the moon). Literally, beneath the moon, 
 
 but applied to worlds or things terrestrial ; 
 
 earthly ; pertaining to this world. 
 
 Sub-marine, submah-reen (Latin, sub, 
 under ; mare, the sea). Lying, being, act- 
 ing, or growing imder the water in the sea. 
 
 Submersion, sub-mershun (Latin, sub, 
 under ; mergo, to plunge). To put under 
 water ; causing an overflow : the act of 
 plunging under water, or drowning. 
 
 Subordinate, sub-ordy-nate (Latin, 
 sub, under ; ordino, to range). Inferior in 
 order, rank, nature, dignity, or power ; 
 descending in a regular series of gradation. 
 
 SUB 
 
 311 
 
 Subornation, subbawi'-naysliun (Lat., 
 suborno, to cause to swear falsely). The act 
 of procuring privately, by secret fraud, or 
 by silent, indirect means ; the act of procur- 
 ing false evidence. In law, the crime of 
 procuring a person to take such a false oath 
 as constitutes perjury. 
 
 Subpoena, ) sub-peenah (Latin, sul, 
 
 Subpena, ) under ; poena, a penalty). 
 In law, a writ by which a person is com- 
 manded to appear in court. The name is 
 taken from the words in the writ which 
 charge the party summoned to appear at 
 the day and place assigned, sub poena 
 centum librarum, under the penalty of one 
 hundred pounds. 
 
 Subrogation, subbro-gayshun (Latin, 
 subrogo). In civil law, the substituting one 
 person for another, and giving him the 
 rights of that other. 
 
 Sub rosa, sub-roze-ah (Lat. ) . Literally, 
 under the rose ; privately ; secretly ; in 
 confidence. This term is said to be derived 
 from the custom, once general among the 
 ancients, 6f suspending a rose over the heads 
 of the guests at feasts and banquets, to 
 signify that whatever transpired was of a 
 confidential nature. The rose was dedi- 
 cated to Harpocrates, the god of silence. 
 
 Subscribe, sub-skribe (Latin, sub, 
 under ; scribo, to write). To give consent 
 by underwriting the name ; to attest bf 
 writing one's name ; hence, to promise tc 
 give a certain sum by setting one's name 
 to paper; also, to assert; to second the 
 opinion of another. 
 
 Subsequent, subsy-kwont (Latin, sub,.^ 
 after ; sequor, to follow). Following ; com- 
 ing after ; happening after ; succeeding ; , 
 future. 
 
 Subservient, sub-servy-ent (Latin, sji5, 
 under; servio, to serve). Serving under 
 something else ; subordinate or subject to ; 
 acting as an agent or instrument ; serving 
 to promote some end ; useful to further a 
 purpose. 
 
 Subside, sub-side (Latin, sub, down- 
 wards ; sido, to settle). To settle ; to sink 
 downwards ; to settle into a state of rest or 
 peace ; to appease ; to abate ; to intermit ; 
 to retire. 
 
 Subsidy, subsid-dy (Latin, sub, under; 
 sedes, a seat). Literally, that which is under 
 the seat, and serves as its support ; hence, 
 aid in money to purchase support or assist- 
 ance. In international policy, a sum of 
 money paid by one nation to another to 
 purchase the service of additional troops,^^ 
 or other aid in war, against an enemy. 
 
«12 
 
 SUB 
 
 sue 
 
 Sub Silentio, subsy-lensliy-o (Latin). 
 Sh silence ; secretly. 
 
 Subsist, sub-sist (Latin, sub, under? 
 si*fo, to stand). To have existence ; to live; 
 to be maintained ; to continue, or retain the 
 present condition, state, nature, or pro- 
 perties. 
 
 Subsistence, sub-sistens. Being ; com- 
 petency, or sufficiency to support life; 
 means of support ; livelihood. 
 
 Subsoil, sub-soyl (Latin, sub, under; 
 and soil). The soil beneath; the bed of 
 earth -which Hes between the surface-soil 
 and base of rocks on which it rests ; sub- 
 stratum. 
 
 Substance, subs-tans (Latin, sub, under; 
 sto, to stand). Literally, anything which 
 stands under or subsists. Being; exist- 
 ence ; something which exists of itself, in- 
 dependently of any created being, or any 
 particular mode or accident; anything 
 bearing certain qualities of matter, bulk, 
 firmness, sohdity, power, or means to 
 support or maintain ; essential part ; means 
 of living ; wealth. 
 
 Substantial, sub-stanshul (Latin, sub, 
 under ; a to, to stand). Eeal ; solid ; cor- 
 poreal ; strong ; material ; possessed of 
 goods or valuables. 
 
 Substantiate, sub-stanshy-ate. To 
 establish by proof; to cause to exist; to 
 confirm. 
 
 Substantive, substan-tiv (Latin, sub- 
 sto, to exist). Solid; material; essential; 
 betokening existence ; real. In grammar, 
 a noun — the part of speech which expresses 
 something that exists either materially or 
 immaterially. 
 
 Substitute, substy-tute (Latin, sub, 
 for ; statuo, to put). A person put and 
 acting by delegated authority in place of 
 another; that which is used or employed 
 for something else. 
 
 Substraetion, sub-strakshun (Latin, 
 subtralw, to take away). In law, the with- 
 drawing or withholding some right, as the 
 withholding a legacy fi'om the legatee. 
 
 Substratum, sub-straytum (Latin, sub- 
 stratus, spread under). That which is laid 
 or strewed under something ; something 
 laid or placed under as a support, or to 
 hold together or maintain certain accidents 
 or qualities ; a layer of earth under an- 
 other. 
 
 Subtend, sub-tend (Latin, sub, under ; 
 Und, to sti-etcli). To extend under; to lie 
 under ; to be opposite to 
 
 Subterfuge, siibter-fuje (Latin, svMer, 
 under ; fugio, to flee). Literally, a mode of 
 evasion, in which one has recourse to some 
 shelter ; the refugejof one's fears ; a shift ; 
 an artifice ; a trick ; a pretence or pretest 
 to escape or evade a difficulty. 
 
 Subterraneous, subtur-rany-us (Lat., 
 sub, under ; terra, the earth). Being or 
 lying under the surface of the earth ; under- 
 ground. 
 
 Subtle, sub-tl (Latin, subtilis, exceed- 
 ingly thin). Literally, thin, slender, fine- 
 drawn, or refined ; hence, metaphorically, 
 refined ; pohshed to excess ; cimning ; art- 
 ful ; deceitful ; crafty ; acute in judgment ; 
 discriminating with the nicest accuracy. 
 
 Subtraction, sub-trakshun (Latin, sub^ 
 from ; traho, to draw). The act or opera- 
 tion of taking a part from the rest; in 
 arithmetic, the taking of one number from 
 another of the same kind or denomination. 
 
 Suburb, sub-urb ) (Latin, sub, with- 
 
 Suburbs, sub-urbz ) out ; urbs, a city). 
 A locality or district which is under, but 
 without the walls of a city ; a place im- 
 mediately adjoining a city ; the confines of 
 a city. 
 
 Subvert, sub-vert (Latin, sub, under ; 
 verto, to turn). Literally, to turn that 
 under which should be upward ; hence, to 
 overthrow; to overturn; to destroy; to- 
 pervert ; to corrupt. * 
 
 Succade, suk-kade (French, sucre, 
 sugar). A sweetmeat or preserve in sugar. 
 
 Succedaneum,suksy-dane-yum (Lat.) 
 That which is made to serve for something 
 else ; a substitute. 
 
 Succession, suk-shesshun (Latin, sub, 
 after ; cedo, to go). Regular order ; series ; 
 lineage ; rightful inheritance. 
 
 Succinct, suk-sinkt (Latin, singo, to 
 gird). In its primary sense, tucked or 
 girded up ; hence, compressed into a nar- 
 row compass ; leaving nothing loose or 
 negligent ; compact ; concise ; compendious. 
 
 Succour, suk-ur (Latin, sub; curro, to 
 run). Literally, to run or hasten to help or 
 assist ; hence, assistance given immediately 
 and upon the spur of the occasion ; aid ic 
 distress ; relief in the hour of need. 
 
 Succulent, sukku-lent (Latin, succu- 
 lentus). Jxiicy ; full of juice or moisture ; 
 
 sappy. 
 
 Succumb, suk-kum (Latin, svh, under; 
 cumbo, to lie). To yield or faint under ; to 
 submit unresistingly ; to sink under after 
 struggling, or without a struggle. 
 
sue 
 
 SUM 
 
 313 
 
 Suction, suk-shun (Saxon, sucan). The 
 act of sucking or drawing. 
 
 Sudation, su-dayshun (Latin, sudo, to 
 sweat). The act of sweating; perspira- 
 tion. 
 
 Sudorific, sudo-riffik (Latin, sudor, 
 sweat ; facio, to make). Tending to pro- 
 duce sweat; a medicine that opens the 
 pores and promotes perspiration. 
 
 Sue, su (French, suivre, to follow). To 
 tnstitute legal proceedings against; to 
 Beek to recover by law ; to petition ; to 
 beg ; to entreat. 
 
 Sufferance, sulBfer-ans (Latin, sith, 
 under ; fero, to bear). Endurance ; pa- 
 tience ; the bearing of pain ; permission, by 
 not forbidding; negative consent ; passive 
 allowance. 
 
 Suffice, suf-fise (Latin, sui ; facio, to 
 make). To make or suit to the purpose ; 
 to be enough or sufficient ; to satisfy ; to 
 supply. 
 
 Suffix, suf-fiks (Latin, suffigo, to fix 
 under or after). A letter or syllable added 
 to the end of a word. 
 
 Suffragan, suffrah-gan(Latin, suffragor, 
 to vote). A term applied to a bishop, con- 
 sidered as subject to his metropolitan, or 
 archbishop. 
 
 Suffrage, suf-raje. A vote or voice 
 given on a controverted point ; a vote in 
 the choice of a person to an office or trust ; 
 in a special sense, the united voice of the 
 Congregation in public prayer. Suffragatio, 
 the giving one's vote at an election, is a 
 figurative expression, from the camel which 
 bends his knees to make the ascent more 
 easy to his rider ; as suffrago is the joint of 
 the hinder leg of a beast, and is formed of 
 sub, under, axidi frag o, the obsolete verb to 
 break. 
 
 Suffusion, suf-fewzhun (Lat., suffundo, 
 to pour out upon). An overflowing of some 
 humour, showing itself in the skin, par- 
 ticularly of the blood or the bile. The red- 
 ness which ordinarily arises from shame or 
 outraged modesty, and which is termed 
 blushing, is only a suffusion of blood ap- 
 pearing in the cheeks ; the jaundice is a 
 suffusion of bUe over the whole body. 
 
 Sugar-baking. The process of refin- 
 ing the raw sugar after it is received from 
 the sugar plantation in the colonies. 
 
 Suggestion, sug-jest-yun (Latin, sug- 
 get'o, to bear under or near). Private 
 hint ; intimation ; the presentation of an 
 object to the mind; something brought 
 
 forward in an indirect or casual manner ; 
 an opinion, or piece of advice, offered with 
 diffidence ; something mentioned or pro- 
 
 Suicidal, su-e-sydal (Latin, sui, of one's 
 self ; cx,do, to kUl). Pertaining to suicide ; 
 applied metaphorically to a policy, or mode 
 of action, which destroys its purpose, or 
 defeats its intention. 
 
 Suicide, su-e-side (Latin, sui, of one's 
 self ; cxdo, to kill). The crime of destroy- 
 ing one's self ; self-mvu-der ; one who takes 
 his own life ; a self-murderer. 
 
 Sui generis, su-e jeuny-ris (Latin). 
 Of its own or peculiar kind ; characteristic; 
 singular. 
 
 Suite, sute (French, suite, from suivre, to 
 follow). Succession ; series ; a set of the 
 same kind ; a number of things made to 
 correspond or match ; an action or process 
 at law ; a petition ; courtship. 
 
 Suite, sweet (French). Eetinue ; train 
 of attendants ; a connected succession, as 
 a suite of apartments. 
 
 Suitor, su-tur. One who prefers a 
 petition ; one who courts another ; a man 
 who solicits a woman in mamage. In law, 
 one who sues or prosecutes a demand of 
 right ; a party interested in a suit. 
 
 Sully, sul-ly (French, souUier). Lite- 
 rally, to smear with soil or dirt ; hence, to 
 dim the brightness ; to stain the purity, as 
 applied to fame, character, or reputation. 
 
 Sulphate, sul-fate. In chemistry, a 
 compound of sulphuric acid and a base. 
 
 Sulphite, sul-fite. In chemistry, a 
 combination of sulphurous acid with a 
 salifiable base. 
 
 Sultry, sult-ry (Saxon, stvole, heat). 
 Hot and close ; oppressively warm ; a state 
 of heat with cloudiness ; hot without any 
 current of air. 
 
 Summary, summur-ry. An abridg- 
 ment which contains the substance of the 
 wliole in a small compass ; short ; brief ; 
 concise; compendious. 
 
 Summumbonum, sum-mum bo-num 
 (Latin). The chief good; the greatest 
 benefit or advantage ; that enjoyment 
 which a person most desires as the greatest 
 felicity. 
 
 Sumpter, sump-tur (Italian, somara). 
 A pack-horse ; an animal which bears the 
 baggage, or carries clothes or furniture. 
 
 Sumptuary, sumptu-ary (Latin, sump- 
 tus, ©xpeinse). *»'ertaining to expense; 
 
S14 
 
 SUM 
 
 SUP 
 
 regnlating the cost of living. Sumptuary 
 laics are such as formerly existed for re- 
 gnlating the expense of citizens in apparel, 
 food, furniture, and other personal matters, 
 ■•ind imposing a penalty in the event of 
 certain prescribed limits of disbursement 
 being exceeded. 
 
 Sumptuous, sumptu-us (Latin, sump- 
 tus, expense). Expensive; costly; splen- 
 did ; attended with great outlay and mag- 
 nificence of display. 
 
 Sunder, sun-der (Saxon, syndrian). To 
 part ; to separate ; to divide ; to disunite ; 
 to part in two. 
 
 Suo jure, su-o ju-re (Latin). In one's 
 own right. 
 
 Suo marte, su-o mar-te (Latin). By 
 one's own strength ; by dint of personal 
 exertion. 
 
 Super, su-pur. A Latin preposition, 
 signifying o-hove, over, exceeding, heyond, 
 upo7i, &c. Used in composition to denote 
 on the top, more than enough, more than 
 another. In chemistry, this word, when 
 prefixed to the name of a salt, denotes an 
 excess of acid. 
 
 Superable, sewpur-a-bl (Latin, supero, 
 tt» excel or conquer). That may be over- 
 come ; surmountable ; only slightly or 
 temporarily obstructive. 
 
 Superabundance, su-perrah-bundans 
 
 (Latin, super, and abound). More than 
 enough ; excessive abundance. 
 
 Superannuation,sewpur-annu-ayshun 
 (Latin, super, over ; a7inus, a year). Im- 
 paired or disqualified by ag-e or length of 
 time; unfitted by old age for office or 
 employment. 
 
 Supercargo, sewpur-kargo(Lat., siiper, 
 and cargo). An officer who manages the 
 trading in a merchant ship ; a person ap- 
 pointed to conduct the sales and super- 
 intend all the commercial concerns of a 
 voyage. 
 
 Supercilious, sewpur-sil-yus (Latin, 
 super, above ; cilium, the eyebrow). 
 Literally, having an elevated eyebrow; 
 hence, haughty; contemptuous; disdain- 
 ful; overbearing. 
 
 Supereminent, sewpur-emmy-nent 
 (Latin, super, and eminent). Greatly ex- 
 celling ; eminent in a high degree. 
 
 Supererogation, sewpur-erro-gayshun 
 (Latin, super, over ; erogatio, a spending or 
 laying out) . The p erf ormance of more than 
 duty requires; the doing more than is 
 asked to be done. 
 
 Superficial, sewpur-fishal (French, 
 superficiel). External ; upon the surface ; 
 outward show ; possessing no depth ; not 
 penetrating the surface of a thing. 
 
 Superficies, sewpur-fishez (Latin, super , 
 upon ; fades, face). The surface, consist- 
 ing of length or breadth, but without re- 
 gard to depth or thickness. 
 
 Superfine, sewpur-fine. Very fine ; 
 most fine ; excelling others in fineness. 
 
 SuperJ9.uity, sewpur-flu-itty (Latin, 
 super, over; fluo, to flow). More than 
 enough ; plenty beyond use or necessity ; 
 something rendered unnecessary by its 
 abundance ; redundancy ; excess. 
 
 Superhuman, sewpur-human. Be- 
 yond what is human ; above what is human ; 
 divine. 
 
 Superincumbent, sewpur-in-kum- 
 bent (Latin, super, in ; cumho, to lie). 
 Lying or resting upon something else. 
 
 Superinduce, sewpur-indewse (Latin, 
 super, over ; induco, to bring in). To 
 bring in as an addition ; to bring in as not 
 oi'iginally belonging to that on which it is 
 brought. 
 
 Superlative, su-purlah-tiv (Lat. , super, 
 over; latus, borne or carried). Lofty; 
 rising to a great height; of the highest 
 degree ; surpassing ordinary excellence ; 
 very eminent. 
 
 Supernal, su-pumal (Latin, superims). 
 Placed above ; being in a higher sphere ; 
 pertaining to things in a higher region ; 
 celestial ; heavenly. 
 
 Supernatural, sewpur-nattu-ral (Lat., 
 super, above ; natura, nature). Beyond or 
 above the powers of Nature ; exceeding the 
 laws of Nature ; miraculous. 
 
 Supernumerary, sewpur-newmur- 
 ary. Exceeding the number fixed or 
 required ; above the regular number ; a 
 person or thing beyond the expected or 
 usual number. 
 
 Superposition, sewpur-po-zishun 
 (Latin, super, zbo-^Q; positus, placed). A 
 placing above ; a lying or being situated 
 above or upon something else. 
 
 Superscription, sewpur-skripshun 
 (Latin, super, upon ; scribo, to write). The 
 act of writing, or anything written upon 
 the surface or outside; an impression of 
 letters on coins, medals, &c. 
 
 Supersede., sewpur-seed (Latin, super; 
 sedeo, to sit). To make void or set aside, 
 by superior force or authority ; to take th& 
 
SUP 
 
 SUE 
 
 315 
 
 place of ; to overmle ; to succeed ; to 
 supplant. 
 
 Supersedeas, sewpur-seedy-as (Latin). 
 In law, a writ superseding the power of an 
 ofl&cer in certain cases, or to stay proceed- 
 ings. 
 
 Superstition, sewpur-stisshun (Latin, 
 super, above ; sto, to stand). Eeligious 
 belief or doctrines not sanctioned by Holy 
 Writ ; false religion ; religion without 
 morality or practice of social virtue ; false 
 worship ; unfounded belief in extraordinary 
 events ; ignorant reliance upon omens and 
 prognostics. 
 
 Superstructure, sewpur-strukture 
 (Latin, super, upon; struo, to build). A 
 structure built upon something else; an 
 erection distinct from its foundation. 
 
 Supervene, sewpur-veen (Latin, super, 
 upon ; venio, to come). To come in as a 
 foreign addition ; to come upon as some- 
 thing extraneous or additional ; to come 
 upon ; to happen. 
 
 Supervise, sewpur-vize (Latin, sui^ei-, 
 over ; video, to see). To oversee for direc- 
 tion ; to superintend ; to inspect ; to over- 
 look. 
 
 Supine, su-pine (Latin, supinvs). Lying 
 on the back with the face upwards ; hence, 
 figuratively, leaning backward ; hanging 
 back ; negligent ; careless ; indifferent ; 
 heedless; indolent. 
 
 Supplant, sup-plant (Latin, suh, under ; 
 planta, the sole of the foot). Literally, to 
 trip up : hence, to displace or remove by 
 stratagem ; to displace and take the place 
 of ; to undermine ; to supersede. 
 
 Supple, sup-pl (French, souple). 
 Pliant ; flexible ; easy to be bent ; bend- 
 ing without breaking ; figuratively, yield- 
 ing to the wish or humour of others; 
 fawning; flattering. 
 
 Supplement, sup-le-ment (Latin, sub, 
 over ; pleo, to fill). That which supplies 
 the place of what is lost or deficient ; an 
 addition to anything, by which it is made 
 more complete ; a provision against con- 
 tingencies; an appendage to remedy defects 
 or supply omissions. 
 
 Suppliant, sup-le-ant (Latin, supplico, 
 to entreat). Making earnest and submissive 
 requests ; manifesting entreaty ; begging 
 humbly; beseeching. 
 
 Supporters. In heraldry, figures or 
 ornaments on either side of the escutcheon, 
 which appear to bear it up or support it. 
 
 Supposititious, ^ sup-pozzy-tisshus 
 (Latin, supposititius) . Xot genuine ; artfully 
 or fraudulently substituted in the room or 
 character of something genuine or authen- 
 tic ; counterfeit ; illegitimate. 
 
 Suppress, sup-press (Latin, suh, under ; 
 premo, to press). To press down ; to keep 
 under ; to prevent from rising ; to hinder 
 from circulation ; to restrain ; to conceal ; 
 to overthrow. 
 
 Suppuration, suppu-rayshun (Latin, 
 suh, under ; ^Jws, matter). In pathology, 
 the morbid action by y^hioh. pus is generated 
 in inflammatory tumom-s ; the matter pro- 
 duced by suppuration. 
 
 Supra, su-prah. A Latin preposition, 
 signifying above, over, or beyond, used in 
 composition. 
 
 Supreme, su-preem (Latin, supremus, 
 the highest). Highest in authority ; above 
 or over all ; most eminent ; loftiest in 
 station ; most exalted in power or rank. 
 
 Supremacy, su-premmah-sy (Latin, 
 supremus, the highest). State of being 
 supreme ; in English polity , the sovereignty 
 of the monarch over the Church as well as 
 State of England, of which he or she is the 
 established head. 
 
 Sur, sur. A prefix from the French, 
 contracted from Latin, super, or supra, and 
 signifying over, above, beyond, itpon. 
 
 Sural, su-ral (Latin, sura'). Being in 
 the calf of the leg ; pertaining to the calf 
 of the leg. 
 
 Surbase, sur-base. In architecture,^ 
 the border or mouldings immediately above 
 the base of a room. 
 
 Surcease, sur-seese (Latin, sur ; cesso, 
 to cease). To be at an end ; to cease to 
 have being ; to stop ; to leave off ; to 
 refrain. 
 
 Surcharge, sm'-tsharj (Latin, .n«', over ; 
 and charge). To overload ; to charge in 
 excess ; to overburden ; more than can be 
 well borne. 
 
 ^ Surcingle, sur-sing-gl (Latin, sur; 
 cingulum, a belt). A belt, girdle, or girth, 
 which passes over a saddle or anything laid 
 on the horse's back, to bind it fast. 
 
 Surcoat, sur-kote. A coat worn over 
 the other clothes ; any garment worn over 
 defensive armour. The term, however, is 
 more generally applied to the long and 
 flowing drapery of knights, anterior to the 
 introduction of plate armour, and which 
 was frequently emblazoned with the family 
 arms. 
 
316 
 
 SUE 
 
 SUT 
 
 Surd, surd (Latin, surdus, deaf). Un- 
 heard ; not expressed by any term ; not 
 perceived by the ear ; in algebra and arith- 
 metic, a quantity whose root cannot be ex- 
 actly expressed in numbers; otherwise 
 called an irrational quantity. 
 
 Stirf, surf (French, surflotter, to float or 
 swim upon). The swell of the sea which 
 breaks upon the shore. 
 
 Surface, sur-fase (sur, and /ace). The 
 outside ; the outermost or uppermost part; 
 the exterior portion of anything which 
 possesses leng-th and breadth ; metaphori- 
 cally, the first show or appearance ; that 
 which meets the eye ; that which appears 
 to be. 
 
 Surfeit, surf -it (French, sur, over; faire, 
 to do). To overload; to overcharge; to 
 feed or to be fed, so as to extend the sto- 
 mach ; excess ; feeling of satiety ; disgust. 
 
 Surge, surj (Latin, S2irgo, to rise), A 
 large wave ; a billow ; a swelling sea ; to 
 rise high ; to swell, as rolling waves. 
 
 Surmise, sur-mize (French, szcr, forth ; 
 Latin, onitto, to send or put). To suspect ; 
 oo conjecture; to imagine, without certain 
 knowledge ; to frame something in the 
 mind independent of the reality ; con- 
 jecture ; supposition ; notion. 
 
 Surmount, sur-mownt (French, sur- 
 7)ionter). To rise above ; to overcome ; to 
 surpass ; to be superior to ; to go beyond. 
 
 Surnam.e, sum-ame {s2ir, and name). 
 An additional name ; a family appellation ; 
 a name added to the Christian or baptismal 
 name. 
 
 ' Surplice, surp-lis (Latin, super, above ; 
 pellis, a skin). A clerical robe, usually 
 made of white linen, so called because it 
 was designed to wear over the garb of a 
 bachelor, which garb was lined with sheep- 
 shin. 
 
 Surplus, surp-lus {sur, and plus'). Ex- 
 cess beyond what is wanted ; that which 
 remains after use and necessity are satis- 
 fied. 
 
 Surplusage, surplus-aje. Surplus; in 
 monetary alfairs, a disbursement in excess 
 of the accountant's charges ; in law, irre- 
 levant matter introduced into the plead- 
 ings or proceedings, and which, being un- 
 necessary, may be rejected. 
 
 Surrender, sur-rendur (from the Fr., 
 serendre, to give up one's self). To yield to 
 the power of another ; to deliver up to a 
 victoriois enemy ; to give back a trust or 
 charge ; act of vielding or delivering np. 
 
 |i 
 
 Surreptitious, surrep-tisshus (Latin, 
 surripio, to steal or take away privily). 
 Primarily, applied to a letter or licence 
 fraudulently obtained of a superior, by 
 concealing some truth, which, had it been 
 known, would have prevented the grant ; 
 hence, taken under cover or concealment ; 
 obtained by fraud ; gained by stealth ; 
 performed secretly. 
 
 Surrogate, surroh-gate (Latin, surrogo, 
 to put in the place of another). One who 
 officiates for another ; the deputy of an 
 ecclesiastical judge ; one who grants licences 
 for marriages and probates for wills. 
 
 Surtout, sur-toot, or sur-too (French) 
 surtout, over all). An upper coat; a frock 
 coat. 
 
 Surveillance, sur-vale-yanse (French). 
 Inspection ; supervision ; watch ; looking 
 after ; watching over. Surveillance is es- 
 pecially applied to the siipei'vision exercised 
 by the police with regard to the movements 
 and actions of suspected persons. 
 
 Survive, sur-vive (French, sur, beyond ; 
 vivre, to live). To live longer than another ; 
 to outlive anticipated dissolution ; to live, 
 notwithstanding threatened death or de- 
 struction ; to remain alive. 
 
 Susceptible, sus-septy-bl (Latin, 
 sxiscipio, to take from under). That pro- 
 pel ty of the mind or body which consists 
 in being ready to take an affection or 
 receive an impression from external objects; 
 capable of receiving; impressible; readily 
 influenced; ready to undertake; predis- 
 posed to admit ; sensitive ; possessed of 
 extreme sensibility. 
 
 Suspend, STis-pend (Latin, suspendo, to 
 make to hang by anything). To cause to 
 stop for a time ; to hinder from proceeding; 
 to debar for a time from any office or pri- 
 vilege ; to make to depend upon ; to delay ; 
 to hinder. 
 
 Suspire, sus-pire (Latin, suspiro, to 
 breathe out). To sigh ; to fetch a long, 
 deep breath. 
 
 Sustenance, susty-nans (Lat., sustineo, 
 to hold up). Maintenance ; support ; that 
 which sustains the body by supplying it with 
 nourishment; anything which supports 
 life. 
 
 Sutler, sut-ler (Dutch, soetle^'). One 
 who sells liquors and provisions in a camp, 
 garrison, or barrack ; one who follows an 
 army with the view of supplying the sol- 
 diers with liquors and provisions. 
 
SITT 
 
 SYli 
 
 317 
 
 Suttee, sut-tee. In India, a widow who 
 is burnt on the funeral pile of her hus- 
 band ; also, the name of a goddess of the 
 Hindoos. 
 
 Suture, sut-yur (Latin, suo, to sew). 
 In surgery, the uniting of the edges of 
 wounds by sewing ; in anatomy, a particular 
 disposition of the bones, wherein they lock 
 into each other like the teeth of opposing 
 saws, as in the skuU. 
 
 Swaddle, swod-dl (Saxon, swethan). 
 To bind ; to secure with a band or strap ; 
 to bind tightly as with a bandage ; to bind 
 lightly with clothes. 
 
 Swain, swane (Saxon, swang). A 
 country labourer ; one employed in hus- 
 bandry or. rustic labours ; a pastoral 
 youth. 
 
 S wamp, swomp (Saxon, swam). Soft wet 
 ground ; a fen ; a place resembling a marsh 
 or bog, excepting that it supports vegeta- 
 tion of a larger species. 
 
 Sward, swaurd (Saxon, sweard). Green 
 turf ; the grassy surface of land ; that part 
 of the soil which is filled with the roots of 
 grass, forming a kind of mat. 
 
 Swart, swaurt (Saxon, sweart). Black ; 
 dark brown ; tawny. 
 
 Swarthy, swor-thy (Saxon, sioeart). Of 
 a dark hue ; tawny ; black. 
 
 Swath, swoth (Saxon, swathe, a track, 
 a border or fringe). A line of grass or com 
 cut down by a mower. 
 
 Swathe, swathe (Saxon, swethan). To 
 wrap or confine with bandages ; to bind 
 with rollers. 
 
 Sway, sway (German, schweben, to move). 
 To move in the hand ; to wield or manage 
 by the hand with ease ; hence, to govern ; 
 to rule ; to direct ; to influence. 
 
 Sweepstakes, sweep-stakes {sweep, and 
 stake). The whole money or other things 
 won at a horse race ; so called because the 
 winner thus sweeps or collects the whole 
 amount which has been staked or laid down 
 by himself and others. 
 
 Sweetbread, sweet-bred. The pan- 
 creas of any animal, particularly of the 
 calf ; a gland of the body situated below 
 the stomach. 
 
 Swelter, swel-tur (perhaps corrapted 
 from sultry). To fume with heat ; to faint 
 with heat ; to sink under heat. 
 
 Swerve, swurv (Dutch, sweruen). To 
 go from the right path ; to diverge from 
 a straight line ; to deviate ; to incline ; to 
 
 bend ; hence, in a moral sense, to forsake 
 the path of duty; to depart from moral 
 rectitude. 
 
 Swivel, swiv-ul. A species of ring or 
 link of a chain, which is capable of being 
 turned round, when jointed to the next by 
 means of a pin or axis. 
 
 Swoon, swoon (Saxon, aswunan). To 
 faint ; to sink into a fainting fit. 
 
 Swoop, swoop (from the verb to sweep). 
 To fall down hastily, like a hawk on its 
 prey ; to level with the earth, as com, by 
 a sweep of the scythe ; to seize ; to catch 
 up. 
 
 Sybarite, sibbah-rite, or sibah-rite, A 
 person devoted to luxury and effeminate 
 ease ; so called from Syharis, a Greek city 
 in Southern Italy, the aristocracy of which 
 place were notorious for their luxuriant 
 manner of living, and effeminate habits. 
 
 Sycee, si-se. The silver currency of 
 China, having the form of smaU half 
 globes. 
 
 Sycophant, sikko-fant (Greek, sykos, 
 a fig ; phaneo, to show). Among the ancient 
 Greeks, this term was applied to an in- 
 former against those who stole figs, or ex- 
 ported them contrary to law ; hence, a 
 tale-bearer or informant ; one who seeks to 
 gain favoTir by retailing the flattering things 
 said of another; a parasite; an obsequious 
 follower. 
 
 Syllable, sillah-bl (Greek, syllale, an 
 assemblage). A part of a word, consisting 
 of one or more letters pronc-unced in one 
 utterance ; as much of a word as is uttered 
 by one articulation. 
 
 Syllabus, siUah-bus (Greek, syllalos). 
 An abstract or compendium, containing the 
 heads of a discourse ; a programme ; the 
 principal arguments in a course of lectures ; 
 a table of contents. 
 
 Syllepsis, sil-lepsis (Greek). In gram- 
 mar, a figure by which we conceive the 
 sense of words, otherwise than the words 
 import, and construe them according to the 
 intention of the author ; also, where twc 
 nominative cases singular of different 
 persons are joined to a verb. 
 
 Syllogism, sillo-jizm (Greek, syn, to- 
 gether; ^(705, a proposition). In logic, an 
 argument consisting of three propositions, 
 the conclusion of which necessarily follows 
 from the two premises. Syllogisms are no- 
 thing more than our reasoning reduced to 
 form and method, as in the following ex- 
 ample : — 
 
318 
 
 SYL 
 
 SYN 
 
 Every creature possessed of "^ 
 
 reason and liberty is ac- ] 
 
 countable for his actions. \- Premises. 
 Man is a creature possessed | 
 
 of reason and liberty. j 
 
 Therefore man is accountable ) Cooiclii- 
 
 f or his actions. 3 sion. 
 
 Sylph, silf (Greek, silphe, a moth, a 
 beetle). An imaginary being inhabiting the 
 air ; a species of fairy nymph. 
 
 Sylvan. See Silvan. 
 
 Symbol, sim-bul (Greek, syn, together ; 
 ballo, to cast). A sign or emblem of some- 
 thing else ; thus, a circle is a symbol of 
 eternity, because it has neither beginning 
 nor end ; a sign ; a representation ; a type ; 
 also, a creed or summary of religious belief. 
 
 Symmetry, simmet-ry (Greek, 53/ w, 
 with; metron, a measure). Just propoi*- 
 tion ; adaptation of parts to each other ; 
 harmony; agreement. 
 
 Sym.patliy, simpath-e (Greek, syn, 
 with; pathos, feeling). Fellow-feeling; 
 mutual sensibility; the quality of feeling 
 along with another ; agreement of affec- 
 tions ; accordance of ideas. 
 
 Syraphony, simfuh-ny (Greek, syn, 
 with ; i^one, a sound). In music, a term 
 which primarily signifies a consonance or 
 harmony of sounds agreeable to the ear, 
 either vocal or instrumental, or both ; also, 
 an overture, prelude, or other composition 
 for instruments. 
 
 Symposium, sim-pozy-um (Gk., sym- 
 posion, a feast). A banquet ; a feast ; a 
 merry-making ; an assemblage of guests 
 intent on the pleasures of the table. 
 
 Sym.ptom, simp-tum (Greek, syn, 
 with ; pipto, to happen). That which hap- 
 pens or falls with something else; and 
 hence a sig-n or indication of it. 
 
 Syrnptomatic, simpto-mattik (Greek, 
 syn, with ; pipto, to happen). Indicating 
 the existence of something else ; affording 
 a token ; betraying a sign ; proceeding 
 from a prior disease. 
 
 Syneeresis, se-nerry-sis (Greek, synai- 
 rrsis). Contraction ; the contraction of 
 two syllables into one, by rapidly pronounc- 
 ing in one syllable two or more vowels 
 wiiich properly belong to separate syl- 
 lables ; as ae in Israel. 
 
 Synagogue, sinnah-gog (Greek, syn, 
 together ; agoge, a training). An assembly 
 or place of assembly ; especially a con- 
 gregation of Jews, or their place of wor- 
 ship. 
 
 Synarchy, sinnar-ky (Gk., syjiarchia). 
 Joint rule or sovereignty. 
 
 Synehronal, sin-kronal ) (Gk., 
 
 Synchronic al, sin-kronnik-al ] syn- 
 clironos, time). Happening at the sama 
 time ; simultaneous ; that which occurred 
 at the same period with something else, or 
 pertains to the same period. 
 
 Syncope, sinkoh-py (Greek, syn, with ; 
 Icopto, to cut off). Literally, a cutting away, 
 a shortening ; hence, applied to the act of 
 fainting, or cutting off of the sense ; also, 
 to the omission of a letter or syllable. 
 
 Syncretism, sinkry-tizm (Greek, syn- 
 cresis). A term applied to a mixture of 
 philosophy and religion ; or in philosophy, 
 the blending of the tenets of different 
 schools into a system. 
 
 Syndic, sin-dik (Greek, syn, with ; 
 dike, justice). A chief magistrate of a cor- 
 poration ; one whose duties associate him 
 with justice ; a person deputed to act for 
 others. 
 
 Synecdoche, sinnek-doky (Greek, syn, 
 with ; eMechomai, to take). In rhetoric, a 
 figure by which a part is taken for the 
 whole, or the whole for a part. 
 
 Synod, sin-od (Greek, synodos, a con- 
 vention). An assembly of persons of one 
 faith for a common purpose ; in Church his- 
 tory, a convention or council of ecclesiastics 
 to consult on rehgious matters ; in the 
 Presbyterian Church, a body or court next 
 above the presbytery ; in astronomy, a con- 
 junction of two or more planets. 
 
 Synodic, sin-oddik. \ Done by a 
 
 Synodical, sin-oddik-al. j" synod; per- 
 taining to a synod. In astronomy, noting 
 the period in which two heavenly bodies 
 pass from one conjunction to another, as 
 a synodical month. 
 
 Synonym, \ sinno-neem (Greek, syn; 
 
 S3monyme, ) Tiomos, a name). A word 
 having the same meaning as another 
 word. 
 
 Synonymous, sin-onny-mus (Greek, 
 syn, with ; nomas, a name). Halving the 
 same meaning ; conveying the same idea. 
 
 S37nopsis, sin-opsis (Greek, syn, to- 
 gether ; opsis, view). A view of the whole, 
 or of all the parts at once ; a compendious 
 view ; a contraction or compression into 
 one view. 
 
 Syntax, sin-taks (Greek, syn, together; I 
 tasso, to put). That part of grammar 
 which teaches the construction of sentences 
 according to correct usage. 
 
SYN 
 
 TAG 
 
 319 
 
 Syntliesis, slnthy-sis (Greeks syn, to- 
 gether ; tithemi, to put). The act of put- 
 ting together ; opposed to analysis. 
 
 Syriae, sirry-ak. Relating to Syi-ia ; 
 the language of Syria. 
 
 Syringe, sir-in j (Greek, syrynx). A 
 pipe or tube through which liquid, is forced ; 
 to inject or cleanse with a syringe. 
 
 System, sis-tem (Greek, syn, together; 
 istetfii, to set). A combination of parts 
 into a whole ; a connected series of parts ; 
 regular method or order. 
 
 T 
 
 Tabard, tab-ard (Italian, tabarro). A 
 light vestment or sleeveless coat, ordinarily 
 worn over the armour in the Middle Ages ; 
 now worn only by heralds. 
 
 Tabby, tab-by (French, talis). A kind 
 of woven silk, of Indian or Pei-sian origin ; 
 a]so, brindled, as a talby cat ; diversified in 
 colour. 
 
 Tabernacle, tabber-aakkul (Latin, 
 tabemaculum, a tent). A tent ; a tempo- 
 rary habitation ; a place of worship. In 
 Chiistian art, a reliquary ; a repository, in 
 which the sacrament might be reserved ; a 
 niche for an imag-e. 
 
 Tabes, tay-bez (Latin, taleo, to waste). 
 A disease characterised by a consuming or 
 wasting away of the body. 
 
 Tabid, tab-id (Latin, taheo, to waste). 
 Wasted by disease ; consumptive. 
 
 Tabific,tab-iffik (Latin, tabeo, to waste). 
 Producing a consumption. 
 
 Tablature, tabblah-ture (Latin, tabula, 
 a board or table). Painting on walls or ceil- 
 ings in a tabular form, or in tabular de- 
 partments. 
 
 Table, tay-bl (Latin, tahzda). Any flat 
 or level surface ; an article of furniture 
 supported by legs, used for meals and other 
 purposes; a surface on which anything is 
 written ; an index or repertory, placed at 
 the beginning or the end of a book ; a 
 collection of. figures, or system of num- 
 bers. 
 
 Table-land, taybl-land. An elevated 
 plain rising abruptly from the general level 
 of the countiy, and being, as it were, the 
 broad and horizontal, or gently undulating, 
 top of a mountain. 
 
 Tableau, tah-blo (French). A paint- 
 ing ; a picture ; a striking and vivid repre- 
 sentation. Tableaux vivants, an exhibition 
 of persons appropriately draped and 
 grouped, to represent some scene of classic 
 
 or historic allusion, or some event in a 
 drama or story. 
 
 Table d'hote, tahbul-dote (French, 
 table of the host). A species of ordinary, 
 or dinner, at which the landlord of the 
 hotel, tavern, or inn presides, and which is 
 open to all the guests of the house and to 
 ordinary comers. 
 
 Tablet, tab-let (Latin, tabula). Any 
 smooth surface for writing or engraving 
 upon ; a small level surface ; a medicine or 
 sweetmeat in a square form. 
 
 Taboo, tali-boo. A term in common 
 use throughout the islands of the Pacific 
 Ocean, and which signifies a kind of 
 religious prohibition or interdiction, during 
 which all intercourse with certain persons, 
 places, or things is forbidden ; colloquially 
 applied to prohibition or interdiction in its 
 general sense. 
 
 Tabor, ) tabe-ui- (old French, iab'uv). 
 
 Tabour, j A small drum, usually beaten 
 with one stick, and used as an accompani- 
 ment to a fiie or pipe. 
 
 Tabular, tabbu-lar (Latin, taUda, a 
 table). Arranged in the form of a table ; 
 formed in squares or plates ; having a flat 
 or square surface. 
 
 Tabulate, tabbu-late (Latin, tabula, a 
 table). To reduce to tables ; to impart a 
 flat surface to. 
 
 Taehygraphy, taykig-raffy (Greek, 
 tacJiys, quick ; graplio, to write). The arf 
 of quick wilting ; short-hand -writing ; 
 stenography. 
 
 Tacit, tas-it (Latin, tacitus, silent). Im- 
 phed, though not expressed by words ; 
 admitted, by not denying ; allowed, by not 
 appeaUng or declaring against. 
 
 Taciturn, tassy-turn (Latin, tacitus, 
 silent). Withholding conversation ; not 
 free to converse ; uncommunicative ; re ■ 
 served ; habitually silent. 
 
 Tack, tak. To fasten on slightly ; to 
 join temporarily. In nautical language, 
 the course of a ship in regard to the posi- 
 tion of her sails ; hence, to tad- is to change 
 the course of a ship, by shifting the tacks 
 and position of the sails from one side to 
 the other. 
 
 Tackle, tak-kl (Dutch, taM). The 
 rigging of a ship ; weapons ; instruments 
 of action ; appurtenances for angling. 
 
 Tact, takt (Greek, iasso, to arrange). 
 The art of arranging or putting into order : 
 skill or adroitness in adapting to ckcum- 
 stances one's words and actions ; judgment 
 
320 
 
 TAG 
 
 TAN 
 
 employed in dealing or treating with others ; 
 nice discernment ; peculiar skUl. 
 
 Tactics, tak-tiks (Greek, tasso, to ar- 
 range). Military knowledge of the order, 
 disposition, and foiTnation of troops re- 
 quired in warlike operations, according to 
 the exigency of circumstances ; in a general 
 sense, plan of operation ; mode of ac- 
 complishment ; line of action. 
 
 Tactile, tak-tile (Latin, tactilus, from 
 tango, to touch). Susceptible of touch ; 
 capable of being touched or felt; tangible. 
 
 Tadpole, tad-pole (Saxon, tade, a toad ; 
 Latin, indhis, young). A young shapeless 
 frog or toad, apparently consisting of only 
 a large head and slender tail. 
 
 Tael, tale. A Chinese weight for gold 
 and silver; also, a money of account, equal 
 to about 7s. English. 
 
 Taffeta, taffet-ah (Spanish, taffetar). A 
 thin, glossy, silken fabric. 
 
 Taffrail, taf-rale (Dutch, tafel, a table). 
 The upper portion of a ship's stern, usually 
 ornamented with carved work. 
 
 Tag, tag (Swedish, tagg, a point or 
 prickle). A metallic point at the end of a 
 string or lace ; hence, a pointed sense or 
 verse added to a play, discourse, &c., by 
 way of conclusion. 
 
 Tail-piece. An ornamental design, 
 generally of a fanciful character, placed at 
 the conclusion of a book, or as a finish to a 
 section of a book. 
 
 Taint, taynt (Saxon, tingo, to dye, or 
 stain). A stain ; a blemish ; corruption ; 
 infection ; decay ; fig-uratively, a stain or 
 blemish upon the character ; anything 
 which sullies purity. 
 
 Talc, talk. A class of fossil bodies, 
 composed of broad, flat, and smooth plates 
 laid evenly and regnlarly on one another, of 
 a character at once flexible and elastic, 
 'bright and transparent. 
 
 Talent, tal-ent (Latin, talentum, aweight 
 of money). An ancient weight and coin ; 
 figuratively, denoting a gift, possession, or 
 power, from the use oiu- Saviour has made 
 of it in several parables. 
 
 Tales, tay-lez (Latin, talis, such, like). 
 In law, an additional number of persons 
 to those empanelled on a juiy, and not 
 appearing, or that are challenged on either 
 side. 
 
 Talisman, talliz-man. An Oriental 
 word, used to denote a figure cut or caiwed 
 under certain superstitious observances of 
 the config-uration of the heavens, whid* were 
 
 supposed to communicate magical influence 
 to it, to prevent the attacks of certain dis- 
 eases, &c. ; figuratively, that which exer- 
 cises a remarkable influence, or produce! 
 extraordinary effects. 
 
 Talismanie, talliz-mannik. Magical ; 
 possessing a charm ; preserving against 
 evil ; protecting against danger. 
 
 Tally, tal-ly. A stick notched, or cut 
 in conformity with another stick ; anything 
 to fit, suit, correspond, or agree with 
 another. The word is derived from- the 
 Latin, talea, a cutting, or small branch cut 
 off a tree. 
 
 Talmud, tal-mud. The book contain- 
 ing the Jewish traditions ; also, the name 
 of the Hebrew laws, traditions, &c. The 
 term is Hebrew, from the Chaldaic, lamad, 
 to teach. i 
 
 Talon, tal-on (French, talon). The clavJ 
 of a bird of prey ; in architecture, a kind" 
 of moulding, crowned with a square fiUet. 
 
 Tambour, tam-boor (Spanish). A small 
 drum ; a kind of wooden frame, upon which 
 embroidery is wrought ; also, the embroid- 
 ery itself. 
 
 Tambourine, tambur-een (French, 
 tamhourin). A land of drum; also, the 
 name of a lively dance performed formerly 
 on the French stage. 
 
 Tamper, tamp-vu*. To meddle; to 
 deal ; to practice secretly. To tamper icitA 
 is to endeavour to corrupt or pervert. 
 
 Tamping, tamp-ing. In mining opera- 
 tions, the process of filling the hole bored 
 in a rock with gunpowder, for the purpose 
 of blasting it ; also, the matter placed in 
 above the powder, in blasting rocks, &c. 
 
 Tampion, tamp-yun (French, tampon). 
 A piece of wood for the mouth of a 
 cannon. 
 
 Tandem, tan-dem. A Latin word, 
 sig-nifying " at length," applied to the 
 position of horses, when they are placed 
 singly one before the other, instead of side 
 by side. 
 
 Tangent, tan-jent (Latin, tangens, 
 touching). In geometry, a right line which 
 touches a curve without cutting it. In 
 trigonometry, the straight line which 
 touches a circular arc at one of its extre- 
 mities, and is terminated by the production 
 of the radius passing through the other 
 extremity ; it always bears a certain relation 
 to the arc. Flying off at a tangent is B,ip-plied. 
 figuratively to the act of departing from , 
 the straight line of argument, and enter 
 
TAN 
 
 TAE 
 
 321 
 
 ina: u{-on soi::-ie other tlieme, irrelevant to 
 and unconnected with the main subject. 
 
 Tangible, tanjy-bl (Latin, tango, to 
 touch). Perceptible by or to the touch; 
 that may be touched, realised, or pos- 
 sessed. 
 
 Tank, tank (French, etang, from the 
 Latin, stagnum, a pool). A large cistern or 
 receptacle for water. 
 
 Tannin, tan-nin. ) The as- 
 
 Tannic Aeid,tan-nik as-sid. j tringent 
 substance of bark ; in the process of tan- 
 ning, it combines with the skin of animals, 
 forming an insoluble compound, which does 
 not putrefy. 
 
 Tantalize, tantal-ize. To toi-ment by 
 the show of pleasure which cannot be 
 reached ; to tease with false hopes ; to 
 distress with a prospect of good which can 
 never be realised. The term is derived 
 from a fable, devised by the ancient poets, 
 of Tantalus, a king of Phrygia, who was 
 condemned to stand up to his chin in water, 
 with a tree of fair fruit over his head, and 
 whenever he attempted to slake his thirst 
 or appease his .hunger, the water and the 
 fruit-tree fled from him. 
 
 Tantamount, tantah-mownt (Latin, 
 tanitis, so much). Equivalent ; amounting 
 to ; as much as something else compared to 
 it ; equal in value or signification. 
 
 Tantivy, tan-tiwy. A hunting cry, 
 said to be derived from its correspondence 
 to the sound of the horn, tanta ve. To ride 
 tantivy is to ride with reckless haste. 
 
 Taper, tape-ur. Rising to a slender 
 point ; decreasing gradually in rise or 
 ascent ; regularly narrowed towards the 
 top. 
 
 Tapestry, tap-pes-tre (French, tapis, a 
 carpet). Cloth, or other material, woven 
 with figures, and designed to adorn walls, 
 windows, &c. 
 
 Tapioca, tappy-okah. The popular 
 name for the starch yielded by the cassava 
 root, after its poisonous principle has been 
 destroyed by roasting. 
 
 Tapis, tah-pe (French). The term of 
 on the tapis, and which signifies under con- 
 sideration, or about to be discussed, means 
 literally on the table, from the tapestry which 
 formerly covered tables when matters were 
 laid on them. 
 
 Tap-root. The chief root of a tree, 
 n:nning downwards. 
 
 Tapster, taps-tur. One whose business 
 , it is to draw beer or other liquors from 
 taps, at public-houses. 
 
 Tardy, tar-dy (Latin, tardus, slow). 
 Sluggish ; behind time ; dilatory ; late ; 
 delaying; reluctant; exhibiting a slow pace 
 or motion. 
 
 Tare, tare (Italian, iarare, to abate). 
 An allowance made from the gross weight 
 of goods on account of the packages or 
 coverings in which they are contained ; a 
 weed that grows among corn ; a plant 
 much cultivated for its stem and leaves, 
 which are used as fodder ; also called 
 vetch. 
 
 Tarentula, tar-entu-lah. ) A species of 
 
 Tarantula, tar-antu-lah. J spider, of a 
 large size, and whose bite is said to be 
 poisonous. 
 
 Target, tar-get (Saxon, targ). A 
 buckler formerly worn on the left arm for 
 defence ; a mark at which projectiles are 
 aimed. 
 
 Tar gum, tar-gum. A paraphrase or 
 translation of the Holy Scriptures in the 
 Chaldaic language or dialect. Targum is a 
 Chaldaic word, signifying interpretation. 
 
 Tariff", tar-if (Italian, tarifa, a book of 
 rates or prices). A table of duties or cus- 
 toms on goods imported or exported ; a 
 list of charges. 
 
 Tarnish, tam-ish (French, ternir). To 
 sou ; to sully ; to dim brightness,; to de- 
 stroy lustre or purity ; to detract from fair 
 fame. 
 
 Tarpaulin, tar-pawlin. A piece of 
 canvas, well coated with tar, used to cover 
 goods and protect them from rain, damp, 
 and other atmospheric influences. 
 
 Tart, tart (Saxon, teart). Acid; pos- 
 sessing sourness ; sharp to the taste ; figu- 
 ratively, harsh or severe, as a tart reply. 
 
 Tartan, tar-tan. A kind of cloth che- 
 quered with stripes of various colours ; a 
 costume which serves to distinguish the 
 various Scottish clans. 
 
 Tartar, tart-ar (from tart, acid). An 
 acid, concrete salt, formed from the dried 
 lees of wine ; the earthy substance which 
 in some cases deposits upon the human 
 teeth from the saliva. 
 
 Tartar, tart-ar. A native of Tartary, 
 in Asia ; a person of irritable temper. 
 
 Tartarean, tar-tary-an. \ Pertaining 
 Tartareous, tar-t^-us. j to Tarta- 
 rus, or the infernal regions; hellish; in- 
 fernal. 
 
 Tartufffe, tar-toof. A common French 
 nickname for pretenders to devotion ; an- 
 swering to the Enghsh Mawwona, 
 
TAT 
 
 TEL 
 
 Tattoo, tat-too. In military affairs, 
 the beat of the drum, by which soldiers 
 are warned to quarters. This word is sup- 
 posed to be derived from the French, tap- 
 totez-tous, " beat (or tap) all." 
 
 Tattooing, tattoo-ing. An operation 
 practised by the South Sea Islanders, and 
 some other people, of marking their bodies 
 and faces with figures and curious devices, 
 and which is done by puncturing the skin, 
 and afterwards rubbing a black colour into 
 the wounds. 
 
 Taunt, tawnt (French, tancer, to chide 
 or rebuke). To reproach ; to revile ; to 
 ridicule ; to insinuate in a provoking 
 manner ; to scoff at ; to upbraid. 
 
 Taurus, tawr-us (Latin). The bull. 
 In astronomy, one of the signs of the 
 zodiac. 
 
 Taut, tawt (from tight). A nautical 
 term, signifying stretched, not slack. 
 
 Tautology, taw-tollo-jy (Gr., tautos, 
 the same thing ; lego, to speak). Fre- 
 quent repetition of the same word or 
 phrase, or of the same meaning in different 
 words ; sameness of expression, which adds 
 nothing either to the sense or sound. 
 
 Tautophony, taw-toffo-ny (Greek, 
 tautos, the same ; phone, the sound), lie- 
 petition of the same sound. 
 
 Tavirdry, tawd-ry. Showy without 
 elegance or value ; tastelessly fine or gaudy ; 
 ridiculously tricked out. This word is said 
 to be derived from St. Atodry, a corruption 
 of St. Ethelred ; the lace, ribbons, and 
 other articles of female dress sold at 8t. 
 Atodry's fair, in the Isle of Ely, being pro- 
 verbial for their gaudy appearance. 
 
 Tawny, taw-ny (from tanned). Of a 
 yellowish-brown colour, such as presented 
 by things tanned, or persons sun-burnt. 
 
 Taxidermy, tax-idder-my (Greek, 
 taxis, order ; derma, skin). The art of 
 preparing and preserving specimens of 
 animals by stufiing. 
 
 Taxonomy, taks-onno-my (Greek, 
 taxis, order ; nomos, a law). Classification ; 
 the arrangement of the vegetable and 
 animal kingdoms, agreeably to definite 
 principles, in divisions and groups. 
 
 Team., teem (Saxon, team). The num- 
 ber of horses, or other animals, yoked to 
 the same carriage or implement. 
 
 Technical, teknik-al (Greek, techrie, 
 art). Pertaining to the arts ; belonging to 
 a profession ; relating exclusively or pro- 
 jjexly to some art. 
 
 Technological, tekno-Iojjy-kal (Gr., 
 techne, an art ; logos, a discourse). Expla- 
 natory of the arts ; teaching the signi- 
 fications of the terms of art. 
 
 Tectonic, tek-tonnik (Greek, ieucho, to 
 build). Pertaining to building. 
 
 Ted, ted (Welsh, ted, spread). To lay 
 grass, newly mown, into rows. 
 
 Tedder. See Tether. 
 
 Te Deum, te de-um (Latin). A kind 
 of hymn or song of thanksgiving usetl in 
 churches, beginning with the words, Te 
 Deum laudamus, " We praise thee, 
 God." 
 
 Tedium, teedy-um (Latin, icediuni 
 Tiresomeness ; irksomeness ; wearisom- 
 
 I! 
 
 Teem, teem (Saxon, tyman, to bring 
 forth). To bring forth young ; to be pro- 
 lific ; to be full or charged with. 
 
 Teens, teenz. A term applied to those 
 years in a person's age beginning at thirteen, 
 and ending with nineteen. 
 
 Teething, teeth-ing. The process or 
 operation by which teeth are first produced 
 in the gums. 
 
 Teetotaler, te-tote-lur. One who has 
 taken a pledge to abstain from all intoxi- 
 cating liquors. 
 
 Teetotum, te-tote-um. A toy some- 
 thing like a top, made to spin by the 
 fingers. 
 
 Tegument, teggu-ment (Latin, teyo, to 
 cover). A covering ; the outer part ; that 
 which enfolds or enwraps ; especially the 
 covering or skin of a living body. 
 
 Telegram, telly-gram (Greek, tele, far 
 off ; gramma, a letter). A message or 
 communication dispatched fr-om a distance, 
 especially applied to such as sent by tho 
 electric telegraph. 
 
 Telegraph, telly-graf (Greek, tele, far 
 off ; grapho, to write). A term signifying 
 writing to or from a distant point, and 
 applied to the various inventions by which 
 news are communicated between distant 
 spots. The electric telegraph is an apparatus 
 for conveying communications by means of 
 the electric current, which is carried from, 
 station to station along insulated con- 
 ductors. The currents are excited either 
 by hydro-electric batteries or by magnetic 
 induction and rotary machines; the tele- 
 graphic signals are either the deflections of 
 magnetised needles or the intermittent 
 excitation of magnetism in electro-magnets, 
 or the physiological phenoB^ena. 
 
TiiL 
 
 Telescope, telly-skope (Greek, tele, far 
 off ; skopeo, to view). An optical instru- 
 ment for discovering and viewing distant 
 objects, as the heavenly bodies. 
 
 Telesm, tel-ezm (Arabic). Another 
 term for talisman j a kind of amulet or 
 charm magical. 
 
 Telestich, te-lestik (Greek, telos, an 
 end ; stichos, a verse). A poem, in which 
 the final letters of the lines make a name. 
 
 Telic, tel-ik (Greek, telos, an end). 
 Implying or betokening the end or finish. 
 
 Tellural, tel-lewral ) (Latin, tellus, 
 Telluric, tel-lewrik ) ' 
 longing to the earth. 
 
 TEN 
 
 323 
 
 the earth). Be- 
 
 Teinerity,te-merry-ty (Lat., temeritas), 
 Eecklessness ; unreasonable contempt for 
 danger ; rashness ; fool-hardiness ; want of 
 caution or consideration. 
 
 Temper, temp-ur (Latin, iempero, to 
 mix). Proper union of contrary or dif- 
 ferent qualities ; disposition of mind ; 
 frame ; mood ; humour. 
 
 Temperainent, temp-urrah-ment 
 (Latin, tempero, to mix). A mixture or 
 ^tempering of elements ; constitution ; state, 
 wath respect to the predominance of any 
 quality ; habitual frame of mind ; a 
 medium. 
 
 Teraperature, temp-urrah-ture (Lat., 
 tempav, to mix). Constitution of nature ; 
 the comparative degree of active heat ac- 
 cumulated in a body, as measured by an 
 instrument, or by its effects on other 
 bodies ; chiefly applied to the degree of 
 heat which is diffused through the atmo- 
 sphere. 
 
 Tempering, tempur-ing (Latin, tem- 
 pero, to mix). A term applied to the 
 operation of heating iron to a certain ex- 
 tent, indicated by the colour presented on 
 the surface of the metal ; also, to the har- 
 dening of steel, by suddenly plunging it, 
 while red hot, into cold water ; figuratively, 
 mitigating or assuaging, as temjjcruig jnstice 
 with mercy. 
 
 Tem.pest, temp-est (Latin, tempestas, 
 time, season). Literally, a time of stormy 
 weather ; gusts of wind, attended by rain, 
 hail, snow, &c.; a stomi of extreme vio- 
 lence; a tumult; commotion; uproar; dis- 
 turbance. 
 
 Templar, temp-lur. A student in the 
 I Tmipi.e, in London, which was originally 
 the residence of the Knights Templars in 
 j EJigland. These knights derived their name 
 from the Temple in Jerusalem, where they 
 
 originally dwelt, for the purpose of pro* 
 tecting the pilgrims. 
 
 Temple, temp-ul (Latin, templwn). 
 Originally, a building erected in honour of 
 some deity, in which the people met to pay 
 religious worship to the same ; in a general 
 sense, a place set apart or appropriated to 
 purposes of rehgion. 
 
 Tempo, tem-po (Italian, time). In 
 music, a term denotiug the degree of quick- 
 ness with which a musical composition is to 
 be executed. 
 
 Temporal, tempur-al (Lat., temporalis, 
 from tempus, time). Relating to time : 
 not eternal ; not spmtual ; secular ; 
 worldly. 
 
 Temporary, tempur-ary (Latin, tern- 
 porarius, ivoxn. tempus, time). Lasting only 
 for a time ; not established ; not perma- 
 nent ; unsettled ; of limited duration. 
 
 Temporize, tempur-ize (French, tem- 
 poriser, from Latin, tempus, time). To act 
 according to the time; to accommodate 
 conformably with the exigencies of the 
 time ; to comply with the time or occasion ; 
 to delay ; to dally with ; to procrastinate. 
 
 Tenable, tennah-bl (Latin, teneo, to 
 hold). That which may be maintained oi 
 held; calculated for defence; in a condi- 
 tion to repel assailants ; able to resist oppo- 
 sition. 
 
 Tenacious, te-nayshus (Latin, tmeo, to 
 hold). Holding fast ; keeping closely ; 
 grasping hard ; adhesive ; immovable ; ob- 
 stinate. 
 
 Tenant, ten-ant (Latin, teneo, to hold). 
 One who h olds or rents property of another ; 
 one who occupies houses or lands of 
 another under certain conditions ; a person 
 who has possession of any place. 
 
 Tenantry, tenuan-tre (Latin, teneo, to 
 hold). The collected number of tenants ; 
 the body of tenants on an estate. 
 
 Tend, tend (contraction of oAtend). To 
 wait upon ; to guard ; to watch over ; tc 
 aim at ; to move in a certain direction ; tc 
 incline. 
 
 Tendency, tenden-sy (Latin, tendo, to 
 stretch). Direction or course towards any 
 place or object ; drift or aim towards any 
 inference or result ; inclination ; scope ; 
 aim ; disposition. 
 
 Tender, tend-ur. An offer or presen- 
 tation of anything for acceptance ; an 
 estimate proposed for acceptance ; a small 
 vessel that attends upon a larger vessel,^ to 
 convey provisions, &c. ; the vehicle which 
 V 2 
 
324 
 
 TEN 
 
 TEE 
 
 accompanies a locomotive engine, for the 
 conveyance of water or fuel. In law, an 
 offer, either in money to pay a debt, or of 
 service to be performed, in order to avert a 
 penalty which would be incurred by non- 
 payment or non-performance. 
 
 Tendinous, tendin-us (Latin, Undines, 
 from tendo, to stretch). Containing ten- 
 dons ; sinewy ; partaking of the nature of 
 tendons. 
 
 Tendon, tend-im (Latin, tendo, to 
 stretch). A sinew; a ligature by which 
 the joints of the body are moved ; the 
 white and glistening extremity of a muscle. 
 
 Tendril, tend-ril. The slender stem of 
 a plant, by which it climbs or supports 
 itself. Either from Latin, teneo, to hold, to 
 clasp ; or from tener, tender. 
 
 Tenebrious, ten-eebry-us ) (Lat., tene- 
 Tenebrons, tenny-brus J h-ce, dark- 
 ness). Dark ; obsciu-e ; gloomy. 
 
 Tenement, tenny-ment (Latin, teneo, 
 to hold). Any habitable place ; any build- 
 ing occupied as a residence. In law, any 
 species of property which may be held by 
 a tenant. 
 
 Tenet, ten-et (Latin, tenet, he holds). 
 That which one holds or believes as an 
 opinion, dogma, or doctrine ; an article of 
 religious faith ; a position. 
 
 Tennis, ten-nis. A kind of sport or 
 game, in which a ball is kept in motion be- 
 tween opposite parties, who strike it with 
 rackets. 
 
 Tenor, ten-ur (Latm, teneo, to hold). A 
 holding on in a continued course ; general 
 current or drift of meaning ; purport ; 
 substance. In music, that compass of the 
 voice which is between the highest and the 
 lowest ; neither raised to a treble nor 
 lowered to a bass, but ranging from C, the 
 second space in the bass, to G, the second 
 liae-in the treble. 
 
 "l^ense, tense (corrupted from French, 
 le^ps ; from Latin, tenipus, time). In 
 grammar, time ; a particular form of a verb, 
 or a combination of words, used to express 
 the time of action, or of that which is 
 affirmed. 
 
 Tension, ten-shun (Latin, tendo, to 
 stretch). The act of stretching, or state of 
 being stretched ; the strain upon the 
 muscles; the extent to which the mind is 
 brought to bear upon any particular sub- 
 ject, or employed at any one time. 
 
 Tent, tent (from Latin, tentus, another 
 form of iensv^, stretched). A movable 
 
 habitation, usually constructed of canvass, 
 and extended by means of poles and cords ; 
 a pavilion. 
 
 Tentative, tentah-tiv (Latin, tento, to 
 try). Trying ; essaying ; experimental ; 
 that may or can attempt. 
 
 Tenter-hook, tentur-hook (Latin, 
 tendo, to stretch). A hook on anything is 
 stretched ; to he on the tenter-hook is figu- 
 ratively applied to a state of anxious ex- 
 pecting ; to be in suspense or difficulty. 
 
 Tenuity, ten- u-itty (Latin, tennis, thin). 
 Thinness ; slenderness ; slightness ; want 
 of substance. 
 
 Tenure, ten-yur (Latin, teneo, to hold). 
 A holding ; the manner in which tenements 
 are held of a superior. 
 
 Tepid, tep-id (Latin, tepidus). Mode- 
 rately warm ; lukewarm ; warm in a slight 
 degree ; figuratively, not zealous ; wanting 
 in ardour. 
 
 Teraphim, terrah-fim (Hebrew). 
 Household deities or images ; originally, 
 such as were worshipped by the ancient 
 Jews, and in one form or the other used as 
 domestic oracles. 
 
 Teratology, terrah-tollo-jy (Greek, 
 terator, prodigies; logos, a discourse). 
 Bombast ; affectation of sublimity. 
 
 Tergiversation, turjy-ver-sayshun 
 (Latin, tergum, back ; verto, to turn). The 
 act of quibbling or shuffling in an argu- 
 ment ; evasion ; subterfuge ; change ; 
 fickleness. 
 
 Term, turm (Latin, terminus, the ex- 
 treme of a thing). A limit or bound ; a 
 limited time ; a season of the year during 
 which the courts of judicature are open ; a 
 word or expression in language ; a peculiar 
 meaning in some science or art. In agree- 
 ments, the terms are the conditions, pro- ' 
 positions stated or promises made, and 
 when assented to, or accepted by another, 
 settle the contract and bind the parties. 
 
 Termagant, termah-gant. Primarily, 
 a Saracen or Pagan god; also, a ranting 
 and vociferous personage in the ancient 
 farces and puppet-shows ; hence, a turbu- 
 lent and brawling woman. The root is 
 probably from the Latin, ter, thrice ; 
 magnus, great. 
 
 Terminal, termin-al (Latin, terminus, 
 the extreme limit). Forming the extre- 
 mity ; growing on to the end ; ending. j 
 
 Terminate, termin-ate (Latin, ter-i 
 minus). To bound ; to set limits to ; to 
 bring to a conclusion ; to cause to end. 
 
TEE 
 
 Terminus, termin-us (Latin). A boun- 
 dary ; a mark set to denote the limit ; in 
 modem architecture, the station of a rail- 
 way where the line begins or ends. 
 
 Terpsiehorean, turp-sikko-reean. 
 Relating to Terpsichore, the muse who is 
 fabled to preside over dancing. 
 
 Terrace, ter-ras (Latin, tetra, earth). 
 A raised bank of earth ; the flat roof of a 
 house ; a balcony or open gallery ; any 
 raised or elevated walk or parade. 
 
 Terra Cotta, terrah-kottah (Italian, 
 
 I baked-clay). A composition of clay and 
 
 sand used in making statues, mouldings, 
 
 &c., and afterwards burnt in the same 
 
 manner as brioks. 
 
 Terra Firma, terrah-firmah (Latin). 
 Firm or solid earth; land as opposed to 
 water. 
 
 Terraqueous, ter-akwy-us (Lat., terra, 
 earth; aqua, water). Consisting, of land 
 and water, as the globe we inhabit. 
 
 Terrene, ter-reen (Latin, terra, the 
 earth). Pertaining to the earth ; the 
 surface of the earth. 
 
 Terrestrial, ter-restry-al (Latin, terra, 
 the earth). Pertaining to the earth; 
 earthy ; opposed to heavenly or celestial ; 
 belonging to the present state. 
 
 Terrier, terry-ur (Latin, terra, the 
 earth). The name of a dog that pursues 
 its game under ground, as in burrows. 
 
 Terrify, terry-fi (Latin, terreo, to pro- 
 duce fear). To alarm greatly; to frighten; 
 to shock with fear. 
 
 Territory, terry-tuny (Latin, terra, 
 earth). Land; dominion; country belong- 
 ing to a city, town, or parish ; compass of 
 land pertaining to a lordship or manor ; ex- 
 tent of jvuisdiction, rule, or government. 
 
 i Terrorist, ter-rorist (from terror). A 
 term adopted from that class of French 
 revolutionists who sought to maintain 
 their power by inspiring terror, and 
 I applied to an agent or accomplice ; the 
 'measures of the ruling party during a 
 ! state of revolution, or national disorgani- 
 sation. 
 
 Terse, turs (Latin, tersus, clean). Neat ; 
 compact ; applied to compositions of a 
 ''smooth and elegant character. 
 
 Tertian, ter-shan (Latin, tertius, the 
 third). In pathology, occurring with one 
 "^ day's interval, so as to make three days ; 
 especially a kind of ague which intei^mits 
 two days, and exhibits a fit on the third. 
 
 TET 
 
 325 
 
 Tertiary, tershah-ry (Latin, tertius, the 
 third). Third ; of the third formation ; 
 applied in geology to those formations which 
 have been deposited subsequently to the 
 chalk formation. 
 
 Tertium Quid, tursh-yum-kwid 
 (Latin). A substance composed by mixing 
 two other things ; a third something. 
 
 Tessellated, tessel-layted (Latin, 
 tessella, a small square). Chequered; va- 
 riegated by squares ; tessellated pave7nent, a 
 rich pavement of mosaic work, made of 
 curious small square pieces of marble, 
 bricks, or tiles. 
 
 Test, test (Latin, testa, an earthen pot). 
 A word having especial reference to the pot 
 or vessel in which metals are tried or 
 assayed ; hence, in a general sense, trial ; 
 examination ; standard ; criterion ; that 
 by which a judgment or decision is made. 
 
 Testaceous, tes-tayshus (Latin, testa, 
 a shell). Relating to shells ; having a 
 hard continuous shell. 
 
 Testament, testa-ment (Latin, testor, 
 to testify). In law, a solemn authentic 
 instrument in writing, whereby a person 
 declares his last will as to the disposal of 
 his estate and effects after his death. In 
 theology, the name of each of the volumes 
 of the Holy Scriptures, that is, the Old and 
 the New Testament. 
 
 Testator, tes-taytur (Latin, testor, to 
 testify). One who leaves a will ; feminine, 
 testat'^ix. 
 
 Tester, tes-tur (Latin, testa, a shell). 
 The head or top of abed; an old silver coin. 
 
 Testi^, testy-fi (Latin, testis, evidence ; 
 facia, to make). To bear witness to ; to 
 give evidence ; to declare ; to certify ; to 
 prove ; to make a solemn declaration, 
 verbal or written, with the view of establish- 
 ing some fact. 
 
 Testimonial, testy-mony-al (Latin, 
 testis, evidence). Writing or certificate in 
 evidence of character ; a mark of respect 
 bestowed in way of gift, or in commemora- 
 tion of worth. 
 
 Testy, tes-ty (French, tSte, the head). 
 Fretful ; peevish ; ill-humoured ; disposed 
 or apt to be angry. 
 
 Tetanus, tetta-nus ^ Greek, tetanao, to 
 stretch). Lock-jaw ; a disease character- 
 ised by general spasmodic rigidity of the 
 muscles. 
 
 Tete-a-tete, taytah-tate (French, head 
 to head). Private interview ; conversation 
 betv^een two persons apart ; in private. 
 
S26 
 
 TW. 
 
 THE 
 
 Tete montee, tate-montay (French). 
 Over-excited ; with the head tui'iied; or the 
 brain bewildered. 
 
 Tether, teth-ur (German, tudder). A 
 rope by which a horse or other animal is 
 tied in the field, to prevent his pasturing 
 too widely ; figuratively, anything by 
 which a person is restrained; limit of 
 action or freedom. 
 
 Tetragon, tettrah-gon (Greek, tetra, 
 four; gonia, an angle). In geometry, a 
 figure having four angles, as a quadrangle, 
 a square, &c. 
 
 Tetrarch., te-trahrk (Greek, telra, four: 
 arche, rule). A Koman governor of the 
 fourth part of a province; a subordinate 
 prince ; subsequently, a term applied to 
 any petty king or sovereign. 
 
 Teutonic, tu-tonnik. Belonging to the 
 Teutones, an ancient people of Germany. 
 The Teutonic language is the parent of the 
 German-Dutch and Anglo-Saxon. 
 
 Text, tekst (Latin, textus, woven). 
 Literally, that to which something is to be 
 woven ; figuratively, that upon which any 
 comment is written ; it is particularly used 
 for a certain passage of Scripture, chosen 
 by a preacher to be the subject of his 
 sermon. 
 
 Textile, tekst-il, or teks-tile (Latin, 
 textilis). A term applied to whatever is 
 woven, or capable of being woven. Textile 
 fabrics accordingly signify stuffs of every 
 description, without regard to the material 
 of which they are composed. 
 
 Texture, tekst-yur (Latin, texo, to 
 weave). An epithet propeiiy denoting the 
 arrangement and cohesion of several slender 
 bodies or threads, interwoven among each 
 other, as in cloths or stuffs. It is also used 
 ■ in speaking of any union or cohesion of the 
 constituent particles of a concrete body ; 
 connection of threads ; disposition of parts. 
 
 Tlialer, thah-lur. The German dollar, 
 worth about 3s. 2d. sterling. 
 
 Tlialia, tha-ll-ah. One of the nine 
 muses who is associated with pastoral 
 poetry, and to whom the invention of 
 geometry and husbandry is ascribed. 
 
 Tliane, thane (Saxon, thcegn, a minister 
 or servant). Anciently, an important 
 personage in the court of the Saxon kings, 
 and who held his lands immediately from 
 the sovereign ; the title was one equal to 
 that of a baron. 
 
 Theantliropism, the-anthro-pizm 
 (Greek, Theos, God ; anfhroyos, a man). A 
 si-ate of being both God and man. 
 
 Thearchy, theear-ky (Greek, Tims, 
 God ; arche, rule). Government by God ; 
 theocracy. 
 
 Theatre, theeah-tur (Greek, theatron). 
 A place where dramatic performances are 
 exhibited ; a place of action or exhibition ; 
 a building for scholastic exercises ; an 
 anatomical room ; a place rising by steps or 
 gradations, like the steps of a theatre. 
 
 Theban Year, the-ban yeer. The 
 Egyptian year of 365 days, 6 hours. 
 
 Theine, the-ine. The peculiar principle 
 of tea, almost identical in its composition 
 and character with caffeine. , 
 
 Theism, the-izm (Greek, Theos, God). 
 The belief or acknowledgment of the ex- 
 istence of a Supreme Being ; opposed to 
 A theism, and differing from Deism. 
 
 Theme, theem (Greek, themm). A sub- 
 ject or topic on which a person writes or 
 speaks ; anything proposed as a subject of 
 discourse or discussion ; the position or 
 station whence anything proceeds; the 
 origin; the original word. 
 
 Theocracy, the-okkrah-sy (Greek, 
 Theos, God ; krateo, to rule). The imme- 
 diate government of God ; the dominion of 
 God. 
 
 Theodolite, the-oddo-lite (Greek, theo. 
 to run; dolichos, long). An instrument 
 used in sm'veying, for measuring angles. It 
 is mostly used in determining particulai- 
 stations, and in running base hues, being 
 the most perfect of all the angular instru- 
 ments. 
 
 Theogony, the-oggo-ny (Greek, Thec^, 
 God ; gonos, generation). The generation 
 of the gods; thai branch of the heathen 
 mythology which taught the genealogy of 
 the deities. ^ j 
 
 Theology, the-ollo-jy (Greek, T1ie&, 
 God; logos, a discourse). The study 6i' 
 religion, or the science which instructs ic 
 the knowledge of God and divine things:- 
 divinity. 
 
 Theomaehy, tho-ommah-ky (Greek, 
 Theos, God ; mache, combat). A fighting 
 against the gods, as the battle of the giants 
 with the gods ; opposition to Divine will. 
 
 Theopathy, the-oppah-the (Greek, 
 Theos, God; pathos, feeling). Sympathy 
 with the Divine nature ; feelings resemblingj 
 those of God. 
 
 Theopneusty, the-opnus-ty (Greek 
 Theos, God ; nous, the mind). Divine is 
 spiratio-n ; that mysterious power exerte(J^ 
 by the Divine Spirit in causing men to know 
 and reveal the truth. 
 
THE 
 
 THE 
 
 827 
 
 Theorera, theo-rem (Greek, theoreo, to 
 contemplate). A demonstrative proposi- 
 tion ; a proposition to be proved by a chain 
 of reasoning. 
 
 Theoretic, theo-rettik \ Gk., tlie- 
 
 TJieoretical, theo-rettik-alj oreo, to 
 contemplate). Pertaining to theory ; 
 speculative; not practical; not tested by 
 experience. 
 
 Theory, theo-ry (Greek, theoreo, to 
 contemplate). Speculation; scheme; plan; 
 existing only in the mind ; science as dis- 
 tinguished from art ; the philosophical 
 explanation of phenomena, either physical 
 or moral. 
 
 Theosophism, the-osso-fizm (Greek, 
 Theos, God ; sophos, wise, applied ironi- 
 cally). Pretended knowledge of God 
 from direct inspiration. 
 
 Therapeutics, therrah-pewtiks (Gr., 
 therapeuo, to cure, nurse, or serve). That 
 branch of medical science which considers 
 the application of the remedies and means 
 employed, with a view of preventing and 
 curing diseases. 
 
 Theriac, theery-ak (Greek, theriaTcos, 
 pertaining to wild animals, especially ser- 
 pents). A remedy against poison ; a com- 
 jjosition so called, either because made of 
 viper's flesh, or because a remedy against 
 serpents, and generally against poisons. 
 
 Thermal, thurm-al (Greek, thermos, 
 warm). A warm spring ; a term chiefly 
 applied to warm springs, as the Geysers. 
 
 Thermometer, thur-mommy-tur (Gr., 
 therme, heat ; metron, a measure). An in- 
 strument for measuring heat, both as re- 
 gards the atmosphere and the variations of 
 the sensible heat of bodies. 
 
 Thermoseope, thurmo-skope (Greek, 
 therme, heat ; skopeo, to view). An instru- 
 ment for exhibiting the effects of heat ; a 
 thermometer which measures minute dif- 
 ferences of temperature. 
 
 Thesaurus, the-sawrus (Latin). A 
 treasury or store-house ; a lexicon replete 
 with literary information. 
 
 Thesis, the-sis (Greek and Latin). A 
 position or proposition which a person ad- 
 vances and offers to maintain, or which is 
 j actually maintained, by argument ; in 
 !i music, the depression of the hand in beat- 
 : ing time, indicating the unaccented part 
 of the measure. 
 Thespian, thespy-an. An epithet ap- 
 i plied to tragic acting; from Thespis, an 
 J ancient Athenian, who is said to have intro- 
 duced the first rudiments of the tragic stage. 
 
 Theurgy, the-urjy (Greek, Theos, God; 
 ergon, work). The supposed or pretended 
 power of doing supernatural things. 
 
 Thole, thole (Saxon, tholan). A pin in 
 the gunwale of a boat, to keep the oar in 
 place while used in rov/ing. 
 
 Thong, thong (Saxon, thwong). A thin 
 strip of leather ; a lash of cord. 
 
 Thorax, tho-raks (Greek, thoreo, to 
 leap). The chest, or that part of the 
 body between the neck and the abdo- 
 men ; so called because within it the heart 
 
 Thoroug'h, thur-ruh (Saxon, thurh). 
 Passing through from one end or side to 
 the other ; hence, complete ; comprehend- 
 ing the whole ; perfect. 
 
 Thorough-bred, thur-ruh-bred. Bred 
 from the best blood ; completely bred or 
 accomplished. 
 
 Thoroughfare, thur-ruh-fare. A fare, 
 passage, or way through ; a road or place 
 much frequented. 
 
 Thorough - paced, thur-ruh-pasde. 
 Complete ; perfect ; going all lengths. 
 
 Thraldom, thrawld-um. Bondage ; 
 slavery ; a state of servitude. This word 
 is derived from the Saxon, thirlean, to 
 pierce, from the practice of drilling or 
 boring a hole in the ears of serfs, as a badge 
 of servitude. 
 
 Thrasonical, thray-sonnik-al (from 
 TJiraso, a boaster in old comedy). Given 
 to boasting or bragging. 
 
 Threadbare, thred-bare. Worn to 
 the mere thread ; napless ; figuratively, 
 employed or exhibited until all novelty and 
 interest are worn away ; hackneyed ; com- 
 mon; ti-ite; every-day. 
 
 Three-quarter length. In paint-* 
 ing, a term applied to designate a par- 
 ticular size of portraiture, measming 30 
 inches by 25. The term also designates a 
 portrait delineated to the hips only. 
 
 Threnetic, thre-nettik (Greek, threnos, 
 a dirge). Bewailing ; lamenting ; express- 
 ing sorrow. 
 
 Threnody, thren-ody (Greek, threnos, 
 a dirge ; ode, .a song). A song of lamenta- 
 tion or mourning ; a short poetical compo- 
 sition, to be recited or sung on the occasion 
 of the funeral of some distingmshed 
 person. 
 
 Thrifty, thrif-ty (from thrive). Frugal ; 
 managing with prudence ; economica.l ; 
 husbanding resources ; proWdent. 
 
328 
 
 'KIT 
 
 TI?.I 
 
 Thrill, tliril (Saxon, thirlian, to pierce' 
 through). Literally, to pierce or penetrate, 
 as with an awl ; hence, to create a sensa- 
 tion such as may be produced by the action 
 of boring or piercing ; to penetrate the 
 ear with a sharp sound ; to feel a sharp, 
 shivering sensation. 
 
 Throb, throb (probably from Saxon, 
 threapian, to urge, to press forward). To 
 press or push ; to heave ; to palpitate ; to 
 make frequent pulsations or beats. 
 
 Throe, thro (Saxon, throwian, to suffer 
 pain). Anguish; painful effort; violent 
 pain ; extreme suffering. 
 
 Throng, throng (Saxon, thrang). A 
 crowd ; a multitude ; a number of persons 
 collected at one place : to crowd ; to press 
 forward ; to come in multitudes. 
 
 Throstle, thros-sl. The song-thrush ; 
 a machine for spinning, which takes its 
 name from the peculiar noise it makes, 
 bearing some resemblance to the singing of 
 a throstle, or thrush. 
 
 Thrum, thrum (Icelandic, tliraum). 
 The ends of weavers' threads ; any coarse 
 yarn. To thnim, to play coarsely and un- 
 musically upon an instrument with the 
 
 Thug", thug. One of a numerous class 
 of professed assassins and robbers among 
 the Hindoos ; they commit murder as a 
 religious act, form themselves into a 
 society, and proceed upon fixed principles, 
 rendering detection difficult. 
 
 Thule, thu-le. A name given by the 
 ancients to the most northern country with 
 which they were acquainted, as Norway or 
 Iceland ; hence the Latin phrase, ultima 
 thule. 
 
 ThummirQ, thum-mim. A Hebrew 
 word, signifying perfection. The Urivi and 
 Thummim were portions of the high-priest's 
 breastplate. 
 
 Thwart, thwort (Swedish, twart). Ly- 
 ing across ; transverse ; hence, figuratively, 
 to cross a purpose ; to pervert ; to turn 
 out of the straight course. 
 
 Thyroid, thy-royd (Greek, thyreos, a 
 shield ; eidos, resemblance). Kesembling 
 a shield ; in anatomy, appUed to one of the 
 cartilages of the throat. 
 
 Tiara, ti-ayrah (Greek). An ornament 
 of dress for the head, worn by the ancient 
 kings, nobles, and priests ; the Pope's triple 
 crown; a 
 
 Tibial, tibby-al. Pertaining to or 
 forming a portion of the- t'iJ)ia, or large 
 
 II 
 
 bone of the leg; belonging to a flute ci 
 pipe. 
 
 Tie Douloureux, tik-dollur-oo. A 
 French term, signifying generally a painful 
 spasm, but referring especially to an affec- 
 tion of the nerves of the face and the head. 
 
 Tidal, ti-dal. Pertaining to the tides ; 
 periodical rising and falling, or flowing and 
 ebbing. 
 
 Tide waiter. An officer ■«rhose duty 
 it is to superintend the landing of goods 
 liable to the payment of customs duties. 
 
 Tidings, tide-ings (Danish, tidende, 
 news). Intelligence ; news ; information 
 expected. ^ 
 
 Tidy, ti-dy (from tide, time, season). 
 Seasonable ; timely ; orderly ; neat. 
 
 Tie, ) ti (Saxon, iigaii). A fastening ; 
 
 Tye, j a knot ; hence, a restraint or 
 obligation. Also a term used when the 
 result of a contest is equally in favour of 
 both competitors, neither being declared 
 winner or loser. 
 
 Tier, teer (Saxon, tier\ A row; a ' 
 rank ; a row of guns in a ship ; a distinct 
 elevation of boxes or seats in a theatre. 
 
 Tierce, teerse (French, tkrs, third). lu 
 commerce, a liquid measure, equal to one- 
 third of a pipe, or forty gallons ; in 
 hei'aldiy, applied to the field when divided 
 into three parts ; in fencing, a thrust. 
 
 Tiers Etat, teerz aytah (French, tliird 
 estate). A term which, in France, signified 
 the people as distinguished from the no- 
 bility and the higher clergy ; subsequently 
 applied to that branch of government 
 corresponding to the English Commons. 
 
 Till, til (Saxon, tilian). Literally, to 
 raise or lift the earth by a plough or spade ; 
 hence, to prepare the ground for seeds ; to 
 plough, manure, and perform other acts of 
 husbandry. 
 
 Tiller, til-lur. A strong bar of timber 
 attached to the rudder of a ship, by which 
 it is moved. 
 
 Tilt, tilt (Saxon, tealtrian). To incline 
 or raise one end, as to tilt a cask. To run 
 at tilt is probably merely with spears tUtet'i 
 or upraised ; to nish ; to lean on one side. 
 
 Tilth, tilth (Saxon, from till). The 
 state of laeing tilled ; husbandry ; culture. 
 
 Timber, tim-bur (Danish, tommer). 
 Wood fitted for building, or suitable for 
 making carriages, tools, implements, &c. ; 
 also, applied to standing trees wliich ar3 
 adapted for any of these purposes. 
 
TIM 
 
 Timbrel, timb-rul. An cancient musical 
 jiistrument, somewhat resembling a tabor 
 i)r tambourine. 
 
 Time, time (Saxon, iima). A portion 
 of duration, whether past, present, or 
 future ; marked by certain periods or mea- 
 sures, chiefly by the motion and revolution 
 of the sun. In music, the measure of 
 sounds, in regard to their continuance or 
 duration. 
 
 Tim ft Server, time surv-ur. One who 
 regulates his conduct or principles accord- 
 ing to prevailing opinion ; one who meanly 
 complies with the present time of the 
 I'uling power, 
 
 Tim.OCracy, ti-mokkrah-sy (Gr., time, 
 worth ; krateo, to govern). That form of 
 government vested in persons who are pos- 
 sessed of a certain property, and in the 
 receipt of a specific income, 
 
 Tim-OrOTlS, timmur-us (Latin, timeo, to 
 fear). Much affected by fear ; easily 
 frightened; apprehensive of danger or 
 difficulty ; afraid to act ; over scrupulous. 
 
 Tincture, . tin kt-jmr (Latin, tinctura, 
 from tingo, to stain). Colour, superadded 
 to something ; infusion ; quality slightly 
 added. In chemistry, a solution of any 
 substance in dilute alcohol, or alcohol ini- 
 23regnated with the active principle of an 
 animal or vegetable substance. 
 
 Tinfoil, tin-foyl (from tin, and Latin, 
 folium, a leaf). Tin beaten out into thin 
 leaves. 
 
 Tinge, tinj (Latin, tingo, to stain). To 
 imbue with a colour or taste ; to impregnate 
 with something foreign ; to colour ; to dye ; 
 to stain. 
 
 Tinsel, tin-sel (French, etiacclk, a 
 spark). A kind of stuff or silk inwrought 
 with glittering spangles of silver, gold, or 
 other metal ; metaphorically, anything 
 showy and of little value ; outside show ; 
 superficial ; gaudy. 
 
 Tint, tint (Latin, tingo, to stain). A 
 dye or colour ; a slight colouring or tincture 
 distinct from the ground or principal colour. 
 
 Tintinnabulary, tintin-nabbu-lary 
 (Latin, lintinnahulum, a little bell). Having 
 or producing tho sound of a bell. 
 
 Tiny, ti-ne (from the root of thin). 
 Little ; small ; puny. 
 
 Tip, tip (Danish, tip). The top or sum- 
 mit ; the extreme end ; a slight Ktroke. 
 
 Tipple, tip-pl. To drink strong liquor 
 habitually ; to drink frequently or con- 
 tinuously. 
 
 TMB 
 
 329 
 
 Tipstaff, tip-staff. An officer of jus- 
 tice, so named from bearing a staff tipped 
 with metal, and whose duty it is to take 
 into custody such persons as are committed 
 by the courb, or by a judge. 
 
 Tirade, te-rade. A strain of invective ; 
 a burst of violent declamation. The word 
 is from Italian tirata ; the root is the Latin 
 trahere, to draw out ; hence, literally, some- 
 thing drawn out or extended. 
 
 Tire, tire (Saxon, tier'). A head-dress ; 
 furniture ; a band of iron for a wheel. 
 
 Tironian, ti-rony-an (from Tiro, the 
 freed man of Cicero, or from tyro, a learner). 
 Among the Romans, dronian notes, the 
 mode of short- hand writing. 
 
 Tissue, tish-yu (French, tissu, from 
 Latin texere., to weave). Cloth interwoven 
 with gold or silver, or with figured colours ; 
 anything fabricated or interwoven. In 
 anatomy, the textures which compose tho 
 different organs of animals. 
 
 Titanic, ti-tannik. Eclating to the 
 Titans, or early giants ; hence, applied to 
 anything of huge proportions or enormous 
 size. 
 
 I'lthe, tj'the (Saxon, teoiha, tenth). The 
 tenth part of anything ; appropriately, the 
 tenth part of the increase annually arising 
 from the profits of land and stock, allotted 
 to the clergy for their maintenance. 
 
 Tithing, tyth-ing. In law, a decen- 
 usiry ; a company of ten householders, who, 
 dwelling in the same locality, were held 
 free pledges to the king for the good be- 
 haviour of each other, 
 
 Tithonic, ti-thonnik. Pertaining to 
 those rays of light which produce chemical 
 effects. 
 
 Title, tite-ul (Latin, titulus). A name ; 
 a general head comprising particulars ; an 
 appellation of honour ; an inscription ; a 
 right to own or possess ; the legal instru- 
 ment which is evidence of the legality of 
 a claim or possession. 
 
 Titter, tit-tur (probably from tivliter). 
 A shaking, tremulous, low laugh ; a re- 
 strained laugh. 
 
 Titular, tittu-lar (Lat., titulus, a title). 
 Pertaining to a title ; existing in title or 
 name only. In ecclesiastical matters, a 
 person invested with the title to a bene- 
 fice. 
 
 Tmesis, me-sis (Greek, temrto, to cut). 
 In rhetoric, the separation of the parts of 
 a compound word ; as, on which side sotver, 
 for, on wldchcver side. 
 
330 
 
 TOA 
 
 TON 
 
 Toady, tode-e. A term applied in con- 
 tempt to an unscn.;piilous follower or mean 
 sycophant ; that is to say, a toad-eater, or 
 one who, from selfish purposes, will swallow 
 and approve anything from a superior or 
 patron. 
 
 Toast, toste. In a convivial sense, to 
 name or propose any one whose health or 
 success is wished by the company ; any 
 sentiment which is Ihus drunk ; any name 
 or thing which is so proposed. The term 
 is derived from a toast or slice of toasted 
 bread put into liquor ; hence, the person 
 honoured, or the sentiment proposed, 
 stands in the same relation to the liquor 
 drunk ^nd imparts a relish to it. 
 
 Tocsin, tok-sin (French, from Armoric, 
 tocq, a stroke ; and Latin, sonus, a sound). 
 An alarm-bell; the sound caused by ringing 
 an alarm-bell. 
 
 Tod, tod. A weig'ht used in weighing 
 wool, containing twenty-eight pounds 
 avoirdupois. 
 
 Toddy, tod-dy. The name of a sweetish 
 juice drawn from various palm trees in the 
 East Indies ; applied to a mixture of spirits 
 -and water, and other ingredients. 
 
 Toga, to-gah (Latin). In antiquity, a 
 robe without sleeves, worn by the Koman 
 •citizens in the time of peace. Toga virilis 
 (manly gown) was the name of a gown 
 worn by men, and first put on by Roman 
 youths, about the time of completing the 
 fourteenth year ; in a figurative sense, it 
 implies the assumption of the manners, 
 habits, appearance, and dress of a man, 
 and also of a gentleman. 
 
 Toil, toyl (Saxon, teolan, to urge). Hard 
 labour, urged or pressed upon any one ; a 
 net or snare for taking prey, which, in the 
 plural, toils, is figuratively applied to the 
 arts and wiles which one person practises 
 to get another into his power. 
 
 Toilet, ) toyl-et (French, the dimi- 
 
 Toilette, j nutive of toile, linen cloth). 
 The term originally meant the cloth, or 
 cover of a dressing-table ; but is now ap- 
 plied to the table itself ; to the art or busi- 
 ness of dress ; and also to the dress and 
 -decoration of the person. 
 
 Toise, toyz (French), A measure of 
 six French feet. 
 
 Tokay, to-kay. The name of a kind of 
 wine made at Tokay, in Hungary, possess- 
 ing a luscious taste and peculiarly aromatic 
 flavour. 
 
 Tole, tole. To draw by degrees; to 
 allure. From the verb to toll, which sig- 
 
 nifies primarily to entice ; to draw in, as 
 the bell tolling calls in the people tc 
 church. 
 
 Toledo, to-leedo. A sword of the 
 finest temper, originally made at Toledo, in 
 Spain. 
 
 Tolerable, tolly-ra-bl (Latin, tollo, to 
 endure). That may be endured or sup- [ 
 ported ; passable, but not excellent ; mo- I 
 derately good or agreeable. I 
 
 Tolerate, tolly-rate (Latin, tollo, to f 
 endure). To permit to pass unchallenged ; 
 to allow that which is not approved ; to 
 be indifferent to ; to suffer ; to permit ; to 
 endure. 
 
 Toll, tole (Saxon, tull). A tax paid for 
 some libertj'- or privilege ; an excise of 
 goods ; a portion of grain taken by a 
 miller as compensation for grinding. 
 
 Tomahaw^k, tomma-hawk. An Indian 
 hatchet ; also, to kill or cut with a hatchet. 
 
 Tomato, to-mahto. The love-apple. 
 In botany, a plant and its fruit, originally 
 brought from South America. 
 
 Tomb, toom (French,, tomleau). A • 
 monument, within which the dead are in- 
 closed : a vault for the dead ; the grave ; 
 the sepulchre. 
 
 Tom.e, tome (French), A book ; a 
 volume ; especially a volume of large size 
 and great bulk. 
 
 Ton, ton (French). The prevailing 
 fashion ; the style in vogue ; the mode. 
 
 Tone, tone (Latin, tonus). Sound, or 
 modification of sound ; accent ; note ; style 
 or manner of expression ; healthy condi- 
 tion of the system; proper state of the 
 morals. In painting, the prevailing colour 
 of a picture, or its general effect, depend- 
 ing on the right relation of objects in sha- 
 dow to the principal light, and to the 
 quality of colour, to which it is felt to owe 
 part of its brightness, from the hue of the 
 light upon it. \ 
 
 Tonic, ton-ik (Greek, tonos, tone). In 
 medicine, a term applied to medicines 
 wliich increase the tone of the muscular 
 fibre, and impart strength to the system. 
 In music, the first or fundamental note of 
 the diatonic scale, and, in general, the fun- 
 damental and key-note of eveiy piece. 
 
 Tonsorial, ton-sory-al (Latin, lonsusj 
 shaved). Pertaining to the barber ; rela- 
 ting to the operation of shaving and hair- 
 cutting. 
 
 Tonsure, ton-shur (Latin, tonsus, 
 shaved). The act of clipping the hair. 
 
TON 
 
 TOE, 
 
 331 
 
 In the Koman Catholic Church, the first 
 ceremony observed for devoting a person 
 to the service of God and the Church ; the 
 first degree of clericave given by a bishop, 
 who cuts off a portion of the hair, uttering 
 meanwhile prayers and benedictions ; also, 
 the name of the shaven part of a priest's 
 head. 
 
 Tontine, ton-teen. An annuity or sur- 
 vivorship ; a loan raised on life annuiti es, 
 with the benefit of a survivorship. Thus, 
 the annuity is shared among a number, on 
 the principle that the share of each, at his 
 death, shall go to the benefit of the survi- 
 vors, until the whole revei-ts to the last 
 survivor and his heirs, or to the State. The 
 term is derived from an Italian named 
 Tonti, who is said to have first introduced 
 the scheme. 
 
 Toparchy, toppar-ky (Greek, topos, a 
 place ; arche, government). In antiquity, 
 a small state or lordship, consisting only of 
 a few cities or towns ; or a petty country 
 under the sway of a toparch, or principal 
 person of a place. 
 
 Topaz, to-paz (Greek, topazioii). A 
 crystallised mineral, harder than quartz, of 
 a yellowish colour. 
 
 Top-gallant, to-gallant. In nautical 
 language, the top-gallant mast is the mast 
 next above the topmast ; the top-gallant 
 sail is the one which is above the sail ex- 
 tended across the topmast ; hence, highest ; 
 most elevated. 
 
 Topliet, to-fet (Hebrew, tophet, a drum ; 
 in reference to the sacrifice of children to 
 Molech in this place, v/hen a drum was 
 beat to stifle their cries). A place regarded 
 <is polluted and unclean, near Jerusalem, 
 into which the Jews used to throw the dead 
 bodies of those to whom burial was refused, 
 and where a fire was kept perpetually 
 burning to consume all that was brought ; 
 hence, Tophet is sometimes used metaphori- 
 cally for hell. 
 
 Topiary, toppy-ary (Latin, topiarius, 
 ornamental). Shaped by cutting and 
 clipping ; applied especially to a species of 
 ornamental garden-work, which consists in 
 giving fanciful forms to trees, arbours, 
 hedges, &c. 
 
 Topic, top-ik (Greek, topos, place). A 
 subject of discourse; a general head; 
 something to which other things are re- 
 ferred ; an external remedy. 
 
 Topical, toppik-al (Greek, topos, place). 
 Local ; pertaining to a place ; limited to 
 a place ; pertaining to a topic or subject of 
 
 discourse ; a remedy of an external or 
 local application. 
 
 Topmast, top-mast. The mast of a 
 ship next above the lower mast. 
 
 Topograpliy, to-pogi-ah-fy (Greek, 
 topos, place ; grapho, to write). A descrip- 
 tion of particular places; science of de- 
 scribing places. 
 
 Toreutic, to-rewtik (Greek, toreutos, 
 chased or worked in relief). A term in 
 sculpture, &c., which, in its widest sense, 
 signifies purely formative art, in any style 
 and in any material, carved or cast, but the 
 term is sometimes restricted to metallic 
 carvings or castings im basso-relievo ; the 
 working of metals with sharp instruments ; 
 sculpture in metals ; also, the covering of 
 wood with plates of ivory and gold. 
 
 Tornado, tor-naydo (Spanish, tornado, 
 a whirling). A violent and sudden gust of 
 wind, characterised by a whirling motion, ■ 
 and by its veering round all points of the 
 compass like a hurricane. It is usually 
 accompanied by much thunder and rain, 
 but is of short duration and limited compass. 
 
 Torpedo, tawr-peedo. The electric ray, 
 or cramp-fish, so called from the Latin, 
 torpeo, to benumb, because it possesses the 
 singular property of communicating a gal- 
 vanic shock to those who touch it. 
 
 Torpid, tawrp-id (Latin, torpeo, to be- 
 numb). Deprived of motion or power of 
 exertion ; destitute of feeling ; dull ; heavy ; 
 sluggish; inactive. 
 
 Torpor, tawrp-ur (Latin). Dulness of 
 sensation ; inability to move ; heaviness ; 
 sluggishness. 
 
 Torrefaetion, torry-fakshun (Latin, 
 torridus, torrid ; facio, to make). The act 
 of drying by fire ; the operation of roast- 
 ing. In pharmacy, the process of drying 
 highly, or of partially roasting drugs. 
 
 Torrent, tor-rent (Latin, torrens). A 
 rapid stream ; a violent rushing of water 
 or other fluid ; a strong current ; figura- 
 tively, voluble; incessant; impetuous. 
 
 Torrid, tor-rid (Latin, torreo, to roast). 
 Excessively hot ; parched or scorched ; 
 dried or parched with heat. Torrid zone, 
 in geography, that region of the earth in- 
 cluded between the tropics, at the distance 
 of twenty-three and a half degrees from 
 the equator, where the sun is vertical at 
 some period every year, and where the heat 
 is always great. 
 
 Torsion, tawr-shun (Latin, iorsio, from 
 torqueo, to twist). The act of turning or 
 twisting ; the operation of wreathing. 
 
332 
 
 TOE- 
 
 TEA 
 
 Torso, tawr-so /Italian), The trunk of 
 the human body ; applied usually to muti- 
 lated statues, from which the head and 
 limbs are broken off. 
 
 Tort, tawrt (French, wrong). In law, 
 wrong ; injustice ; mischief ; injury done 
 to person or property. 
 
 Tortuous, tawrtu-us (Latin, tortuosiis, 
 from torqueo, to twist). Occasioning tor- 
 ture ; in a twisted state ; in a wreathed 
 form ; figuratively, the reverse of straight- 
 forward ; crooked ; deceptive. 
 
 Torus, to-rus (Latin, torus, a protu- 
 berant band). In architecture, the rounded 
 moulding at the base of a column. 
 
 Torvous, tawr-vus (Latin, torvus). 
 Sour of aspect ; harsh-featured ; having a 
 severe expression of countenance. 
 
 Tory, to-ry. The name given to a 
 political party in England, of conservative 
 principles. The term is said to be derived 
 from toringhim, an Irish word, sig-nifying 
 to p\irsue for the sake of plunder. The 
 name was first applied to certain parties in 
 Ireland, who, refusing to submit to the 
 Protector Cromwell, retired into bogs and 
 fastnesses, and formed bodies of armed men, 
 supporting themselves and their followers 
 by the depredations which they committed 
 on the occupiers of their estates. Torji was 
 a term of reproach applied by the country 
 to the Court party in the latter jDart of 
 the reign of Charles II. ; and subsequently 
 the same term came to be associated with 
 one who upheld the monarchy, and adhered 
 to the ancient institutions of the kingdom. 
 
 Total, tote-al (Latin, totalis). Whole; 
 full ; complete ; undivided ; the aggregate 
 imount of several items or sums when 
 idded together. 
 
 Totidem verbis, totty-dem ver-bis 
 [Latin). In so many words; in the very 
 swords. , 
 
 Totios quoties, totee-ez kwotee-ez 
 Xatin). In law, so often as a thing shall 
 aajDpen. 
 
 Toto CKilo, to-to se-lo (Latin). By the 
 vbole of the heavens ; that is, as opposite 
 is the poles. 
 
 Toucli-hole, tutsh-hole. The vent of 
 I cannon or other species of fire-arms. 
 
 Touching, tutsh-ing. Pathetic; ap- 
 jeahng to the feelings ; aif ecting ; moving. 
 
 Tonpee, "^ too-pay (French, toupei, | 
 
 Toupet, j from touffe, a tuft). An | 
 
 artificial lock or curl of hair ; a little tuft. ' 
 
 Tour, toor (French, tou7; a turn). An 
 excursion; a circuitous journey; travel 
 for pleasure ; a ramble ; a jaunt. 
 
 Tour d'adresse, toor dadress (Fr.V 
 Sleight of hand trick ; clever manipulation. 
 
 Tour de force, toor-deh-fawrs (Fr,). 
 Feat of strength. 
 
 Tourmalin, toormah-lin. A stone 
 variously coloured, and remarkable for ex- 
 hibiting electricity by heat. The name is 
 a corruption of iournamal, under which 
 designation this stone is know^n at Ceylon. 
 
 Tournament, toorny-ment, or turny- 
 ment (French, tourner, to turn). A martial 
 sport practised f ormerlj'- among knights, for 
 the purpose of displaying their gallantry 
 and adroitness, by encountering each other 
 on horseback with spears or lances. 
 
 Tourniquet, turny-ket, or toomy-kay 
 (French). A surgical instrument for stop- 
 ping the flow of blood after an amputa- 
 tion. It consists of a kind of bandage, 
 straitened or relaxed with a screw. 
 
 Tournure, toor-nure (French). Figure : 
 expression ; turn ; finish ; rounding off. 
 
 Tout ensem.l)le,tooton-sawmbu] (Fr.). 
 Whole appearance ; general aspect ; com- 
 prehending everything which presents it. 
 
 Toward, to-ard (Saxon, to and ward). 
 Ready to do or learn ; docile ; compliant. 
 
 Toxicolo^, toksy-kollo-jy. The 
 branch of medicine which treats of poisons ; 
 the study of poisons ; a treatise on poisons. 
 The word is derived from the toxikon, be- 
 longing to an arrow (arrows being fre- 
 quently poisoned), and Logos, a discourse. 
 
 Toxopolite, toks-oppo-lit (Gk., toxon, 
 a bow or an aiTOw; phitos, a lover)." Axi 
 archer ; a lover of archery ; pertaining to 
 the art or practice of shooting with the 
 bow and arrow. 
 
 Tracery, ti*ase-erry, A term, in archi- 
 tecture, applied to the geometric ornament 
 seen in the upper parts of gothic windows, 
 or Avall-panels, as well as the same thing 
 applied to wood-carving, or ornamental 
 work. 
 
 Trachea, tray-keah. In anatomy, the 
 windpipe, a tube or canal leading from the 
 mouth to the lungs. The term is a low 
 Latin word, derived from Greek, trachys, 
 rough, in reference to the inequalities of 
 the cartilages. 
 
 Tract, trakt (Latin, tradus, dragged or 
 drawn along). Literally, something drawn 
 out or extended, as a ti-act of country, a 
 
TEA 
 
 TllA 
 
 333 
 
 tract of tlie heavens ; a space of indefinite 
 extent ; a region ; a short treatise. 
 
 Tractable, traktah-bl (Latin, tracto^ to' 
 manage). Capable of being governed or 
 managed ; docUe ; compliant ; yielding. 
 
 Traetarian, trak-tary-an. A Puseyite ; 
 one wko adheres to the semi-Popish doc- 
 trines propounded in the Oxford Tracts. 
 
 Traction, tr^-shun (Latin, tractus, 
 drawn along). The act of drawing or state 
 of being drawn. In practical mechanics, 
 the amount of power necessary to over- 
 come the resistance of a carriage on a road, 
 of a boat on a canal, &c. 
 
 Trade "mnd. The name of certain 
 easterly winds which constantly prevail, 
 with slight variations, in some of the regions 
 within the tropics ; they are so called be- 
 cause they are supposed to favour trade. 
 
 Tradition, tra-disshun (Latin, trado, 
 to deliver). Oral account, handed down 
 from age to age ; transmission from genera- 
 tion to generation. The delivery of his- 
 torical events, opinions, doctrines, rites, 
 customs, &c., by oral report, and not by 
 writing ; hearsay, as opposed to written 
 proof. 
 
 Traduce, tra-duse (Latin, traduco, to 
 lead from one place to another). To re- 
 present as blamable ; to calumniate ; to 
 defame ; to vilify ; to censure. 
 
 Traffic, traf-ik (French, trafic). The 
 act of buying, selling, or bartering ; com- 
 merce ; mercantile business ; occupation 
 or employment in merchandise. Traffic 
 was formerly used of foreign commerce, in 
 distinction to trade. 
 
 Tragedy, trajjy-dy. A dramatic re- 
 presentation of a calamitous or fatal action ; 
 any mournful and dreadful event. The 
 term is derived from Greek, tragos, a goat; 
 ode, a hymn; the latter being sung in 
 honour of Bacchus, while a goat stood at 
 his altar ready to be sacrificed ; hence, 
 called tragedy, or the goat-song., 
 
 Tragi-comic, trajjy-kommik. ) 
 
 Tragi-comical, trajjy-kommik -al. j 
 
 Partaking of tragedy and comedy ; a name 
 
 given to dramatic pieces which exhibit a 
 
 mixture of grave and comic scenes. 
 
 Trail, trale (Welsh, treilen, to draw). 
 To draw along the ground ; to hunt by the 
 track; to lower; anything drawn behind; 
 scent left on the ground by the animal 
 pursued. 
 
 Train, trane (French, trainer) . To draw 
 along; to educe or educate; to draw by 
 
 artifice or stratagem ; to teach by degrees ; 
 an artifice used to entice ; a series, process, 
 or method; a retinue, or number of fol- 
 lowers ; a procession ; the line of gun- 
 powder which reaches to a mine or other 
 object. A train of artillery is the cannon 
 accompanying an army. 
 
 Trait, tray (French, from trainer, to 
 draw). A characteristic ; a stroke ; a 
 touch ; a line. 
 
 Traitor, trate-ur (Latin, trado, to de- 
 liver, to betray). A name given in the 
 first ages of the Church to such Christians 
 as, in times of persecution, to avoid death 
 and martyrdom, delivered up the sacred 
 writings to their persecutors ; subsequently 
 applied to one who betrayed his sovereign 
 and country ; and used, in an extended 
 sense, for one who betrays any person or 
 body of persons, or who is untrue to a 
 cause. 
 
 Traject, traj-ekt (Latin, trans, through ; 
 jacio, to throw). To throw or cast through ; 
 to pass, or cause to pass over ; to transmit ; 
 to transpose. 
 
 Trajectory, tra-jektur-e (Latin, trans, 
 over; jacio, to throw). The curve wiiicli 
 a moving body describes in space. 
 
 Tralation, tray-layshun (Latin, trans- 
 latio). A change in the use of a word ; a 
 transfer ; a metaphor ; a trope. 
 
 Tralatitious, trayla-tlsshus (Latin, 
 translatus). Not literal ; metaphorical. 
 
 Tralucent, tra-lewsent. See Trans- 
 lucent. 
 
 Trammel, tram-mel (French, tramail, 
 drag-net). A shackle or impediment; a 
 hindrance to motion ; anything that in- 
 volves or entangles, obstructs or impedes. 
 
 Tramontane, tra-montane (Latin, 
 trans, over ; mons, a mountain). Living or 
 being beyond the mountains ; foreign ; 
 barbarous ; one who dwells beyond the 
 mountains ; a foreigner ; a stranger. 
 
 Tramway. A description of railway 
 cr road laid with narrow tracks of iron, for 
 the wheels of wagons, trucks, &c., to run in. 
 
 Trance, transe (Latin, transitus, a pass- 
 ing over) . A peculiar condition of existence, 
 in which a person is insensible to the outer 
 world, and is carried away, as though into 
 another state of being ; in a minor sense, 
 that state in which a person is withdrawn, 
 as it were, from himself, and still sees 
 things, though his senses are all locked up ; 
 an ecstacy ; a temporary absence of the 
 soul from the body. 
 
334 
 
 TEA 
 
 TEA 
 
 Tranquil, trank-wil (Fr., tranquiUe). 
 Calm ; untroubled ; hushed ; still ; peace- 
 ful ; quiet ; undisturbed. 
 
 Trans. A Latin preposition, prefixed 
 to numerous words in English composition, 
 and having reference to the circumstance of 
 passing away from one place or state to 
 another. It, therefore, signifies over, 
 heyond, on the other side, &c. It also implies 
 passage through, and likewise from one to 
 another. 
 
 Transact, trans-akt (Latin, trans, 
 thi-ough- ago, to act or drive). To per- 
 form ; to manage ; to conduct ; to lead 
 or carry forward ; to bring to a conclu- 
 sion. 
 
 Transalpine, trans-alpine (Lat., trans, 
 beyond; Alpine, of the Alps). Situated 
 beyond the Alps, in regard to Rome ; on the 
 farthest side of the mountains. 
 
 Transanimate, trans - anny - mate 
 (Latin, trans; anima, the soul). To animate 
 by the conveyance of a soul to another 
 body, as believed of metempsychosis. 
 
 Transatlantic, trans-at-lantik (Latin, 
 trans, beyond ; and Atlantic). Lying or 
 being beyond the Atlantic Ocean ; situated 
 on the other side of the Atlantic. 
 
 Transcend, tran-send (Latin, trans, 
 beyond ; scando, to climb). Literally, to 
 climb beyond; hence, to excel other per- 
 sons ; to s\irpass other performances ; to 
 rise above ; to go beyond. 
 
 Transcendental, transen - dental 
 (Latin, trans, beyond; scando, to climb). 
 Passing beyond ; super-eminent ; excelling ; 
 general ; pervading or comprehending 
 many particulars. 
 
 Transcendentalism, transen-dental- 
 izm. The doctrine of aiming or arriving 
 at super-eminent excellence ; also, applied 
 to a kind of investigation or the use of a 
 language which is vague, obscure, fantastic, 
 or extravagant. 
 
 Transcribe, tran-skribe (Latin, trans; 
 sa-ibo, to write). To copy ; to write over 
 again in the same v/ords ; to write a copy 
 of anything. 
 
 Transcursion, trans-kurshun (Latin, 
 tra7is, beyond ; ciirro, to run). To go be- 
 yond certain limits; extraordinary devia- 
 tion. 
 
 Transept, tran-sept (Latin, trans; \ 
 septum, a division). That part of a church ! 
 which is carried out on, each side perpen- ! 
 dicularly to the length ; an aisle extending 1 
 across Uie uc73 a£id main aislo. I 
 
 Transfer, trans-fur (Latin, trans; 
 fero, to carry). To convey from one place 
 to another ; to make over from one person 
 to another ; to carry from one account to 
 another ; to transmit ; to sell or ahenato 
 title. 
 
 Transfiguration , trans-figgu-rayshun 
 (Latin, trans ; figura, figure, form, shape). 
 Change of shape or form ; especially ap- 
 plied to the supernatural change in the 
 personal appearance of our Saviour on the 
 mount. 
 
 Transfix, trans-fiks (Latin, trans, 
 through ; Jigo, to fix). To pierce through ; 
 to stab through; figuratively, to create that 
 amount of astonishment, horror, &c., as 
 though the beholder or hearer were piei'ced 
 through. 
 
 Transform, trans-fawrm (Latin, trans; 
 and/or;/i). To change or put into another 
 form ; to metamorphose. 
 
 Transfuse, trans-fuze (Latin, trans; 
 fundo, to pour). Litemlly, to pour from 
 one vessel or receptacle to another. In 
 surgery, to transmit the blood from the 
 veins of one living animal into those of 
 another; figuratively, to blend or mingle 
 the characteristics or qualities of one thing 
 with some other thing ; as, to tranfuse the 
 beauties of an author from otie language 
 into another. 
 
 Transgress, trans-gress (Latin, trans, 
 beyond ; gradus, a step). Literally, to pass 
 beyond ; hence, in a moral sense, to go 
 further than we ought ; to over-step ; to 
 violate ; to break through. 
 
 Transient, tran-shent (Latin, trans, 
 over ; eo, to go). Soon passed or passing ; 
 of short continuance; momentary; not 
 lasting. 
 
 Transit, tran-sit (Latin, trails, over ; 
 to, to go). A passing; passing over or 
 through. In astronomy, the jjassing of one 
 heavenly body over the disc of another. 
 
 Transition, tran-sizzhun (Latin, tran- 
 sitio). Passage from one place or state to 
 another; change; i-emoval. 
 
 Transitive, transy-tiv (Latin, tran- 
 sitiviis). Possessing the power of passing ; 
 in grammar, applied to such verbs as imph" 
 action passing from the agent to the object, 
 as ''William strikes John." 
 
 Transitory, transit-urry (Latin, tran- 
 sitorius). Continuing but for a short time ; 
 passing quickly ; vanishing soon after ap- 
 pearance ; evanescent ; fleeting ; foi-med to 
 exist for a time, and then to pass away. 
 
TRA 
 
 TEE 
 
 )35 
 
 Translate, trans-late (Latin, trans ; 
 latum, to carry). To remove from one 
 y)!ace to another, as the translation of a 
 hishop from one see to another ; to render 
 into another lanjjuage, as the translation of 
 a book; to transfer; to construe. 
 
 Translucent, trans-lewsent (Latin, 
 tra«s, through ; luceo, to shine). Trans- 
 parent with light; passing light through ; 
 penetrating with light ; shining ; clear. 
 
 Transmigration, transmi-grayshun 
 (Latin, trans; migro, to remove). De- 
 parture ; quitting one country or place for 
 another ; passage out of one body or state 
 into another ; especially applied to the soul 
 after the death of the body. 
 
 Transmit, trans- mit (Latin, trans, over ; 
 ■mitto, to send). To send from one place to 
 another, or from one person to another. 
 
 Transmutation, transmu - tayshun 
 (Latin, trans; muto, to change). Change 
 into another si^bstance ; transmission of 
 one nature into another. In alchemy, the 
 act of changing imperfect metals into gold 
 and silver. 
 
 Transparent, trans-parrent (Latin, 
 trans, through ; pareo, to appear). Having 
 the property of admitting light, so that ob- 
 jects can be seen through ; pervious to the 
 light ; clear ; figuratively, applied to con- 
 duct, pretexts, &c., the object of which is 
 easily seen and detected. 
 
 Transpire, trans-pire (Latin, trans; 
 spiro, to breathe). To breathe out or 
 through ; to emit through the pores, as 
 vapour; figuratively, to suffer to escape 
 from secrecy into notice ; to become 
 public. 
 
 Transplant, trans-plant (Latin, trans, 
 and plant). To move a plant from one 
 place to another ; to remove ; to transpose; 
 to transfer. 
 
 Transport, trans-port (Latin, trans; 
 IJorto, to carry). To carry or convey from 
 one place to another ; to carry into banish- 
 ment ; to convey beyond the sea ; meta- 
 phorically, to bear or carry away h\ rap- 
 ture or ecstacy. 
 
 Transpose, trans-poze (Latin, trans ; 
 pono, to put or place). To put one thing 
 in the place of another ; to cause to change 
 places ; to remove. In grammar, to dis- 
 place the words of a discourse or sentence, 
 or to change their natural order of con- 
 stf uc'tion, so as to please the ear, and ren- 
 aer tne context more easy, smooth, and 
 harmonious. 
 
 Transubstantiation, transub-stan- 
 shy-ayshun (Latin, ^ra»s; substantia, sah- 
 stance). Change of substance; in the 
 Roman Catholic Church, the supposed con- 
 version of the bread and wine, used in the 
 sacrament, into the body and blood ot 
 Jesus Christ, a change which is asserted 
 to be wrought by the consecration of the 
 priest. 
 
 Transude, trans-ude (Latia, trans, 
 through; sudo, to perspire). To pass out, 
 as perspiration through the pores. 
 
 Transverse, trans-verse (Latin, trans- 
 versiLs). Being in a cross direction ; lying 
 across ; out of the straight line or course. 
 
 Trapan, tra-pan (Saxon, treppan). To 
 catch as in a trap; to ensnare by stratagem ; 
 to take by artifice. 
 
 Traumatic, traw-mattik (Greek, 
 trauma, a wound). AppHed to wounds ; a 
 medicine efficacious in the cure of wounds. 
 
 Travail, trav-ale (French, travailler). 
 To labour with pain ; to toil ; to suffer the 
 pains of child-birth ; labour ; fatigue ; 
 labour in child-birth. 
 
 Traverse, trav-urse (French, d travers). 
 To turn across ; to go or move in a cross 
 direction ; to place anything athwart ; to 
 oppose ; to obstruct. In law, traverse de- 
 notes the denial of some matter of fact, 
 alleged to be done in a declaration of plead- 
 ing, upon which, the other side n;aintain- 
 ing that it was done, issue is joined for the 
 cause to proceed to trial. 
 
 Travestie, ) trav-esty (Fr., travestir, to 
 Travesty, § disguise). To turn into 
 
 burlesque ; to make ridiculous ; a parody ; 
 
 a burlesque. 
 
 Treasure Trove, trez-zhur trove. 
 In law, money or other treasure found 
 hidden, and the owner of which is un- 
 known. Trove is from the French word 
 trouve, found. 
 
 Treatise, treet-iz (Latin, tractatus). A 
 discourse ; an essay ; a written composition 
 upon some particular subject, in which 
 the principles of it are discussed and 
 defined. 
 
 Treaty, tree-ty (French, traiie). A ne- 
 gotiation ; contract of parties ; agreement ; 
 league or covenant between sovereigns or 
 nations. 
 
 Treble, treb-bl (Latin, Implex). TLioo^ 
 fold ; three times as much ; triple. In 
 music, acute ; the highest and most acute 
 of ih.a four parts in a symphony. 
 
336 
 
 THE 
 
 Trefoil, tre-foyl (Latin, trifolium). A 
 kind of grass having three leaves ; in 
 Gothic architectxire, an ornament, consist- 
 ing of three cusps in a circle, like the leaf 
 of the trefoil plant. 
 
 Trellis, trel-lis (French, treilUs). A 
 structure or frame of cross-barred work ; 
 a lattice. 
 
 Tremor, treem-ur (Latin, tremo, to 
 tremble). A state of trembling ; a shaking 
 or quivering motion ; an involuntary shiver. 
 
 Trench., trensh (Latin, truncare, to cut). 
 Earth thrown up so as to leave a ditch on 
 the side ; a fosse ; to cut or dig, as a ditch ; 
 to furrow ; figuratively, to encroach ; to 
 trespass on the province of another. 
 
 Trenchant, trensh-ant (Fr., trancliant). 
 Sharp; cutting; keen, as a trenchant 
 satire. 
 
 Trencher, trensh-ur (Fr., trenrhoir). 
 A wooden plate on which meat, bread, &c., 
 are served. 
 
 Trendle, tren-dl (Saxon). Anything 
 turned round ; anything round that is used 
 in turning or rolling ; a little wheel. 
 
 Trental, tren-tal (French, trentale). In 
 the PfcOman Catholic Church, a service of 
 thirty masses for the dead. 
 
 Trepan, tre-pan (Greek, trupa?i, to per- 
 forate). In surgery, a saw used for cutting 
 a circular piece of bone out of the skull ; 
 to perforate the skull with the instrument 
 called the trepan. 
 
 Trepidation, treppy-dayshun (Latin, 
 trepido, to tremble). State of trembling ; 
 state of terror ; an involuntary quaking or 
 quivering ; haste inspired by fear. 
 
 Trespass, tres-pass (Latin, trans, be- 
 yond ; passus, a step). To enter unlaw- 
 fully on anothei*'s property ; to intrude ; 
 to transgress or offend ; to put to incon- 
 venience ; to violate any known rule. 
 
 Tress, tress (French, tresse). A lock or 
 ringlet of hair. 
 
 Tressel, ) tres-sel (Welsh, trysteV). A 
 
 Trestle,/ frame to support anything 
 on. 
 
 Tri. A prefix, which in compounds 
 signifies three. 
 
 Triad, tri-ad (Latin, tres, three). Three 
 united ; the union of three. In music, a 
 t^ompound of three sounds, which has 
 received the name of the harmonic triad. 
 
 Triangle, tri-acgul (Latin, tres, three ; 
 angulum, an angle). A figure of three 
 arwrlea. 
 
 TBI 
 
 Triarchy, triar-ky (Greek, ireis, three ; 
 arche^ rule). A form of government vested 
 in three persons. 
 
 Tribe, tribe. A distinct body of the^ 
 people ; a family ; a race ; a class ; a divi- 
 sion. The word is derived from the Latin,. 
 trihus, the Roman people being at first 
 divided into three tribes ; and from the 
 number three (tres), the word trihus took 
 its rise. 
 
 Tribulation, tribbu-layshun (Latin, 
 trilndo, to thrash or beat). Vexation ; 
 trouble ; distress of mind ; affliction. 
 
 Tribunal, tri-bewnal. Primarily, the 
 seat of a judge ; hence, a court of justice ; 
 a place where justice is administered ; 
 figuratively, a power in which judgment 
 is vested, as the trihxtnal of public opinion. 
 The word takes its origin from a seat 
 raised from the gi'ound, on which the tri- 
 bune of the Roman people was placed to 
 administer judgment. 
 
 Tribune, tri-bune. The appellation of 
 a magistrate or officer in ancient Rome, 
 chosen by the people to protect them from 
 the oppressions of the nobles ; now ai^plied 
 to a species of pulpit for a speaker. 
 
 Tributary, tribbu-tary. Paying tri- 
 bute; subject to; contributing; subordi- 
 nate. 
 
 Tribute, trib-ynte (Latin, triluo, to 
 give). Payment made in acknowledgment 
 of subjection ; personal contribution ; offer- 
 ing. Tribute originally meant the money 
 paid by each trile to defray the public ex- 
 penses, and afterwards extended to signify 
 a sum of money which one prince or state 
 was obliged to pay to another, as a token 
 of dependence, or in virtue of a treaty, and 
 as a purchase of peace. 
 
 Trice, trise. A short space of time ; 
 an instant; a moment. Supposed to be 
 from thrice, that is, while one may count 
 three. 
 
 Tricennial, tri-senny-al (Lat., triceni, 
 thirty; annus, a year). Denoting thirty 
 years ; belonging to the term of thirty years. 
 
 Tricolor, tri-kullur. The national 
 French banner of three colours — blue, 
 white, and red — adopted on the occasion of 
 the first revolution. 
 
 Trident, tri-dent (Latin, tres, three; 
 de7is, a tooth). A kind of spear with three 
 prongs, which in fabulous history is made 
 to represent the sceptre held by Neptune, 
 the god of the sea. Britannia is thus re- 
 presented as holding a ti'ideut, donoiinf, 
 the empire of Great Britain ovoi the o««in 
 
 J 
 
TEI 
 
 TEO 
 
 Triennial, tri-enny-al (Latin, tres, 
 tkree ; annm, a year). Containing three 
 years ; happening every three years. 
 
 Trigonometry, triggo-nommit-ry 
 (Greek, trigonon, a triangle ; metron. Plea- 
 sure). The art of measuring tria^.^ ^ ; 
 the science which teaches the mensuration 
 of triangles, whether plane or spherical. 
 
 Trilateral, tri-latter-al (Latin, tres, 
 three ; lattts, a side). Having three sides. 
 
 Trill, tril (Italian, trillo). A quaver ; 
 a shake of the voice in singing, or of the 
 sound of an instrument. 
 
 Trillion, tril-yun. A million of mil- 
 lions of millions, or the product of a mil- 
 lion multiplied by a million, again multi- 
 plied by a million. 
 
 Trimester, tri-mestur (Lat., trimestris). 
 A term or period of three months. 
 
 Trine, trine (Latin, tnnus, threefold). 
 Of threefold dimensions ; namely, depth, 
 breadth, and length. In astrology, an 
 aspect of the planets distant from each 
 other 120 degrees, forming the figure of a 
 trigon or triangle. 
 
 Trinity, trinnit-e (Latin, ires, three; 
 unus, one). The union of three persons in 
 »ne Godhead — Father, Son, and Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 Trinity House. A society or kind 
 of corporation in England, incorporated by 
 Henry VIIL, in 1515, for the promotion 
 of commerce and navigation, by licensing 
 and regulating pilots, ordering and erect- 
 ing beacons and lighthouses, &c., and the 
 disposition of sea-marks. 
 
 Trinket, trink-et. A small ornament j 
 a decoration of no great value ; a toy. 
 
 Trio, tre-o, or tri-o (Italian). A piece 
 of music arranged for three performers ; a 
 vocal composition in three principal parts, 
 exclusive of accompaniments. 
 
 Tripartite, trippur-tite (Latin, tres, 
 tliree ; pars, part). Having three corre- 
 gponding parts ; divided into three parts. 
 
 Triphthong, trif -thong, or trip-thong 
 (Greek, treis, ti ree ; phthonge, sound). A 
 imion of three vowels forming one sound, 
 as eau in beauty. 
 
 Triple, trip-pl (Latin, tres, three; pUco, 
 to fold). Threefold; three times repeated. 
 
 Triplet, trip-let. Three of a kind. In 
 poetry, three verses or lines rhyming with 
 each other. In music, notes grouped to- 
 gether by threes. 
 
 Tripod, tri-pod, or tre-pod (Gk., trti*. 
 three ; pons, a. foot). A seat v?ith tlireo 
 feet. In antiquity, a sacred seat or stoc3, 
 supported by three feet, on which the priests 
 and sibyls were placed to render oracles. 
 
 Trisect, tri-sekt (Latin, tres, three ; 
 seco, to cut). To cut or divide into three 
 equal parts. 
 
 Trisyllable, tris-sillah-bl (Greek, treis, 
 three; syllabe, a syllable). A word con- 
 sisting of three syllables. 
 
 Trite, trite (Latin, tritus, from tero, to 
 wear). Worn-out; common; threadbare; 
 used or repeated until no longer novel or 
 interesting. 
 
 Tritheist, trythee-isf) (Greek, treis^ 
 
 Tritheite, trythee-ite j three ; Theos^ 
 God). One who believes in the existenoft 
 of three separate and distinct Godheads. 
 
 Triturate, trittu-rate (Latin, trituro, 
 from tero, to wear). To reduce to powder ; 
 to pound ; to grind. 
 
 Triumvir, tri-umvur (Latin, tres, three : 
 vir, a man). One of three persons who 
 govern absolutely and with equal authority 
 in a state ; chiefly applied to a mode of 
 government among the Romans. 
 
 Triune, tri-yune (Latin, tres, three ; 
 unus, one). Three in one ; an epithet 
 applied to God, to express the unity of the 
 Godhead in the trmity of persons. 
 
 Trivet, triv-et. A stool or other thing 
 supported by three legs, or standing upon 
 three feet. 
 
 Trivial, triwy-al (Latin, trivialis, from 
 tres, three ; via, road). Literally, pertain- 
 ing to the meeting of three roads ; hence, 
 that which is common ; worthless, such as 
 may be picked up on the highway ; trifling ; 
 light; unimportant; inconsiderable. 
 
 Trivium, triwy-um (Latin). Figu- 
 ratively, the three roads of knowledge ; 
 namely, grammar, rhetoric, logic. 
 
 Trochee, tro-ke (Latin, trochaius, from 
 Greek, trecho, to run). A poetic foot, con- 
 sisting of a long and a short syllable, a^ 
 hateful. 
 
 Troglod3rte, trogglo-dyte (Gk., trogle, 
 a cavern ; dyo, to enter). One who dwells 
 in a cave. 
 
 Troop, troop (French,'<roMpe). A com- 
 pany ; a multitude ; a certain number of 
 mounted soldiers, commanded by a captain, 
 and forming a component part of a squad- 
 ron. The word troops signifies soldiers 
 in general, whether more or less numerous, 
 including infantry, cavalry, and artillery. 
 
TEO 
 
 TUB 
 
 Trooper, troop -ur. A cavalry soldier ; 
 a private soldier in a regiment of horse. 
 
 Trope, trope (Greek, trepus, to turn). 
 In rhetoric, an expression used in a diffe- 
 rent sense from that which it literally 
 signifies, or for the sake of presenting an 
 idea in a striking and forcible manner. 
 
 Trophy, trofe-ey (Greek, trope, the 
 flight of an enemy). A monument or 
 memorial of victory ; something taken in 
 battle, or wrested from the enemy. 
 
 Tropic, trop-ik (Greek, tropikoi, from 
 trepo, to turn). In astronomy, the circle of 
 the sphere which bounds the sun's declina- 
 tion north or south ; the line drawn through 
 the point at which the sun tiims. 
 
 Tropical, troppik-al (Greek, t7>q)o, to 
 turn). Placed near or belonging to the 
 tropics ; rhetorically, changed from its 
 original meaning. 
 
 Trot, trot. The motion of a horse 
 when the near fore-foot and the off hind- 
 foot are in the air, and the other two feet 
 v.pon the grovmd, and so alternately of the 
 other two. 
 
 Troth., troth (Saxon, treowili ; other- 
 vvise written truth). Faith ; fidelity ; belief. 
 
 TroubadoTir, troobah-dore (French, 
 tvouver, to find). A name given to the 
 poets who lived from the eleventh to the 
 ^nd of the thirteenth century, in the south 
 of ^France and the north of Italy. 
 
 Trough, trawf (Saxon, trog). A long 
 hollow vessel ; anything hollowed longi- 
 tudinally. Trough of the sea is a term for 
 the hollow formed between two waves. 
 
 Tronsseau, troo-so (French). Mar- 
 riage outfit ; the equipments and personal 
 ornaments of a bride. 
 
 Trover, tro-vur (French, trouver, to 
 find). In common law, an action that lies 
 against one who, having found another's 
 goods, refuses to deHver them upon de- 
 mand. 
 
 Trow, tro (Saxon, treowian). To think ; 
 to have some thought or idea of; to be 
 thoroughly persuaded or convinced; to 
 believe firmly. 
 
 Troy weight, troy wate. A weight 
 having twelve ounces to the pound ; so 
 named from Troyes, in France, where it was 
 first adopted in Europe, being originally 
 brought from the East during the crusades. 
 
 Truce, truse (German, trew, faith). A 
 temporary peace ; a ceesation of hostilities ; 
 intermission; short quiet; suspension; 
 forbsaranee. 
 
 Truck, truk (French, troquer). To 
 barter or exchange ; perhaps, literally, to 
 drag or carry away goods (as in a truck), 
 in barter or exchange, to a mart or market. 
 Truck system is a name given to a practice 
 in mining and manufacturing districts of 
 paying the wages of workmen in goods in- 
 stead of money. 
 
 Truckle, truk-kl. To yield or bend 
 obsequiously ; to submit to servilely ; to 
 cringe. The term is derived from trucJde, 
 the name of a low bed upon small wheels, 
 made to go under another bed ; and as 
 these were appropriated to servants and 
 inferior persons, the term naturally came 
 to signify to be in a state of subjection or 
 inferiority. 
 
 Truculent, trukku-lent (Latin, <r«ar, j 
 fierce, savage). Savage ; barbarous ; 
 cruel ; of fierce aspect or manners. 
 
 Truffle, truf-fl (French, trvffe). A 
 vegetable growing under the surface of the 
 earth, of the mushroom kind. 
 
 Truism, troo-izm. An indisputable 
 and self-evident truth. 
 
 Truncate, trunk-ate ") (Lat., trun- 
 
 Truncated, trunk- ayted ) co, to cut 
 short). Cut short off ; lopped of the 
 branches ; deprived of limbs. 
 
 Truncheon, trun-shun (Fr., tronco7i). 
 A short staff ; a club ; a baton. 
 
 Trunkhose, tmnk-hoze. A kind of 
 large breeches, worn in former times. 
 
 Trunnion, trun-y»-ai (French, trognoii). 
 A knob which projects on either side of a 
 piece of ordnance, serving to support the 
 piece on the cheeks of the carriage. 
 
 Truss, trus (French, trouse). In a 
 general sense, a bundle ; a certain quantity 
 of hay or straw. In surgery, a bandage 
 for hernia. In botany, a tuft of flowers 
 formed on the top of the main stalk. In 
 navigation, a machine to paU a lower yard 
 close to its mast, and retain it firmly in 
 that position. 
 
 Trust, trast. (Saxon, tryiosian, to 
 believe in). Confidence ; firm belief in ; 
 reliance upon ; credit .given or received. In 
 law, an estate held for the use of another. 
 
 Trustee, trust-ee. On 3 to whom any- 
 thing is made over, or bequeathed, for the 
 use and benefit of another ; one who holds 
 an estate in trust. 
 
 Trysail. A sail hoisted in a ship 
 during a storm. 
 
 Tube, tewb (Latin, tulus). A pipe ; a 
 ■syphon ; anything hollow or concave, and 
 having a certain degi-ee of length. 
 
TUB 
 
 T^ 
 
 839 
 
 Taber, t-a-biir (Latin, tam^o, to swell), 
 .An ojici-osconcxj. In botauy, around, turgid 
 2'0'JC, ii<s toat of the tumip. 
 
 Tubercle, tewbtir-kl (Latin, tuhercuhim, 
 (Ilminutivo of tuber). A small swelling ; a 
 pimple ; a peculiarly morbid production, 
 v/hicli occurs in various textures of the 
 body, in connection with scrofula. 
 
 Tuberous, tewbur-us. Knotted ; hav- 
 ing promiuent knots or excrescences, as in 
 some plants. 
 
 Tubul^, tewbu-lar (Latin, tubus, a 
 pipe). Eesembling a tube ; consisting of 
 a pipe. 
 
 Tufa, tu-fah (Italian, tufo). A calcareous 
 tloposit from water ; also, a name given to 
 the products of volcanic eruptions. 
 
 Tuition, tu-isshun (Latin, iuiiio, from 
 iueor, to defend). Instruction ; direction ; 
 giiardianship ; care of a tutor ; the act or 
 business of teaching. 
 
 Tumbler, tum-blur. A driaking-glass, 
 so called because originally it had a pointed 
 base, and could not be set down with any 
 liquor in it, thus compelling the drinker to 
 finish his measure. 
 
 Tumefaction, tewmy-fakshun (Latin, 
 iinneo, to swell). A swelling or tumour ; 
 tlie act or process of swelling. 
 
 Tumid, tu-mid (Latin, tzimeo, to swell). 
 Swollen ; distended ; puffed up ; figura- 
 tively, a pompous or inflated style. 
 
 Tumult, tu-mult (Latin, tumultus). 
 Commotion by the multitude; populai- 
 tigitation ; riot ; uproar ; disturbance ; 
 disorder. 
 
 Tumulus, tewmu-lus (Latin, tumeo, to 
 swell ). A small conical hill of earth, which 
 the eai'ly nations of antiquity raised as 
 a memorial over the remains of the 
 dead ; an artificial hillock or mound of 
 earth. 
 
 Tune, tune (Italian, tuono). In music, 
 a series of notes with unity of key-note, 
 measiure, and sentiment; harmony of 
 sounds ; concord of disposition ; fit temper; 
 agreement; proper state for use or 
 apphcation. 
 
 Tunic, tu-nik (Latin, tunica). A child's 
 upper garment; a shoit military coat ; a 
 Icind of waistcoat ; a membrane ; a natural 
 covering. 
 
 Tunnel, tun-nel (French, tonnelle). A 
 subterranean passage ; a passage some- 
 times cut under water ; the shaft of a 
 chimney ; a pipe or vessel with a broad 
 mouth for conveying liquors to casks, &c. 
 
 Turbid, tur-bid (Latin, Jttirho, 4o xiis. 
 turb). Muddy; thick; haTing the loes ^or 
 sediment distui-bed. 
 
 Turbulence, turbu-lens (Latin, turbo, 
 to disturb). Coinuiotion ; disquietude ; 
 noise with confusion ; clamour ; disorder ; 
 tumult. 
 
 Turf, turf. A term applied generally 
 to any place for horse-racing, and also to 
 matters connected with horse-racing. 
 
 Turgid, tui-j-id (Latin, turgeo, to swell). 
 Swollen ; bloated ; distended beyond its 
 natural state ; figuratively, pompous or in- 
 flated in style. 
 
 Turmoil, tur-moyl. Trouble; dis- 
 turbance ; confused commotion ; per- 
 plexity ; disquietude. 
 
 Turncoat, tum-kote. One who deserts 
 his party, or forsakes his principles for 
 those which are opposite ; a renegade ; an 
 apostate. 
 
 Turnery, turner-ry. The act of turn- 
 ing wood, &;c., or forming it into a cylin«- 
 drical shape by means of a lathe. 
 
 Turn-out. Among workmen anj. 
 mechanics, a combined movement where- 
 by employment is abandoned, on account 
 of some real or supposed grievance; a 
 strike. 
 
 Turnspit, turn-spit. One that turns 
 a spit for roasting ; a name given to a 
 breed of dogs, formerly employed for this 
 purpose. 
 
 Turpitude, turpy-tude (Latin, turpis, 
 base). Inherent vileness ; baseness ; 
 essential deformity of thoughts, words, or 
 actions. 
 
 Turquoise, "( turk-wawz (French, tut- 
 
 Turkois, J quoise). A gem of a 
 greenish -blue colour, set in various articles 
 of jewellery. 
 
 Turret, tur-ret (French, iourette). A 
 small tower ; a small eminence raised above 
 the body of a building. 
 
 Tuscan, tusk-an. Pertaining to Tus- 
 cany. In architecture, an order or style 
 which admits of no ornaments, and the 
 columns of which especially are plain. 
 
 Tutelage, tewtj'^-laje (Latin, tutela, 
 protection). Guardianship ; protection ; 
 the time during which a young person is 
 under the care of a guardian. 
 
 Tutelar, tewty-lar | (Lat., tutelaris, 
 
 Tutelary, tewtil-aryj belonging to 
 
 guardianship). Protecting ; guarding:, 
 
 having the guardian shin or charge of pro- 
 
 w 2 
 
340 
 
 TUT 
 
 tecting a person or thing. Tutelary saints, 
 beings supposed to have the care of certain 
 countries, as St. George, of England ; St. 
 Denis, of France, &c. 
 
 Tutor, tu-tur (Latin, tiieor, to defend, 
 to protect). A guardian ; an instructor ; a 
 teacher ; one who has the care of another's 
 learning and morals. In civil law, one 
 chosen to look to the person and estate of 
 children left by their fathers and mothers 
 in their minority. 
 
 Tutti, toot-te (Italian). In music, a 
 term denoting that all the parts are to be 
 played together in full concert. 
 
 Twain, twayn (Saxon, twegan). Two, 
 both. 
 
 Twilight, twi-lite (Saxon, tweonliht). 
 A faint light which prevails both in the 
 evening after sunset, and in the morning 
 before sunrise ; an obscure light ; an un- 
 certain view ; imperfectly illuminated. 
 
 Twill, twil. A fabric woven in such a 
 manner as to make diagonal ridges in the 
 cloth. 
 
 Twin, twin (Saxon). One of two pro- 
 duced at a birth ; bearing a veiy strong 
 resemblance to another. 
 
 Twinge, twinj (Dutch, dwingen). A 
 sharp, sudden pain ; a darting sensation ; 
 a. pinch. 
 
 Twit, twit (Saxon, edioitan, to re- 
 proach). To remind of a fault ; to re- 
 proach ; to scoff at ; to mock ; to blame. 
 
 Two-edged, too-ejd. Having an edge 
 on both sides. 
 
 Two-fold, too-folde. Double the 
 number ; twice the quantity ; in a double 
 degree. 
 
 Tye. See Tie. 
 
 Tympanum, timpah-num (Latin, 
 tympanum, a drum, from Greek, iypto, to 
 beat). In anatomy, the barrel or drum of 
 the ear. 
 
 T3rpe, tipe (Greek, typos, from the root 
 of top, typto, to beat, strike, or impress). 
 A sign, symbol, or mark of something. In 
 natural history, a term applied to the most 
 strongly characterised species or genus of 
 a group of plants or animals. In print- 
 ing, letters cast in type-metal ; an 
 emblem; that which represents something 
 else ; that which pre-figuvcs. 
 
 Typhoon, ti-foon, or ti-poon (Greek, 
 typkon, a whirlwind). The name given to 
 a violent hurricane, common in the Chinese 
 
 UZA 
 
 Typhus, tife-us (Greek, typos, stupor). 
 A form of continued fever, characterised 
 by extreme depression of the nervous 
 powers and imperfect reaction of the 
 vascular system, giving rise to changes and 
 disorders in the circulating fluids and the 
 various secretions. 
 
 Typie, tip-ik ) (Greek, typos, a 
 
 Typical, tip-ikkalj type). Kep re- 
 sented by some sign or symbol ; represent- 
 ing something by a form, symbol, &c. ; 
 emblematic ; figurative. 
 
 Typography, ti-poggrah-fy (Greek, 
 typos, a type ; grapho, to write). The art 
 of printing, or of impressing letters and 
 words on forms of types. 
 
 Tyrannicide, ti-ranny-side (Latin, 
 tyrannus, a tyrant; ccedo, to kill). The 
 act of kilUng a tjTaut ; one who kills 
 a tyrant. 
 
 Tyrant, ti-rant (Latin, tyrannus). 
 Among the ancients, this term denoted 
 simply a king or monarch ; but the ill use 
 made of their power by several kings 
 altered the import of the word, which now 
 signifies an unjust or cruel prince ; a 
 person who exercises unlawful authority, 
 or lawful authority in an unlawful mannei' ; 
 an exacting master ; a cruel superior; an 
 oppressor. 
 
 Tyrian, tirry-an. Belonging to or 
 produced at Tyre; a purple colour, so 
 called. 
 
 T5n:o, ti-ro (Latin, tiro). A young 
 beginner ; a beginner in learning ; one 
 imperfectly acquainted with a subject. 
 
 tl 
 
 Uberous, yuberr-us (Latin, uler, an 
 udder). Abundant ; plentiful ; copious ; 
 fruitful ; having a full supply. 
 
 ITbication, yewby-kayshun (Lat., uli, 
 where). The state of being in a place ; 
 local relation. 
 
 Ubiquity, yu-bikkwy-ty (Lat., uhiq^ue, 
 everywhere). Omnipresence ; existence 
 everywhere at the same time ; colloquially 
 applied to the faculty which an active person 
 possesses of being in many places within a 
 comparatively short space of time. 
 
 Udder, ud-dur (Saxon, iider). ^ The 
 glandular vessel which secretes milk in the 
 cow and other large animals. 
 
 Ukase, u-kase. In Russia, a royal 
 order or imperial proclamation having tho 
 force of law. 
 
 I 
 
ULE 
 
 XJlema, u-lcoina,h. In Turkey, a 
 college or corporation composed of the 
 imaums, or ministers of religion, the 
 muftis, or doctors of law, and the cadis, or 
 administrators of justice; also, the name 
 of a member of this body. 
 
 Uliginous, u-lijjin-us (Latin, uUgo, to 
 moisten). Muddy; slimy; oozy. 
 
 (Jllage, ul-laje {Jj3iiva,ulligo, ooziness). 
 In gauging, so much of a cask or other 
 vessel as it wants of being full. 
 
 Ulna, ul-nah (Gi-eek, olnene, the cubit). 
 The cubit ; the large bone of the fore-arm, 
 so named from its being often used as a 
 measure. 
 
 Ulterior, ul-teery-ur (Latin, ultra, be- 
 yond). Further; lying beyond; some- 
 thing more than appears at present; some- 
 thing kept in the back-ground. 
 
 Ultimate, ulty-mate (Latin, ultimus, 
 last). Intended as an end ; last in a train 
 of consequence; most remote; happening 
 subsequently ; liiial. 
 
 Ultima Tliule, ulty-mah thew-le. See 
 Thule. 
 
 Ultimatum, ulty-maytum (Latin). A 
 final proposition or condition. In dip- 
 lomacy, the final propositions, conditions, 
 or terins, offered as the basis of a treaty. 
 
 Ultimo, ulty-mo. The month preced- 
 ing the present; usually contracted into 
 ult. 
 
 Umbel, um-bel {JjQ.im,umlella, a screen 
 or fan). In botany, a mode of flowering, 
 which consists of several flower-stalks, 
 nearly equal in length, spread from one 
 centre, their surface forming a level, con- 
 vex, or even globose form. 
 
 Umbo, um-bo (Latin). The bars or 
 protuberant part of a shield. 
 
 Umbrage, um-braje (Latin, umbra, a 
 shade). Literally, a shade; hence, a 
 gloomy suspicion ; a suspicion of an in- 
 tended affront or offence. 
 
 Umbrageous, um brayjus (Latin, 
 umbra, shade). Shady ; forming a shade ; 
 obscure; shading. 
 
 Umpire, um-pire (Latin, imperium). A 
 person to whose sole decision a con- 
 troversy or question between parties is 
 referred ; a third person called in to decide 
 a question submitted to arbitrators, when 
 the arbitrators do not agree in opinion. 
 
 Un. In composition, a prefix which 
 implies negation, contrariety, dissolution, 
 an act of privation, the absence of some- 
 thing. It may be used as a prefix to almost 
 
 UND 
 
 341 
 
 every adjective, or noun formed from an 
 adjective or adverb. In a few instances 
 it is prefixed to verbs. 
 
 Unanimity, yewnah-nimmy-ty (Latin, 
 unus, one ; anima, mind). Concord ; agree- 
 ment ; conformity of sentiment ; unity of 
 action. 
 
 Unanimous, u-nanny-mus (Latin, 
 imus, one ; anima, mind). Of one mind ; 
 agreed to by all. 
 
 Unattached, unnah-tatshd. A mili- 
 tary term for an officer who holds no fixed 
 position in the army, but who may be 
 appointed at any moment to some definite 
 post and service. 
 
 Unawares, unnah-wairze. Unexpec- 
 tedly ; suddenly ; before one is aware. 
 
 Unbend, un-bend. To relax : to 
 slacken ; to remit from a strain or exer- 
 tion ; to set at ease for a time ; to put aside 
 ceremony and hauteur. 
 
 Unbosom, uu-boozum. To open the 
 bosom ; to disclose to another something 
 which presses upon the mind ; to disclose 
 freely the feelings, passions, or desires. 
 
 Uncial, un-shal (Latin, uncialis). Per- 
 taining to letters of a large size ; belong- 
 ing to letters of a round or hook-shaped 
 form, used in ancient writings. 
 
 Uncouth, un-kooth (Saxon, unaith). 
 Ill-mannered ; boorish ; unpolite ; awk- 
 ward ; ungraceful ; odd ; strange. 
 
 Unction, unk-shun (Latin, unctio, from 
 ungo, to anoint). The act of anointing or 
 rubbing with oil or other fatty matter ; 
 anything soft or lenitive ; figuratively, that 
 which excites piety and devotion ; warmth 
 and tenderness of address ; divine grace. 
 
 Unctuous, unk-tew-us (Latin, ungo, to 
 anoint). Fat ; oily ; of a greasy nature ; 
 figuratively, soothing or" softening; not 
 harsh. 
 
 Undecagon, un-dekkah-gon (Latin, 
 undecim, eleven ; Greek, goiiia, an angle). 
 A geometrical figure of eleven sides and 
 angles. 
 
 Under-current, undur-kurrent. Lite- 
 rally, a current below the surface of tha 
 water ; figuratively, applied to interest, 
 action, &c., which is subordinate to the 
 main purpose or principal object. 
 
 Undergo, under-go. To suffer ; to be 
 put to the test ; to endure ; to pass through ; 
 to sustain without yielding or sinking. 
 
 Under-graduate, under-graddu-ate. 
 A student who has not taken his degreei 
 See Graduate. 
 
342 
 
 UND 
 
 um 
 
 Under-hand, under-hand. Secret; 
 covert ; sly ; cunning ; unfair towards 
 another. 
 
 Under-let, under-let. To let below the 
 value; to let as a lessee or tenant, 
 
 Under-line, under-line. To draw a 
 line under certain words, to which the 
 writer wishes to call particular attention. 
 
 Underling, under-ling. An inferior 
 in office ; a mean person. 
 
 Undermine, under-mine. To esca- 
 vate the earth beneath : hence, figuratively, 
 to destroy by clandestine means ; to de- 
 stroy by removing the support, or sapping 
 the foundation, as to undermine the health, 
 
 Under-plot, und-ur-plot. A series of 
 events proceeding collaterally with the 
 main action of a play or story; a clan- 
 destine scheme. 
 
 Underrate, under-rate. To rate or 
 estimate below the value; to esteem too 
 low ; to depreciate. 
 
 Undersigned, undur-sined. In letters 
 or other written documents, the designa- 
 tion of the person whose name is signed 
 at the foot of the document in which he is 
 alluded to. 
 
 Under-strapper. One who straps or 
 buckles to his work, that is, goes about it 
 in earnest ; a lower workman ; a fag. 
 
 Underway, \ undur-way, A nau- 
 
 Underweigh, j tical term, denoting 
 the state of a ship after she has weighed 
 anchor and left her moorings, as a pre- 
 liminary to setting sail. 
 
 Underwood, undur-wood (Saxon, 
 underwuder). Small trees and shrubs 
 growing among large trees. 
 
 Underwriter, under-ryter. In com- 
 merce, an insurer who underwrites, or sub- 
 scribes his name to policies of insurance on 
 ships, merchandise, &c., for a stipulated 
 sum, for which he receives a premium, a.nd 
 consequently takes the risk upon himself, 
 to the extent of the sum he insures. 
 
 Undress, un-dress. A negligent 
 dress ; not full dress ; dishabille ; dress 
 worn by soldiers when off duty. 
 
 Undulate, undu-late (Latin, undula, 
 a little wave). To roll as a wave ; to 
 slope alternately upward and downward, 
 as hill and valley ; to curve ; to bend out- 
 ward and inward. 
 
 Unfeignedly, un-fayned-ly. Sin- 
 cerely ; without hypocrisy ; without dis- 
 guise. 
 
 Unfold, vm-folde. liiterally, to re« 
 move that which infolds or enwraps; 
 hence, to disclose ; to discover; to reveal; 
 to lay bare. 
 
 Ungainly, un-gainly (Saxon, ungcenc). 
 Awkward; clumsy; uncouth; ungraceful | 
 in gait, appearance, or manners; want 
 in expertness and dexterity. 
 
 Unguent, un-jewent (Lat., ung%icntum).\ 
 Ointment ; a compound of substaiices, oi 
 of which is oily or greasy. 
 
 Unguieal, ung-gwikkal (Latin, %7wuiSf\ 
 a claw). Pertaining to a claw; roEemblini 
 a claw. 
 
 Unhinge, un-hinje. To take off tliel 
 hinges; figuratively, to unbrace thej 
 nerves; to disturb the equilibrium of tbel 
 mind ; to render unsettled. 
 
 Unicorn, yewny-kom. An animal o£ 
 whose actual existenoo there are somH 
 doubts. It is represented as resembling a 
 small slender horse, and having one hojm ; 
 hence, its name from the LJitin, imvs. m-.e: 
 cornu, a horn. The uinoom is well tnowTj 
 as being one of the supporters of the 
 British arms. 
 
 Uniform, yewny-form (Latin, unns, 
 one ; forma, a form). Having one form or 
 shape ; keeping or preserving one manner, 
 method, or design ; consistent ; unchange- 
 able ; imvariable. 
 
 Unigeniture, yewny-jenny-ture (Lat., 
 unigenitus, only-begotten). The state of 
 being the only-begotten. 
 
 Unilateral, yewny-latter-al (Latin, 
 unus, one ; latus, aside). Having one side 
 only ; being on one side, or belonging to 
 one party only ; growing on one side only. 
 
 Union Jack. The national banner of 
 Great Britain, exhibiting the union of the 
 crosses, which severally appear as those of 
 the patron saints of each country. The 
 viordi jack is probably derived from the sur- 
 coat or jacqi(,e of the soldier, which, in the 
 Middle Ages, was usually emblazoned with 
 the red cross of St. George. 
 
 Uniparous, u-nippah-rus (Latin, umis, 
 one; paj'to, to bring forth). Producing one 
 at a birth. 
 
 Unique, u-neek (French). Singular; 
 without an equal ; sole ; single in its kind 
 or excellence ; having nothing to reaembla 
 it. 
 
 Unison, yewny-zun (Latin, unus, one ; 
 sono, to sound). Concordance of sounds; 
 one single sound ; concord ; agreement. 
 In music, a string of the same sound. 
 
UNI 
 
 Unit, u-nit (Latin^ U7ms, one). The 
 number one ; any determinate quantity, by 
 the constant repetition of which any other 
 magnitude of th« same kind is measured ; 
 the least whole number ; a single thing or 
 person. 
 
 Unitarian, yewnit-ary-an. One of a 
 sect who deny the doctrine of the Trinity, 
 and ascribe divinity to God the Father 
 only. 
 
 Universal, yewny-versal (Latin, iini- 
 versalis). Extending to all ; general; com- 
 prehending all ; comprising all particulars ; 
 total; whole. 
 
 Universe, yewny-verse (Latin, uni- 
 versus, all). The whole system of created 
 being and things ; the system of the world ; 
 tiie world itself. 
 
 University, yewny-versy-ty, A name 
 applied to a national establishment for a 
 liberal education, wherein professors in the 
 several branches of science and polite 
 literature are maintained, and where de- 
 .■::rees or honours attached to the attain- 
 ments of scholars are conferred. It is 
 called tiniversity, or universal school, as in- 
 tended to embrace the %chole compass of 
 study, 
 
 Univocalj yewny-vokal (Latin, unus, 
 one ; vox, voice). Having one meaning 
 only; pursuing one tenor; certain; regular; 
 fixed. 
 
 Unlettered, unJetterd, Unlearned; 
 untaught ; ignorant. 
 
 Unravel, un-rawel. To disentangle ; 
 to disengage or separate threads which are 
 knit ; to clear up a mystery ; to explain 
 away difficulties; to free from complica- 
 tion. 
 
 Untoward, un-tawrd. Perverse ; in- 
 convenient; unmanageable; not 
 guided or taught. 
 
 Unutterable, un-utterah-bl. That 
 cannot be uttered or expressed ; not per- 
 mitting the power of utterance. 
 
 Unvarnished, un-vahrnisht. Not 
 overlaid with varnish ; not adorned ; un- 
 embellished ; plain ; bare. 
 
 Unwittingly, un-witting-ly. With- 
 out consciousness ; in ignorance. 
 
 Upas, u-pas. The name of an East 
 Indian tree, the juice of which is a deadly 
 poison. This tree is fabled as blighting all 
 vegetation within its vicinity, and destroy- 
 ing aU living creatures that approach it. 
 
 Upbraid, up-brade (Saxon, upge- 
 hndan). To reproach; to reprove; to 
 
 usu 
 
 S43 
 
 chide ; to charge with something wrong oj 
 disgraceful. 
 
 Upliolder, up-holdur. A supporter; 
 a sustainer ; an imdertaker ; one who pro- 
 vides for funerals. 
 
 Upland, up-land (Saxon, up land). 
 High land; ground elevated above the 
 meadows and intervals which lie on the 
 banks of rivers near the sea or between hills. 
 
 Uranography, yewran-oggrah-fy 
 (Greek, ouranos, heaven; grapho, to write). 
 A description of the heavens. 
 
 Uranology, yewi-an-ollo-jy (Greek, 
 ouranos, heaven ; logos, a discourse). The 
 science of the heavens ; astronomy. 
 
 Urbanity, ur-banny-ty (Latin, urhs, a 
 city). Ci'vility ; courtesy ; politeness ; 
 suavity of ma^nner ; good breeding. 
 
 UrcMn, ur-chin, A name given to a 
 child. 
 
 Urgent, ur-jent. Pressing ; earnest ; 
 importunate ; demanding immediate atten- 
 tion ; requiring instant remedy or assist- 
 ance. 
 
 Ursa, ur-sah (Latin), The bear. In 
 astronomy, ursa major, the great bear ; 
 %t,rsa minor, the little bear. 
 
 Ursine, ur-sine. Pertaining to or 
 resembling a bear. 
 
 Ursuline, ursew-line. Relating to an 
 order of nuns, who observe the rule of St. 
 Ursula, 
 
 Usance, u-zanse. In commerce, a 
 period of time after the date of a bill of 
 exchange allowed for payment of the same. 
 
 "0" slier, ush-ur (French, huissier). One 
 who introduces strangers, or walks before 
 persons of high rank, to prepare for their 
 reception. From the Latin, ostiaritis,. ono 
 who stands at a door for the purpose of 
 introducing strangers or visitors ; and 
 hence an under-teacher, or one who in- 
 troduces or initiates young scholars in the 
 rudiments or elements of learning. 
 
 Usquebaugh, uskwy-baw (Irish, 
 uisge, water ; beatlia, of life). The origin 
 of the word whisky, and applied in the 
 same manner as aqiui vitce, or eau de vie. 
 
 Ustion, ust-yun (Latin, ustus, from uro, 
 to bum). In surgery, the act of burning ; 
 the state of being burned. 
 
 Usucaption, yuzu-kapshun (Latin, 
 ustcs, use ; capio, to take). In civil law, a 
 term denoting the acqiusition of property 
 in anything by possession and enjoyment 
 for a certain term of years, or such term 
 as is prescribed by law. 
 
341 
 
 usu 
 
 VAC 
 
 Usufruct, yusu-frukt (Latin, testis, use ; 
 
 fructus, fruit). In law, the temporary use 
 »nd enjoyment of lands and tenements, or 
 the right of receiving the fruits and 
 profits of land, or other thing, without 
 having the right to alienate or change the 
 property. 
 
 Usurp, u-zurp (Latin, usurpo, from 
 ttior, to use). To seize and take possession 
 of by force and contrary to right ; to 
 possess without right ; to assume the func- 
 tions of another imjustly and against the 
 popular will. 
 
 Usury, yewzhur-ry (Latin, usura, in- 
 terest given for the use of money lent). 
 Illegal or excessive interest for money 
 lent ; the practice of taking illegal interest 
 for money. 
 
 Ut, ut. In music, the first of the 
 musical syllables. 
 
 Utensil, u-tensil (French, tUeiisile). An 
 instrument or vessel for any purpose or 
 use ; a tool ; an implement. 
 
 Uterine, yutur-Ine (Latin, uterus, the 
 womb). Pertaining to the womb. In civil 
 law, a uterine brother or sister is one born 
 of the same mother. 
 
 Utilitarian, u-tilly-tary-an (Lat., utor, 
 to use). Pertaining to utility ; contributing 
 to usefulness ; one who considers utility ; 
 the end or purpose of moral virtue. 
 
 Utility, u-tilly-ty (Latin, utor, to use). 
 Usefulness ; convenience ; advantage ; 
 profit ; production of good ; valuable end. 
 
 Uti Possidetis, yewtl-possy-deetes 
 (Latin, "as you possess)." In politics, a 
 treaty by which belligerent parties are left 
 in possession of what they have acquired 
 during the war. 
 
 Utopian, u-tope-yan. An imaginary 
 place or country; a place of imaginary 
 happiness ; ideal ; chimerical ; fanciful. 
 The word is derived from Utopia, a title 
 given by Sir Thomas More to one of his 
 works, in which he treats of an imaginary 
 place or country. The term has its origin 
 in the Greek, eu, good; topos, a place. 
 
 Ultra, ult-rah (Latin). Beyond ; sur- 
 passing or going beyond others ; hence, in 
 politics or party warfare, those who push 
 to the extremest point the opinions of 
 their party, as an w^^ra-Liberal or ultra- 
 Eadical. 
 
 Ultra-marine, ul-trah-mahreen (Latin, 
 ultra, beyond ; marinus, sea-colour). A 
 blue pigment obtained from the lazulite, a 
 mineral of great beauty, and of various 
 
 shades of colour, the only one which re- 
 sembles in purity the blue of the prismatie 
 spectrum. 
 
 Ultra-montane, ultrah-montane (Lat., 
 idtra, beyond ; montanus, a mountain). 
 Situated beyond the mountains ; a name ap- 
 plied by the Italians to certain theologians 
 and jurists of countries beyond the Alps. 
 
 Ultra-m.undane, ultrah-mundane 
 (Latin, ultra, beyond; raundus, the world). 
 Being beyond the world ; beyond the 
 habitable globe. 
 
 Utter, ut-tur (Saxon, utter). Situate 
 on the outer or exterior side ; at a distance 
 from the centre ; out of any place ; ex- 
 treme ; remote ; unlimited ; unrestricted. 
 
 Utter, ut-tur. Literally, to put out or 
 send forth ; hence, to express ; to tell ; to 
 pronounce; to circulate; to publish 
 abroad ; to put off or cause to pass in com- 
 merce, as to utter base coin or a forged note. 
 
 Uvula, yuvu-lah (Latin). The name 
 given to a small spongy substance situated 
 at the back of the palate, so called from its 
 resemblance to the form of a grape {uva). 
 
 Uxorious, ug-zory-us (Latin, uxor, a 
 wife). Submissively fond of a wife ; be- 
 traying silly fondness for a wife. 
 
 Va, vah. An Italian word, used in 
 musical compositions, as a direction to pro- 
 ceed, as va crescendo, " go on increasing." 
 
 Vaeaney, vaykan-sy (Latin, vacans). 
 Empty space ; a place or office not oc- 
 ciipied ; void space between bodies ; leisure 
 or relaxation ; time of listlessness, or 
 emptiness of thought. 
 
 Vacation, vay-kayshun (Latin, vaco, 
 to be at leisure). Intermission ; leisui*e ; 
 recess. In legal matters, the interval be- 
 tween the conclusion of one term and the 
 commencement of another. In ecclesias- 
 tical affairs, the time from the death of tl.B 
 last incumbent of a benefice till the ap- 
 pointment of a successor. 
 
 Vaccinate, vaksin-ate (Latin, vacca, a 
 cow). To inoculate with a virus or matter 
 taken from a cow. 
 
 Vacillate, vassil-late (Latin, vacillo, to 
 stagger) . To waver ; to move to and from ; 
 to have an unsteady motion ; to be incon- 
 stant ; to want decision, resolution, or 
 firmness. 
 
 Vacuity, va-kewy-ty (Saxon, vacuura). 
 State of emptiness ; space void of matter; 
 inanity ; want of reality. 
 
 I 
 
YAC 
 
 YAM 
 
 345 
 
 Vaeuum, vakku-um (Latin). Empty 
 space, void of matter or body of any kind, 
 solid or fluid. 
 
 Vade meemn, vaydy-meekum {Latin, 
 vade, go ; mecum, with me). A term used 
 as the title of a book which is familiar and 
 concise in its instructions or directions ; a 
 book of constant reference and convenient 
 size. 
 
 Vagabond, vaggah-bund (Latin, vagov, 
 to wander). Wandering; wanting a home 
 or settled occupation ; one who wanders 
 from his place ; an outcast ; a vagrant. 
 
 Vagary, va-gayry (Latin, vagui, 
 wandering). A wild freak or frolic ; a 
 ■wandering ; a whim ; a wandering of the 
 thoughts ; an unsettled state of the mind. 
 
 Vagrant, vay-grant (Latin, vagor, to 
 wander). A wanderer ; a vagabond ; one 
 who roams from place to place, and depends 
 upon chance charity for support. 
 
 Vague, vayg (Latin, vagus, wandering). 
 Unsettled; wandering; indefinite; pro- 
 ceeding from no known authority ; trace- 
 able to mere report, as a vague rumour. 
 
 Vails, vaylz (from avail). Money given 
 to servants ; profits which accrue to officers 
 and servants, exclusively of salary and 
 wages. 
 
 Vain, vane (Latin, vanus). Empty ; 
 having no substance or reahty ; proud of 
 little things ; worthless ; without effect ; 
 to no end or purpose ; frvdtless ; empty. 
 
 Vain-glory, van e-glory. Empty pride ; 
 pride above merit ; vanity ; too high an 
 estimate of one's own achievements. 
 
 Valance, val-ans. The drapery hang- 
 ing round the tester and head of a bed ; 
 the fringes of curtains. Said to be from 
 Valencia, where the material was originally 
 manufactured. 
 
 Vale, vale (Latin, vallis). A hollow 
 between hills ; a valley ; a dale. 
 
 Valedictory, vally-diktur-ry (Latin, 
 vale, farewell; dico, to say). Bidding 
 farewell ; applied to a speech, address, 
 discourse, &c., made at parting. 
 
 Valet, val-ay (French). A gentleman's 
 servant ; a footman. Valet de chambre, a 
 servant immediately attached to a gentle- 
 man's person, assisting in dressing and un- 
 dressing, and attending to every kind of 
 personal comfort and convenience. 
 
 Valetudinarian,vally-tewdy-nary-an 
 (Latin, valeiudo, sickness). A person 
 whose bodily sta.te or condition requires 
 
 care or cure ; a sickly or infirm person ; an 
 invalid. 
 
 Valiant, val-yant (Latin, valere, to bo 
 strong, or able). Bold ; brave ; cou- 
 rageous ; intrepid in danger ; heroic ; per- 
 formed with valour. 
 
 Valid, val-id (Latin, valeo, "I am 
 strong.)" Possessed of sufficient strength 
 or force ; weighty ; conclusive ; having 
 force ; powerful in argument ; good in law. 
 
 Valise, val-eese (French). A kind of 
 portmanteau ; a leather receptacle for 
 clothing and personal requirements in 
 travel. 
 
 Vallar Crown. A crown bestowed 
 among the Eomans upon him who was the 
 first to enter the enemy's camp. 
 
 Valley, val-ly (French, vallee). Low 
 ground, lying between hills ; ground lying 
 low in relation to that adjoining ; a dale ; 
 a dingle ; a dell. 
 
 Vallum, val-lum( Latin). A trench; a 
 wall; a trench and parapet with which the 
 Romans fortified their walls. 
 
 Valour, val-ur (Latin, valor, worth). 
 Personal prowess or bravery ; used formerly 
 to express worth. Presence of mind ; 
 bravery ; courage ; intrepidity. 
 
 Valuation, vallu-ayshun (Latin, valor, 
 worth). An estimate of the value of any- 
 thing ; an appraisement ; act of assessing 
 the value. 
 
 Value, val-yu (Latin, valor, worth). 
 Worth ; the estimated or rated worth ; 
 that quality which renders a thing useful ; 
 price equal to the worth of a thing ; high 
 rate of estimation ; intrinsic goodness ; 
 precise signification. 
 
 Valve, valv (Tjatin, valvce, folding 
 doors). A kind of lid or cover of a tube or 
 vessel, so contrived as to open one way, 
 but which, the more forcibly it is pressed 
 the other, the closer it shuts the aperture, 
 so that it either admits the entrance of 
 fluid into a tube or vessel, and prevents its 
 return, or it allows it to escape, and pre- 
 vents its re-entrance ; one of the pieces or 
 divisions in certain shells. 
 
 Vamp, vamp. To patch old with new; 
 to repair anything old or worn-out, so as to 
 make it pass for new. 
 
 Vampire, vam-pire. In zoology, a 
 species of large bat, which is reputed to 
 destroy men and animals by sucking their 
 blood ; also, the name given to an imagi- 
 nary demon, which, in some parts of Ger- 
 
34G 
 
 VAN 
 
 many and Hungary, was believed to suck 
 human blood; figuratively, an extortioner. 
 
 Van, van (French, avant, from Latin, 
 venio, to come). The foremost part of an 
 army; the front or first line of a fleet; 
 anything spread wide, by which the wind 
 is raised, as the sail of a windmill ; a large 
 covered wagon for carrying goods. 
 
 Vandal, vand-al. The name of a race 
 of people who came from the north of 
 Europe, and dm-ing the fourth and fifth 
 centuries became very powerful in several 
 parts of the world. They were noted for 
 their ferocity and barbarism, which they 
 more particularly displayed by destroying 
 all the monuments of literature and art 
 which came within their reach ; hence, the 
 term is applied to any person who betrays 
 great ignorance, ferocity, or barbarism. 
 
 Vandalism, vandal-izm. Ferocious 
 cruelty ; disregard for life and property ; 
 hostility to the arts, literature, and civilisa- 
 tion generally. 
 
 Vandyke, van-dike. A handkerchief 
 for the neck with indentations and points, 
 as seen in the portraits of persons painted 
 by Van Dyck, in the reign of Charles 
 I. ; the indented or scolloped form of any- 
 thing, after the manner of Van Dyck ; to 
 ornament by forming indentations. 
 
 Vane, vane (Dutch, vaan). A plate 
 placed on a pivot to turn with the wind, 
 and to show from what direction the wind 
 is blowing ; a weather-cock. In ships, a 
 piece of bunting used for a like purpose, 
 and having the same name. 
 
 Van-guard, van-gard. In military 
 affairs, the front or first line of an army. 
 
 Vanqnisll, vank-wish (Fr., vaincre). 
 To overpower ; to conquer ; to subdue ; to 
 <iefeat in any contest ; to refute in argu- 
 ment. 
 
 Vantage, vant-aje (from advantage). 
 Gain ; superiority ; superior means of 
 action or rJefence. Vantage-grotmd, a posi- 
 tion or state which confers advantage. 
 
 Vapid, vap-id (Latin, vapidus). Spirit- 
 less ; dead ; fiat ; deprived of life and 
 animation. 
 
 Vapour, vay-pur (Latin, vapor). An 
 elastic fluid rendered aeriform by heat ; an 
 exhalation ; fume ; steam ; figuratively, 
 vain imagination ; whim ; spleen. In the 
 plural, vapours, a disease of a hypochon- 
 idriacal character, supposed to be produced 
 by fl;attilence ; something unreal or tran- 
 sitory. 
 
 VA3 
 
 Variable, vaiy-a-bl (Latin, vario, tc 
 diversify). Changeable ; fickle ; incon- 
 stant ; susceptible of change ; liable to 
 alter; inclining to change. In mathe- 
 matics, variable fmantities are such quan- 
 tities as are contmually increasing or 
 decreasing. 
 
 Variance, vary-ans (Latin, vario, to 
 change). Any alteration or change of 
 condition; disagreement; dissension; dis- 
 cord. 
 
 Variation, vary-ayshnn (Latin, vario, 
 to change). Change ; difference ; muta- 
 tion; deviation. Varhdion of the compass, 
 the deviation of the magnetic needle from 
 its parallel with the meridian, or east and 
 west of the true north and south poles. 
 Variation in music, a difference in per- 
 forming the same air, either by subdivi- 
 sion of its notes or by the addition of 
 graces. 
 
 Varicose, varry-koze (Latin, varicosus). 
 Diseased with dilation ; pretematurally 
 enlarged or permanently dilated, as ap- 
 plied to the veins. 
 
 Variegate, vary-a-gate (Latin, varius, 
 different). To diversify ; to tint with 
 various colours ; to alter external ap- 
 pearances. 
 
 Variornna, vary-orum. A name given 
 to certain editions of the Greek and Latin 
 authors, containing the notes of various 
 critics. 
 
 Varlet, var-let (old French, varlet, 
 whence the modern term of valet). Ori- 
 ginally, a servant ; now used as a word of 
 reproach, to convey the idea of a worthless 
 person ; a scoundrel ; a rascal. 
 
 Vascular, vasku lar (Latin, vasculum, 
 diminutive of vas,^ a vessel). Consisting of j 
 vessels within which fluids are confined, 
 and by which their force and their velocity 
 are regulated. In botany, the vascular 
 system, is that portion of the tissue of 
 plants which is destined for the convey- 
 ance of air. 
 
 Vase, vahze (Latin, vas, a vessel). A 
 vessel usually intended for ornamental 
 purposes, and decorated witn sculptwe, 
 flowers, &c. In architecture, a solid piece 
 of ornamental marble. 
 
 Vassal, vas-sal (Welsh, gwas, a young 
 man, or page). One who holds land of a 
 superior, and owes fealty to him; the 
 holder of a fief, by fealty and service, of a 
 feudal lord ; a subject or dependent. 
 
 Vast, vahst (Latin vastm). Great ; 
 stupendous ; numerous ; widely extended * 
 
VAT 
 
 YEN 
 
 347 
 
 spacious to excess ; ample ; enormous ; 
 huge ; mighty. 
 
 "Vat, vat (Saxon, fat). A vessel for 
 holding beer, wine, &c., during the 
 interval of preparation. 
 
 Vatican, vatty-kan. One of the hills 
 on which the city of Rome is built, aind 
 on which stands a celebrated palace of the 
 Pope, that bears the same name ; at the foot 
 of the hill is the cathedral of St. Peter, to 
 which the term Vatican is also extended. 
 
 Vatieide, vatty-side (Latin, vates, a 
 prophet ; coedo, to kill). The murderer of 
 a prophet. 
 
 Vaticinate, va-tissy-uate (Latin, vates, 
 a prophet). To prophesy; to foretell; to 
 practise prediction. 
 
 Vaudeville, vode-veel. In French 
 poetry, a species of song, frequently of a 
 satirical turn, consisting of several couplets 
 and a refrain, introduced into theatrical 
 pieces ; also, a short comic piece, inter- 
 spersed with such songs, for the theatre. 
 
 _ Vault, vawlt (Italian, volti). A con- 
 tinued arch ; a cellar ; a cave ; an arched 
 roof, so contrived that the stones which 
 form it sustain each other. 
 
 Vault, vawlt (Italian, vollare). To 
 leap ; to jump ; to exhibit feats of tum- 
 bling ; to arch or ccrer with a vault. 
 
 Vaunt, vawnt (French, vanter). To 
 boast ; to display in an ostentatious 
 manner ; to make a vain display of one's 
 worth or attainments. 
 
 Veda, ve-daw (Sanscrit, vid, to know). 
 The name of the collective body of the 
 ^lindoo sacred writings, which are divided 
 into four parts, or vedas. 
 
 "Vedette, ve-det (French, from Latin, 
 videre, to see). A sentinel on horseback, 
 or a horseman stationed on the outpost of 
 an army, to watch the enemy, and give 
 notice of danger. 
 
 Veer, veer (Dutch, vieren). To turn 
 about; to change direction. In naviga- 
 tion, to change the course of a ship from 
 one board to the other, so as to turn the 
 stem to windward ; figuratively, to change 
 political principle ; to shift from one opinion 
 to another. 
 
 Vegetable, vejjet-a-bl (Latin, vegeo, to 
 grow). A plant, or organised body, con- 
 sisting of various parts, taking in its 
 nourishment usually by a root, and increas- 
 ing its dimensions by growth ; belonging 
 to, consisting of, or having the natm-e of 
 
 plants ; destitute of sense and voluntary 
 motion, as opposed to animal. 
 
 Vegetable kingdom. A term applied 
 to that department of Nature which em- 
 braces the various organised bodies to 
 which we indifferently give the names of 
 vegetables and plants. 
 
 Vegetation, vejjy-tayshun (Latin, 
 vegeo, to grow). Growth, as of plants; 
 vegetables and plants in general. 
 
 Vehemence, ve-heemens (Latin, 
 vehemens, from veho, to carry or drive). 
 Violence ; mental fervour ; force ; im- 
 petuosity; ardour. 
 
 Vehicle, veehy-kl (Latin, veldcidum, 
 from veho, to carry). That on which any- 
 thing may be carried ; a carriage ; a con- 
 veyance; figuratively, any medium by 
 which communications are made. In me- 
 dicine, anything in which medicine is ad- 
 ministered. 
 
 Veil, vale (Latin, vehim, a covering or 
 curtain). A cover worn to protect or con- 
 ceal the face ; anything used to screen or 
 cover ; a disguise ; a mask ; a blind. 
 
 Vein, vane (Latin, vena). In anatomy, 
 a vessel which receives the blood brought 
 by the arteries, and carries it back to the 
 heart. In geology and mineralogy, fissures 
 in rocks, filled up by mineral or metallic 
 substances, differing from the rocks in 
 which they are situated ; a line streak 
 in vegetable or mineral bodies, as the 
 veins of marble; metaphorically, tendency 
 or turn of mind ; the time when any in- 
 clination is strongest ; humour or tempera- 
 ment. 
 
 Vellication, velly-kayshun (Lat., vello, 
 to pviU). A plucking or twitching; con- 
 vulsive motion of a muscular fibre. 
 
 Vellum, vel-lum (Latin, vituUnns, 
 calf s skin). Fine parchment; the skin of 
 a calf, dressed for writing upon, for book- 
 binding, &c. 
 
 Velocipede, ve- lossy-peed (Lat., veloz, 
 swift ; pes, foot). A vehicle consisting of 
 a slight frame resting upon wheels, and so 
 constructed that a person seated in it may 
 both propel and guide it. 
 
 Velocity, ve-lossy-ty (Latin, velocitas, 
 from volo, to fly). Swiftness ; speed ; quick- 
 ness of motion. In natural i)hilosophy, 
 that affection or motion by which a body 
 moves over a given space in a given time. 
 
 Venal, ve-nal (Latin, vemdis, saleable). 
 That may be sold or bought ; procurabla 
 byabi'ibe; mercenary; base. 
 
348 
 
 YEN 
 
 Venality, ve-nally-ty (Latin, venalis, 
 saleable). A disposition to do anything for 
 gain, or to be influenced by bribes; barter- 
 ing of justice, office, &c., for naoney. 
 
 Venary, vennar-ry (Latin, venor, to 
 hunt). The sport of hunting ; relating to 
 hunting. 
 
 "Vend, vend (Latin, vendo, to sell). To 
 sell ; to offer for sale ; to deliver or trans- 
 fer to another ; to exchange for money. 
 
 "Vendee, ven-dee. One to whom any- 
 thing is sold. 
 
 Vender, ven-dur. ) Tiie person who 
 
 Vendor, ven-dor. j sells a thing, 
 whether as his own, or as agent for an- 
 other. 
 
 Veneer, ve-neer (Latin, vena, a vein). 
 To inlay with wood, so as to give the ap- 
 pearance of veins ; to overlay with a thin 
 coating of superior wood. 
 
 Veneficial,venny-fishal(Lat.,t'e;iejitt«i, 
 poison ; facio, to make) . Acting by poison ; 
 bewitching. 
 
 Venerable, venny-ra-bl (Latin, venia, 
 pardon, leave, or licence ; oro, to pray). 
 Worthy of reverence ; to be regarded with 
 awe ; commanding respect by reason of 
 old age ; rendered sacred by religious 
 associations. 
 
 Veneration, venny-rayshun (Latin, 
 veneratio). The highest degree of reve- 
 rence ; respect with awe ; exalted honour 
 and esteem. 
 
 Venesection, venny-sekshun (Latin, 
 vena, a vein ; sectio, a cutting). The act 
 of opening a vein ; blood-letting. 
 
 Venetian, ve-neeshan. Pertaining to 
 Venice; a native of Verdce; a production 
 of Venice. 
 
 Vengeance, venj-ans (French, venger, 
 to revenge). Eetribution ; punishment for 
 previous injury ; severe punishment ; re- 
 taliation. 
 
 Venial, veen-yal (Latin, venia, pardon). 
 A pardonable error; a slight fault, that 
 may be forgiven, excused, or suffered to 
 pass without censure. Venial sin, in 
 Komish theology, a sin which does not de- 
 stroy sanctifying grace. 
 
 Venire facias, ve-niryfashy-us (Lat.). 
 In law, a judicial writ directed to the 
 sheriff, to cause a jury to come or appear 
 in the neighbourhood where a cause is 
 brought to issue, to try the same. 
 
 Venison, venny-zn (French, venaison, 
 from Latin, venatio, hunting). Literally, 
 game taken in hunting ; hence, the flesh of 
 
 YEN 
 
 a deer; the flesh of such animals as ara 
 taken in the chase. 
 
 Venom, ven-um (Latin, venenum, 
 poison). Poison ; poisonous matter ; figu- 
 ratively, malice ; spite ; malignity ; that 
 which poisons or embitters life. 
 
 Venous, ve-nus (Latin, vena, a vein). 
 Veiny ; consisting of veins ; pertaining to 
 veins ; contained in veins, as venous blood. 
 
 Vent, vent (Latin, ventus, the wind). A 
 spiracle or air-hole ; an aperture or pas- 
 sage ; an opening for emission ; a way of 
 escape ; passage from secrecy to notice ; 
 public declaration; escape of pent-up 
 feeling. 
 
 Ventiduct, venty-dukt (Latin, ventus, 
 the wind ; duco, to lead). In building, a 
 passage for wind or air ; a subterraneous 
 passage or spiracle for ventilating apart- 
 ments. 
 
 Ventilate, venty-late (Latin, ventus, 
 the wind). To cause the air to pass 
 through ; to fan with the wind ; figura- 
 tively, to examine ; to discuss ; to afford 
 opportunity for open discussion. 
 
 Vent-peg. An instrument fitted to 
 the small aperture of vessels containing 
 liquids, which, upon being raised or with- 
 drawn, admits the air to the surface of the 
 liquid to be drawn off, and by thus bring- 
 ing pressure to bear, causes the liquid to 
 flow freely. 
 
 Ventricle, ventry-kl (Lat., ventriculus, 
 from venter, the belly). In anatomy, a 
 term applied to a cavity in an animal body, 
 especially to certain cavities in the heart 
 and brain. 
 
 Ventriloquism, ven-trillo-kwizm ) 
 
 Ventriloquy, ven-trillo-kwy ) 
 
 (Latin, venter, the belly ; loquor, to speak). 
 A term applied to a manner of speaking, 
 practised by some persons, in such a man- 
 ner as to imitate other voices and sounds, 
 and to give the appearance of those voices 
 and sounds proceeding from various dis- 
 tances and different localities. A person 
 when practising this art, in order to aid the 
 deception,. keeps his mouth closed, so that, 
 to a certain extent, the voice may be said 
 to come from the stomach. 
 
 Venture, ven-ture (Latin, venturus, 
 about to become or happen). A specula- 
 tion ; a hazard ; an undertaking embarked 
 in with the knowledge that loss is equally 
 as likely to ensue as profit ; an uncertainty ; 
 a chance. 
 
 Venue, ven-jru (Norman French, visne, 
 from the Latin, vicinia, a vicinity or neigh- 
 
VTEE 
 
 VER 
 
 3^ 
 
 bourhood). In law, the county in which 
 an action is to be tried, which is specified 
 in all material allegations in the pleadings; 
 a near place or neighbourhood. 
 
 Veracity, ve-rassy-ty (Latin, verax, 
 truth). Scrupulous regard for truth ; in- 
 variable observance of truth ; honesty of 
 report; truth; integrity; fideUty in relation. 
 
 Veranda, ve-randah. A word derived 
 from the East, signifying an open portico, 
 formed by extending a sloping roof beyond 
 the main building. 
 
 Verb, verb (Latin, verhum, the word). 
 A part of speech, which serves to mark 
 distinctly the connection which we wish to 
 give to our ideas, or what we mean to say 
 of anything. The verb, under some one or 
 other of its forms, is necessary for the de- 
 velopment of the different purposes of 
 speech ; by it we express action, motion, 
 suffering, or a request or command to do 
 or forbear anything. 
 
 Verbal, verb-al. Spoken ; not writ- 
 ten ; by word of mouth ; respecting words 
 only ; minutely exact in words ; literal. 
 
 Verbatim, verb-ajrtim (Latin). Word 
 for word ; rendered literally ; a report of 
 words as they were spoken ; an exact copy 
 of any writing. 
 
 Verbiage, verb-yaje (French). Empty 
 discourse or writing ; a great many words 
 with little or no sense attached; wordi- 
 ness ; redundancy. 
 Verboseness, ver-bose-ness. ) Co- 
 Verbosity, Yer-bossy-ty. J pious- 
 ness of words ; suberabundance of words ; 
 verbiage. 
 
 Verdant, verd-ant (Latin, viridis, 
 green). Green; fresh; flourishing in 
 growth ; youthful, 
 
 Verd-antique, verd-an-teek (French). 
 A term given to the green incrustation on 
 ancient coins of brass and copper ; a 
 species of green marble. 
 
 Verdict, ver-dikt (Latin, verics, true ; 
 dictum, saying). The decision of a jury ; 
 , colloquially, the judgment of the majority ; 
 the opinion of the public ; the result of 
 deliberation. 
 
 Verdigris, verdy-grees (French, verd, 
 green ; gris, grey). A rust of copper, 
 formed of the corrosion of the metal by 
 an acid. 
 
 Verditer, verdy-tvir (French, verd, 
 green ; ten-e, earth). A pigment of a blue 
 or bluish-green colour; an azure blue 
 mineral. 
 
 Verecund, verry-kund (Latin, vere- 
 cundus). Modest; bashful; timid; simple. 
 
 Verge, verj (Latin, va-go, to lie towards). 
 A border ; an edge ; a brink ; the extreme 
 side or end of a thing of some extent. 
 Verge of the court, the bounds of the juris- 
 diction of the lord-steward of the royal 
 household. 
 
 Verger, verj-ur (Latin, virga, a rod). 
 An officer of a cathedral or church, who 
 carries the mace before a dean or dignitary ; 
 one who bears a rod or mace. 
 
 Veri^, verry-fi (Latin, vei-tis, true ; 
 facio, to make). To prove true; to con- 
 firm; to fulfil, as a prediction; to establish. 
 
 Verisimilitude, verry-se-milly-tiide 
 (Latin, verus, true ; similis, like), Kesem- 
 blance to truth ; probability ; likelihood ; 
 within the bounds of possibility. 
 
 Verity, verry-ty (French, veritf). 
 Truth; reality; a true assertion; con- 
 sonance of thoughts with words ; con- 
 formity to facts. 
 
 Verjuice, ver-juse (French, verd, green ; 
 jus, juice). The juice of green fi-uits ; an 
 acid liquor obtained from crab-apples, sour 
 grapes, &c,, principally used in sauces and 
 ragouts. 
 
 Vermicelli, vermy-chelly (Itahan, 
 vermicello, a little worm). A species of 
 wheaten paste, formed into long, slender 
 tubes or threads (resembling worms), used 
 in soups. 
 
 Vermicular, ver-mlkku-lar (Latin, 
 vermis, a worm). Shaped like or having 
 the characteristics of a worm ; having 'a 
 motion like that of a worm. 
 
 Vermilion, ver-mUyun (French). A 
 fijie red colour; a bi-sulphuret of mercury ; 
 cochineal. 
 
 Vermin, ver-min. A term applied to 
 animals, whether quadrupeds, reptiles, 
 worms, or insects, which are injurious to 
 vegetation or obnoxious to man ; all sorts 
 of small destructive animals. 
 
 Vernacular, ver-nakku-lar (Latin, 
 vernaculus, bom at home). Native ; 
 indigenous ; peculiar to a country or 
 family ; belonging to the person by birth 
 or nature. 
 
 Vd5?nal, vem-al (Latin, vernalis, from 
 ver, the. spring). Belonging to the spring; 
 appearing in the spring ; pertaining to 
 youth. Vernal equinox, the equinox in the 
 month of March, 
 
 Vernier, ver-neer. A graduated index 
 attached to an astronomical instrument. 
 
550 
 
 VER 
 
 VES 
 
 v.hicli subdivides the smallest division of 
 amy scale with greater accuracy than can 
 be obtained by simple estimation of a frac- 
 tional part, as indicated by a pointer, 
 
 Veronica, ver-onny-kah. A portrait 
 or representation of our Saviour on a hand- 
 kerchief, preserved as a relic in St. Peter's 
 at Rome. The legend is that a holy woman 
 (St. Veronica) wiped the perspiration from 
 the face of our Saviour, when toiling to 
 Calvary, upon a napkin she held in her 
 hand, and which miraculously received the 
 impression of his features. 
 
 Verrucous, verru-kus (Latin, verruca, 
 a v/^art). Having little excrescences or 
 warts on the surface. 
 
 Versatile, versah-tile (Latin, versatilis, 
 from versor, to turn). That may or can be 
 turned ; turning with ease and. readiness 
 from one thing to another ; capable of 
 turning to any point or any object ; able 
 to sustain numerous characters ; pos- 
 sessing abilities of an opposite nature ; 
 changeable; variable; imsteady; fickle. 
 
 Versification, versy-fe-kayshun 
 
 (Latin, versus, a verse ; facio, to make). 
 The art or practice of making verses ; a 
 composition consisting of verses. 
 
 Version, ver-shun (Latin, versio, the 
 act of turning). A translation of some 
 book or writing out of one language into 
 another ; a distinct rendering or reading of 
 a work ; mode of relation ; mode of com- 
 municating particulars ; form of ex- 
 pression. 
 
 Verst, verst. A Eussian measure of 
 length, equal to 3,500 feet, or 1,166| yards. 
 
 Versus, ver-sus (Latin). Against; 
 opposed to ; a term frequently used in 
 legal matters, as Brown versus Smith ; that 
 is. Brown, as plaintiff, brings an action 
 against Smith, as defendant. 
 
 Veraute, ver-sute. Crafty ; cunning ; 
 wily. 
 
 Vert, vert (French, ver(). Anything 
 that bears a green leaf; anything of a 
 green colour. In heraldiy, one of the 
 tinctures emploj'^ed in emblazonry, of a 
 green colour. In the forest laws, every- 
 thing that grows and bears a green leaf 
 within the forest. 
 
 Vertebra, verty-brah (Latin, verto, to 
 turn). In anatomy, a joint of the spine or 
 back-bone of an animal. Vcrtehrce, in the 
 plural, is commonly used to designate the 
 whole spine. 
 
 Vertebrata, verty-braytah (Latin, 
 vertebra). The name given to one of the 
 
 great divisions of the animal kingdora, in- 
 cluding animals having a vertebral column 
 connected with the brain, as the mammalia, 
 birds, reptiles, and fishesr 
 
 Vertex, ver-teks (Latin, vet-to, to turn). 
 The top of anything ; the zenith, or point 
 over the head ; the point of a cone, pyra- 
 mid, or angle. 
 
 Vertical, vertik-al (Latin, vertex, that 
 which turns). Perpendicular to the plane 
 of the horizon, being in the zenith, or per- 
 pendicularly over head; a line immediately 
 over head. 
 
 Verticity, ver-tissy-ty (Latin, verto, to 
 turn). The power of turning ; rotation ; 
 revolution ; the property of the load- 
 stone, by which it turns to some particular 
 point. 
 
 Vertiginous, ver-tiggin-us (Latin, 
 vertifjinosus). Giddy ; rotatory ; turning- 
 round. 
 
 Vertigo, verty-go, or verti-go (Latin, 
 verto, to turn). Giddiness ; or a disease 
 wherein objects, although fixed, appear to 
 turn round, attended with a fear of falling 
 and dimness of sight. 
 
 Vesication, vessy-kayshun (Latin, 
 vesica, a bhster or bladder). The "process 
 of raising bUsters on the skin. 
 
 Vesicle, vessy-kl (Latin, vesica, a 
 blister or bladder). A little bladder ; an 
 elevation of the outer skin, separate from 
 the inner skin, and filled with some 
 humour. 
 
 Vesper, ves-pur (Latin, vesperus). The 
 evening star ; the evening. 
 
 Vespers, ves-purz (Latin, vesperus). 
 The evening song or service in the Eoman 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 Vespertine, vesper-tine (Latin, ves- 
 pertinus). Pertaining to the evening ; per- 
 formed in the evening ; occurring in the 
 evening. 
 
 Vessel, ves-sel (French, vaiselle, from 
 Latin, vas, a vase). A receptacle for 
 liquids ; a part of an animal body which 
 contains any particular fluid ; any vehicle 
 by which things are conveyed on the water ; 
 a canal or tube for containing and convey- 
 ing liquids ; anything which contains. 
 
 Vestal, vest-al. Pertaining to Vesta, 
 the goddess of fire ; chaste ; pure ; de- 
 noting pure virginity. A vestal virgin, in 
 antiquity, was a virgin consecrated to 
 Vesta, and appointed to watch the sacred 
 fire, which was kept burning perpetually on 
 the altar ; the vestals were six in number, 
 
YES 
 
 351 
 
 and were bound by a vow of pei-petual 
 chastity. 
 
 Vested, vest-ed. Established ; fixed ; 
 not in a state of contingency ; having pre- 
 scriptive right. 
 
 Vestibule, vesty-bvile (Latin, vesti- 
 huhim). The porch or entrance of a house ; 
 a standing place at or before the entrance 
 of a house ; a small apartment immediately 
 within the front door of a building. 
 
 Vestige, ves tij (Latin, vestigmm, a 
 footstep). Literally, the trace or footstep 
 which anything has left behind it ; a mark ; 
 a trace ; a relic ; especially applied to the 
 marks remaining of some ancient thing- 
 which has been ruined or changed by time. 
 
 Vestment, vest-ment (Latin, vesti- 
 mentum, a part of dress). A garment ; a 
 robe ; some part of dress or clothing ; an 
 article of ornament worn by a Koman 
 Catholic priest during divine service. 
 
 Vestry, vest-ry (Latin, vestiarium, 
 from vestis, a robe). Properly, a room in 
 which the sacerdotal vestments are kept ; a 
 room adjoining a church; a parochial 
 meeting, commonly convened in the vestry. 
 
 Vetch, vetsh (Latin, vicia). A plant; 
 a kind of pea ; a kind of tare, some species 
 of which are used for fodder for cattle. 
 
 Veteran, vettur-an (Latin, vetiLs, old). 
 One who has worked long in one employ- 
 ment or office ; one who has seen much 
 service either in the army or navy; a 
 person who has lived to a great age ; one 
 who has gained considerable experience. 
 
 Veterinary, vettur-in-ary (Latin, 
 vetennanus, from veterinum, a beast of 
 burden). Pertaining to beasts of burden ; 
 pertaining to the art of healing diseases 
 in domestic animals. 
 
 Veto, ve-to (Latin, veto, ''I forbid"). A 
 prohibition, or the right of forbidding ; es- 
 pecially applied to the right of a king, or 
 other ruler or officer, to withhold his assent 
 to the enactment of a law, or the passing 
 of a decree. Veto was the solemn and im- 
 portant word made use of by the tribunes 
 of the Roman people, when they inhibited 
 any decree of the senate, or law proposed 
 to the people, or any act of other magis- 
 trates. 
 
 Vetturino, vettu-reeno (Italian), In 
 Italy, the name given to one who conveys 
 persons in a vettura, or four-wheeled car- 
 riage, for a fixed sum ; also, the owner of a 
 livery stable, and likewise a guide for 
 travellers. 
 
 Via, vl-ah (Latin). By way of ; aa 
 Dublin, via Holyhead. 
 
 Viable, viah-bl (Latin, vivo, to live). 
 Possessing the elements of vitality ; ca- 
 pable of living, as a nevr-bom infant or 
 premature child. 
 
 Viaduct, viah-dukt (Latin, via, way ; 
 duco, to lead). A carriage-way raised or 
 arched over any low-lying spot ; a struc- 
 ture made for conveying a carriage-way, 
 either by raising mounds or arched sup- 
 ports, across marshes, rivers, kc, or by 
 perforation through hiUs. 
 
 Vial, vi-al (Latin, phiala). A phial ; a 
 small bottle. Vials of God's vrrath, the 
 vengeance with which God visits the sins 
 of the wicked. 
 
 Viands, vi-andz (Latin, vivandus, from 
 vivo, to live). Meat dressed ; food ; 
 victuals ; provisions for eating. 
 
 Viaticum, vi-atty-kum (Latin). Pro- 
 visions for a journey. In the Fiomau 
 Catholic Church, an appellation given to 
 the sacrament, when administered to 
 persons who are on the point of death. In 
 Eoman antiquity, an allowance or provi- 
 sion made to magistrates cr officers of the 
 republic, when traveUing on the affairs of 
 the State. 
 
 Vibration, vi-brayshun (Latin, vibi-o, 
 to shake). A moving to and fro with a 
 tremulous motion ; a moving up and down, 
 or to and fro, alternately ; oscillation ; 
 quivering. Vihr-ation is also used in 
 physics for various other regular alternate 
 motions, as the sensation of the nerves, 
 begun by external objects and propagated 
 to the brain. In music, the motion of a 
 chord, or the undulation of any body by 
 which sound is produced. 
 
 Vicar, vik-ar (Latin, vice, in change or 
 instead of). A person who performs the 
 functions or supplies the place of another ; 
 especially applied. to a parish priest who 
 possesses a benefice the tithes of which 
 belong to a chapter or religious house, or 
 to a layman who receives them, and only 
 allows the vicar the smaller tithes as a 
 salary. 
 
 Vicarious, (Latin, vicarius). Deputed ; 
 delegated; acting by commission ; occupy- 
 ing the post of another. 
 
 Vice, vise (Latin, vice, in place of). In 
 composition, used to denote one who acts 
 in the place of another, or is second in 
 authority ; one who succeeds another in 
 any post or office. 
 
352 
 
 VIC 
 
 VIN 
 
 Vice-Admiral, vise-admy-ral. An 
 officer in the English navy, second in com- 
 mand, and having his flag displayed at the 
 fore top-gallant mast head. 
 
 Viee-Chaneellor, vise-chansel-lur. 
 An officer in the English universities de- 
 puted to act in the absence of the Chan- 
 cellor; the second judge in the Court of 
 Chancery. 
 
 VicegGrerit, vise-jeerent. One de- 
 puted by a superior to exercise power; 
 having delegated powers. 
 
 Viceroy, vise-roy. One who governs, 
 in place of a sovereign, with regal autho- 
 rity. 
 
 Vice Versa, vi-se ver-sah. A Latin 
 idiomatic phrase, signifying on the con- 
 trary; the reverse. 
 
 Vicinity, vis-sinny-ty (Latin, vicinus, 
 near). Neighbourhood; locality; nearness 
 in place. 
 
 Vicissitude, vis-issy-tude (Latin, 
 vicissim, by turns). Regular change ; 
 succession ; mutation ; change of fortune 
 or circumstances. 
 
 Victim, vik-tim (Latin, victima, a beast 
 killed in sacrifice). A living being slain in 
 expiation ; anything immolated ; some- 
 thing destroyed ; a person made to suffer 
 to appease or gratify another. 
 
 Victory, viktur-ry (Latin, victoria, from 
 vinco, to conquer). Conquest ; success in 
 any contest ; defeat of an enemy ; triumph. 
 
 Victual, vit-tl (Latin, victus, food). To 
 supply food ; to store with provisions ; to 
 provide for future consumption. 
 
 Victualler, vit-tewlur. One who pro- 
 vides refreshment ; one who supplies pro- 
 visions. Licensed victualler, one who is 
 permitted by law to keep a house of enter- 
 tainment, and to supply the public with 
 articles generally of an excisable nature. 
 
 Vide, vi-de, or vid-e (Latin). See ; 
 most commonly used as a direction or note 
 of reference to the reader, as vide page 120. 
 
 Videlicet, viddel-Iset (Latin). A word 
 signifying to wit ; that is, namely ; abbre- 
 viated viz. 
 
 Vie, vi (Saxon, wigan). To contend 
 with ; to strive to equal or oxcol ; to emu- 
 late ; to challenge to a contest. 
 
 Vi et armis. In law, by force of arms ; 
 terms in an indictment charging a forcible 
 and violent commission of trespass. In a 
 general sense, by main force ; under com- 
 pulsion. 
 
 } 
 
 Vie"W, vu (French, vne, from voir, tc 
 see). Prospect ; sight ; act of seeing ; 
 something kept before tlie mind ; percep- 
 tion ; examination ; opinion. 
 
 Vigil, vij-il (Saxon, wagian). Watch ; 
 devotion during the hours of rest ; a fast 
 before a holiday. 
 
 Vigilance, vijjy-lans (Saxon, wagmn). 
 "Wakefulness ; watchfulness ; forbearance 
 of sleep ; circumspection ; careful and con- 
 stant guard. 
 _ Vignette, veen-yet (French, diminu- 
 tive of vigne, a vine). Primarily, a page 
 of a book ornamented with wreaths of vines 
 and flowers. Subsequently, the term was 
 used to signify any large ornament at 
 the top of a page ; and still more recently, 
 the word has been used to express all kinds 
 of wood-cuts or copperplate engravings 
 which are not enclosed within a definite 
 border. 
 
 Vigour, vig-ur (Latin, vigeo, to be 
 strong). Strength ; robustness ; energy ; 
 force of body ; power of mind ; active force ; 
 spirit ; animation ; efficacy. 
 
 Vilify, villy-fi. To represent as vile; 
 to debase ; to defame ; to slander ; to dis 
 parage. 
 
 Villa, vil-lah (Latin, villa, a farm 
 house). A country-house; a rustic abode : 
 a suburban residence. 
 
 Villain, vil-lin (Latin, villanus, a ser- 
 vile tenant or serf). Primarily, a tenant 
 who held house and lands of a superior by 
 servile tenure : hence the term came to be 
 applied to a mean, base person ; one em 
 ployed in degrading offices ; one addicted 
 to wicked propensities. 
 
 Villous, vil-lus (Latin, villtis, hair or 
 wool). Cov'ered with down or soft hairs ; 
 shaggy; rough. 
 
 Vimineous, vim-inny-us (Latin, vi- 
 mineus). Formed of twigs. 
 
 Vinaceous, vin-ayshus (Lat., vinacais). 
 Pertaining to wine or grapes ; having the 
 colour of wine. 
 
 Vinaigrette, vinnay-gret (French).' 
 A bottle or box, for holding aromatic vine- 
 gar, used in the same manner as a smell- 
 ing-bottle. 
 
 Vincible, vinsy-bl (Latin, vinco, to 
 conquer). That may be overpowered or 
 overcome ; that may be conquered. 
 
 Vinculum, vinku-lum (Latin), A 
 bond or band. In algebra, a character in 
 the form of a line or stroke drawn over an 
 expression when compounded of several 
 
VIN 
 
 letters or quantities, in order to connect 
 them. 
 
 Vindicate, vindy-kate (Latin, vindico). 
 To justify from any charge or accusation 
 effectually ; to sustain or support a claim ; 
 to assert innocence ; to redress wi'ong ; to 
 
 VIS 
 
 353 
 
 Vindictive, vin-diktiv (Fv.,mndwatif). 
 Inclined to revenge ; revengeful ; design- 
 ing evil ; malicious ; spiteful. 
 
 Vineyard, vin-yard (Saxon, vingeard). 
 A plantation of vines ; a ground producing 
 vines. 
 
 Vin ordinaire, van-awrdin-ayr. The 
 name of a common and low-priced wine, 
 drunk extensively among all classes in 
 France, and in other parts of the Con- 
 tinent. 
 
 Vinous, vi-nus (Latin, vinosm). Hay- 
 ing the qualities of wine; impregnated 
 v^ith wine ; flushed with wine. 
 
 Vinta/ge, vint-aje (French, mndage). 
 Produce of the vine for the season ; time 
 for gathering grapes ; the wine produced 
 from any particular crop of grapes. 
 
 Vintner, vint-nur. One who sells 
 wine ; a tavern keeper. 
 
 Viol, vi-ol (Italian, viola). A musical 
 instrument of the same form as the vioHn, 
 but larger, and having six strings. 
 
 Violable, viol-a-bl (Latm, violo, to 
 force). That may be forced; mutUated; 
 or broken. 
 
 Violate, vio-late (Latin, molo, to force, 
 or injure). To force; to open or enter 
 with force ; to ravish ; to destroy ; to in- 
 jure ; to infringe ; to pollute ; to profane ; 
 to betray. 
 
 Violoncello, veeo-lon-chello (Italian). 
 The name given for the fifth violin, which 
 comes between the viola di hraccio (arm 
 viol), and the double-bass, both as to tone 
 and size. 
 
 Viper, vip-ur (Latin, vipera). An 
 animal of the snake tribe, the bite of which 
 is more or less venomous in all countries, 
 but in tropical regions it is almost instantly 
 fatal. 
 
 Virago, ve-raygo (Latin, vir, a man ; 
 ago, to act). A woman who acts the part 
 of a man ; a female warrior ; a woman 
 of masculine character; a bold, resolute 
 woman ; a woman of a quarrelsome and 
 turbulent disposition. 
 
 V'Telay, veery-lay (French, virer, to 
 turn). In French poetry, a roundelay, 
 
 poem, or song, consisting of two rhymes 
 only, and short verses with stops. 
 
 Virescent, vir-essent (Latin, viridis, 
 green). Tending to greenness ; of a 
 greenish colour. 
 
 Virginian, vir-jilly-an. Having refe- 
 rence to, or resembling Virgil, the Roman 
 poet. 
 
 Virgin, verj-in (Latin, virgo). A 
 maid ; metaphorically, anything puie, 
 chaste, or unpolluted; anything uncon- 
 taminated by impure intermixtiire. 
 
 Virgo, ver-go (the virgin). In astro- 
 nomy, the sixth sign of the zodiac. 
 
 Virility, vir-illy-ty (Latin, vir, a man). 
 Manhood; power and force of manhood; 
 properties and qualifications pertaining to 
 manhood. 
 
 Virtu, vir-tu (Italian). A love of the 
 fine arts ; a fondness for rare and curious 
 things. 
 
 Virtual, verttu-al (French, virtue!). 
 Effectual ; potential ; having the power of 
 acting with invisible efficacy, though with- 
 out the sensible or material part ; essential : 
 prevalent. 
 
 Virtuoso, vertu-oso (Italian). A 
 person skilled in any learned, polite, or 
 elegant art; one intimately acquainted 
 with the fine arts : a connoisseur. 
 
 Virulence, virru-lens (Latin, virm, 
 poison). Malignity; malice; strength or 
 power noxiously exerted; venom; acri- 
 mony ; bitterness. 
 
 Virus, vi-rus (Latin). A poison. In 
 pathology, a term applied to designate the 
 matter of a disease capable of producing 
 that disease in a healthy individual by 
 inoculation or absorption. 
 
 Vis, vis (Latin). A word signifying 
 power or force. Vis inertice, the power of 
 inertness, or the force with which matter 
 resists change of place. Vis vitce, the vital 
 power or energy. Vis insita, the power by 
 which a muscle, when wounded, touched, 
 or irritated, contracts independently of the 
 will of the animal that is the object of the 
 experiment, and without its experiencing 
 pain. 
 
 Visage, viz-aje (Latin, video, to look). 
 Literally, the look : hence, the face ; the 
 countenance ; the features collectively ; tha 
 expression. 
 
 Vis-a-vis, vizzah-vee (French). Face to 
 face ; a person standing or sitting op- 
 posite ; an opposite neighbour ; the name 
 of a carriage constructed to carry two 
 persons only, who sit face to face. 
 
S54 
 
 VIS 
 
 Viscera, visser-rah (Latin, plural of 
 viscm). In anatomy, the organs contained 
 in any of the three great cavities, espe- 
 cially the thorax and abdomen. 
 
 Viscid, vis-id (Latin, viscidiis, from 
 viscns, bird-lime). Glutinous ; adhesive ; 
 sticking like glue ; tenacious ; not readily 
 separating. 
 
 Viscount, vi-kownt (Latin, mcecovies). 
 A title or dignity which in the British 
 peerage ranks next below an earl, and 
 immediately above a baron. 
 
 Vise, ve-zay (French, seen). In certain 
 countries of Europe, the name given to the 
 examination and endorsement of a passport 
 by duly appointed officers, which enables 
 the bearer to proceed on his journey, but 
 without which he is not permitted to pro- 
 ceed further. 
 
 Vishnu, vish-nu. In Hin doo theology', 
 the second person of the trimov.rti, or 
 trinity, and the personification of the pre- 
 serving principle. 
 
 Visible, vizzy-bl (Latin, video, to see). 
 That can or may be seen ; discernible ; 
 perceptible to the eye ; clear ; apparent ; 
 conspicuous ; manifest. 
 
 Vision, vizh-un (Latin, video, to see). 
 Sight ; the faculty of seeing ; the act of 
 seeing ; the function -svhich enables us to 
 perceive the magnitude, figm-e, colom-, 
 distance, &c., of bodies; something which 
 is perceived by the mind or seen inwardly ; 
 something which appears to the imagina- 
 tion ; a revelation; a phantom; a dream. 
 
 Visionary, vizzhun-ary (Latin, video, 
 to see). Imaginary ; unreal ; fantastical ; 
 having no foundation in fact ; also, one who 
 forms impracticable schemes; one who 
 p,ursues the ideal rather than the real ; an 
 enthusiast. 
 
 Visitation, vizzy-tayshun (French, 
 from Latin, video, to see). Act of visiting ; 
 objects of visit ; a national calamity ; 
 affliction ; judgment from Heaven. In 
 ecclesiastical affairs, a sm-vey or inspection 
 made periodically by a bishop in his 
 diocese, by visiting the churches, their 
 rectors, &c., throughoutthe whole diocese; 
 also, a parochial inspection made annually 
 by an arcndeacon. . 
 
 Visor, viz-ur (French, visiere). A cover 
 f orthe face, with aper tm'es to look through ; 
 a mask to disfigure and disgnise ; a mov- 
 able part in the'front of a helmet; conceal- 
 ment. 
 
 Vista, nst-ah (Italian, sigJd). A view; 
 a prospect through a wood or avenue of 
 
 VlV 
 
 trees : figuratively, the prospect of events 
 which appears to the imagination or mental 
 view. 
 
 Visual, vizhyu-al (Latin, vims, sight). 
 That wliich accompanies vision. The visual 
 angle is the angle under which a body is 
 seen ; and the apparent magnitude of the 
 same object, when viewed at different dis- 
 tances, depends on the size of the visual 
 angle — that is, the angle formed at the eye 
 by the raj's proceeding from the extremities 
 of the object. > 
 
 Vital, vi-tal (Latin, vita, life). That 
 which ministers principally to the main- 
 taining of life ; capable of living ; contain- 
 ing life ; bestowing life ; essential ; highly 
 important ; very necessary. 
 
 Vitals, vi-talz (Latin, vita, life). Those 
 parts of the body on which life immedi- 
 ately depends, as the heart, lungs, and 
 brain. 
 
 Vitiate, visshy-ato (Latin, vitio, from 
 vitiurn, vice). To corrupt ; to debase ; to 
 deprave ; to spoil or impair the use or 
 value of anything by injming its substance, 
 or debasing its qualities ; to lower the 
 standard of taste or judgTnent by the in- 
 fluence of corrupt associations ; to render 
 defective ; to invalidate. 
 
 Vitreous, vittry-iis (Latin, vitrum, 
 glass). Glassy; pertaining to or resembling 
 glass ; applied especially to the pellucid 
 humour filling the fore parts of the eje. 
 
 Vitriol, vittry-ol (Latin, vitrum, glass). 
 A term originally appHed to any crystalline 
 body possessing a certain degree of trans- 
 parency, but now restricted to three sul- 
 phates — that of iron, called ferrous oxide, 
 copperas, or greeJi vitriol; that of copper, 
 or blue vitnol; and that of zinc, or white 
 vitHol. 
 
 Vituline, vittew-line (Latin, vituluSy 
 calf). Belonging to a calf or to veal. 
 
 Vituperate, ve-tewpur-ate (Latin, 
 vitiwn, fault or blame ; j^cirio, to produce, 
 invent, or find). To impute fault ; to 
 accuse of crime or offence ; to condemn ; 
 to censm'e ; to blame. 
 
 Vi-vace, ve-vay-chay (Itahan, lively). 
 In miisic, a term denoting a lively manner 
 of performing. 
 
 Vivacity, ve-vassy-ty (Latin, vivo, to 
 hve). Sprightliness ; liveliness; gaiety; 
 animatioa of manner ; activity ; lightness ; 
 volatility. 
 
 Vivandiere, ve-vawndy-ayr (French). 
 A female sutler, or camp victualler ; a • 
 canteen woman. 
 
VIV 
 
 VOL 
 
 8S5 
 
 Vivai^, ri-vayry (Latin, vivo, to live). 
 A place or receptacle for keeping live 
 animals. 
 
 "Viva voce, vi-vah vo-se (Latin, living 
 voice). By word of mouth ; oral. 
 
 Vive, veev. A French word, signifying 
 live, or long live, as, Vive la Heine, " Long 
 live the Queen ;" Vive la Hepuhliqiie, "Long 
 live the Republic ; " Vive la bagatelle, ' ' Long 
 live trifling," or trifles. 
 
 Vivid, viv-id (Latin, vividus, from vzvo, 
 to live). Teeming with life ; life-like ; 
 exhibiting freshness ; glowing with bril- 
 liant colours ; forming animated pictures ; 
 lively ; forcible ; striking ; quick. 
 
 ViviiVj vivvy-fi (Latin, vivo, to live). 
 To cause to live ; to impart life ; to 
 quicken ; to enliven ; to animate. 
 
 Viviparous, vi-vippah-rus (Lat., vivus, 
 alive ; ijario, to bring forth). A term 
 applied to animals which bring forth their 
 young alive and perfect ; producing young 
 in a living state. In botany, applied to 
 stems or stalks which produce bulbs that 
 are capable of vegetation. 
 
 Vivisection, vivvy-sekshun (Latin, 
 vivus, alive ; seco, to cut). The dissection 
 of an animal while alive, for the purpose of 
 assisting the researches of physiology. 
 
 Viz. Ajo. ahhxeyiaXionot videlicet, "that 
 is to say ; " namely. 
 
 Vizard. See Visor. 
 
 Vizier, vlz-yer (Arabic, wazhara, to 
 suppoi-t). The chief minister of the 
 Tiu-kish empire; also, the title given to 
 pachas of the highest rank. 
 
 Vocable, vokah-bl (Latin, vocahihim). 
 A word ; a distinct and articulate sound, 
 used as a sign to express the thoughts, 
 ideas, or sensations : a term ; a name. 
 
 Vocabulary, vo-kabbu-lary (Latin, 
 vocahulum, a word). A collection of the 
 words of a language, with their significa- 
 tions; a lexicon ; a djctionary. 
 
 Vocal, vo-kal (Latin, vocis, from vox, 
 the voice). Having a voice ; uttered by 
 the voice ; of or belonging to the voice. 
 Vocal music, music produced by the voice, 
 either unaccompanied or accompanied by 
 instruments. 
 
 Vocation, vo-kayshun (Latin, voce, to 
 caU). Employment ; business of life ; des- 
 tination to any state or profession. In 
 divinity, the grace or favour which God 
 shows any one in calling him out of the 
 way of death, and directing him in the way 
 of salvation. 
 
 Vocative, vokah-tiv (Latin, wco, to 
 call). Calling; relating to calling. In 
 grammar, that case of nouns employed in 
 calling or speaking to any one. 
 
 Vociferate, vo-sLffy-rate (Latin, vox, 
 voice : fero, to carry). Literally, to carry 
 or throw forth the voice; hence, to 
 speak loudly ; to clamour ; to cry loud ; to 
 talk vehemently ; to exclaim ; to shout. 
 
 Vogue, voge (French). Prevailing 
 fashion ; present mode ; general use ; 
 popular custom ; adoption by the 
 majority. 
 
 Void, voyd (French, vide, from Latin, 
 vacciis). A vacancy; a space left; un- 
 occupied place ; empty ; vacant ; having 
 no contents ; deprived of a possessor ; 
 destitute of substance ; imreal ; in- 
 effectual; invalid. 
 
 Voidable, voydah-bl. That may be 
 made void or annulled; that may be 
 evacuated. 
 
 Voire dire, vwaur deer (French, cor- 
 rupted from vrai dire, to speak truth). In 
 law, a preliminary examination, in which 
 the witness is required to speak the truth, 
 and is then examined touching his interest 
 in the cause at issue. 
 
 Voiture, vwoy-ture (French). A car- 
 riage; a vehicle for the conveyance of 
 persons. 
 
 Volant, vo-lant (French, volant, flying). 
 Flying; swift as flight. In heraldry, a 
 term applied to a bird drawn with' the 
 wings spread. 
 
 Volatile, voUah-tile (Latin, volo, to fly). 
 Flying; evaporating quickly; passing off 
 as vapour ; rapid ; subtle ; metaphorically, 
 changeable as the wind; flighty; fickle; 
 giddy ; inconstant. 
 
 Volcano, vol-kayno. A burning moun- 
 tain or explosion in the earth, emitting 
 smoke, flame, stones, lava, and other com- 
 bustible materials ; so called from Vulcan, 
 the god of fire, who was supposed by the 
 ancients to reside beneath Mount Etna, 
 where the most remarkable volcano is 
 situated. 
 
 Volee, vo-lay (French). In music, a 
 rapid passage of notes. 
 
 Volition, vo-lishun (Latin, volo, to 
 will). The act of willing ; inclination ; 
 exercise of the power of choice ; the act 
 of choosing or forming a purpose. 
 
 Volley, vol-ly (Latin, volare, to fly). A 
 discharge or flight of shot or other pro- 
 
356 
 
 VOL 
 
 VUL 
 
 jectiles ; emission of numbers at a time ; 
 many things discharged at once. 
 
 Voltaic, vol-tayik. From Volia, the 
 name of the discoverer, as the voltaic 
 battery, voltaic pile, &c., in electricity. 
 
 Voltaism, voltah-izm. A term some- 
 times applied to galvanism, from Volta, 
 whose researches and experiments led to 
 the successful establishment of this depart- 
 ment of science. 
 
 Volti, vol-te (Italian, turn). In music, 
 a term denoting that the leaf is to be turned 
 over; volti siibito, "turn over quickly." 
 
 Voltigeur, volty-zhur (French). A 
 horse soldier ; a light dragoon. 
 
 Volubility, vollew-billit-e (Lat., volvo, 
 to roll or turn). Literally, the act or 
 power of turning ; applied chiefly to acti- 
 vity of tongue and consequent fluency of 
 speech; mutability ; liability to revolution. 
 
 Voluble, voUew-bl (Lat., volvo, to roll). 
 Easy to be roUed; turning; applied to 
 stems of plants which twine round other 
 plants. 
 
 Volume, vol-yum (Latin, volumen, a 
 rolling or folding). A book; so called, be- 
 cause the ancients made their books by 
 forming several sheets of paper, and rolling 
 them upon a cylinder or staff; hence, 
 applied generally to anything which ap- 
 pears in a rolling form, as a volume of 
 smoke ; compass or dimensions ; tone or 
 power of voice. 
 
 Voluminous, vo-lewmin-us (Latin, 
 volumen). Consisting of many volumes ; 
 exhibiting many complications ; having 
 numerous coils ; copious ; diffusive. 
 
 Voluntary, vollun-tary (Latin, volo, 
 to will). Performed by a motion of the 
 wiU ; wUling ; acting by choice ; not com- 
 pulsory ; spontaneous ; dependent on the 
 will. 
 
 Voluntary, vollun-tary. In music, an 
 air played at will without any settled rule ; 
 especially applied to a piece played on a 
 church organ during a temporary suspen- 
 sion of divine service. 
 
 Volunteer, vollun-teer (Latin, volo, to 
 '^iill). One who performs a duty or under- 
 mkes any employment from his own free 
 will ; especially, one who of his own accord 
 enters upon military or naval service. 
 
 Vpluptuary, vo-luptew-ary (Latin, 
 volupttUf pleasure). One abandoned to 
 ■.^nsual enjoyments ; one addicted to 
 pleasure or luxury ; a sensualist ; an 
 epicure ; a sybarite. 
 
 Volute, vo-lute (Latin, volvo, to roll). 
 In architecture, a kind of spiral scroll used 
 in the Ionic and composite capitals, of 
 which it makes the principal and cha- 
 racteristic ornament. 
 
 Volution, vo-lewshun. A spiral turn 
 or wreath. 
 
 Vomit, vom-it (Latin, vomo). To throw 
 up from the stomach ; to eject the con- 
 tents of" the stomach by the mouth. 
 
 Voracity, vo-rassy-ty (Latin, voro, to 
 devour). Greediness ; ravenousness ; im- 
 moderate appetite for food; eagerness to 
 devour; rapacity. 
 
 Vortex, vawr-teks (Latin, verto, to 
 turn). A whirlwind, or rapid movement of 
 the air in circles ; also, a whirlpool, a body 
 of water which moves rapidly round, 
 forming a sort of cavity in the centre. 
 
 Votary, votar-ry (Latin, votus). One 
 devoted, as by a vow, to any particular form 
 of religion ; one who dedicates his life and 
 services to any special purpose ; an ardent 
 follower or disciple ; a devotee. 
 
 Votive, vo-tiv. Given by vow ; given 
 or done by vote ; vowed. 
 
 Vouch, vowtsh (Latin, voco, to call). 
 To give one's word ; to bear witness ; to 
 warrant ; to attest ; to call to witness. 
 
 Voucher, vowtsh-ur. A document 
 which serves to attest the truth of an act ; 
 one who gives attestatioh to anything. 
 
 Vouchsafe, vowtsh-safe {vouch and 
 safe). To affirm or promise safe or secure 
 possession ; to concede ; to grant ; to con- 
 descend ; to deign ; to yield. 
 
 Vow, vow (Latin, voveo, to vow). A 
 solemn and religious promise ; a declara- 
 tion publicly and solemnly made for the 
 performance or observance of some thing. 
 
 Vowel, vow-el (Latin, voco, to call). 
 In grammar, a letter which forms a com- 
 plete sound by itself, without the aid of I 
 any other letter, as a,€,i,o,i(,. I 
 
 Vox populi, voks-poppu-li (Latin). 
 The voice of the people ; the popular or 
 universal opinion. 
 
 Vulcanize, vulkan-ize. A term em- 
 ployed to sig^nfy the process of submitting 
 india-rubber to the action of heated 
 sulphur, which has the effect of hardening 
 it. 
 
 Vulgar, vul-gar (Latin, vulgtis, the 
 common people). Pertaining to tho 
 multitude ; adapted for the many ; prac- 
 tised among the common people ; hence, 
 
VUL 
 
 common ; ordinary ; mean ; unrefined ; 
 gross; low. 
 
 Vulgate, vul-gate. An old Latin 
 translation of the Scriptures, rendered 
 almost word for word from the Greek Sep- 
 tuagint, for the use of the Latins soon after 
 their conversion to Christianity; the 
 greater portion of it is ascribed to St. 
 Jerome. 
 
 Vulnerable, vuln-errah-bl (Latin, 
 vulnero, to wound). That may be wounded ; 
 easily injured; weakly defended; subject 
 to being affected injuriously. 
 
 Vulnerary, vulner-ary (Latin, vulne- 
 rarius). Pertaining to the healing of 
 wounds; useful in curing wounds. 
 
 Vulpine, vul-pine (Latin, vulpes, a fox). 
 Fox-like ; crafty ; belonging to a fox. 
 
 W 
 
 Wacke, wak-e (German). In mine- 
 ralogy, a simple trap rock, nearly allied to 
 basalt, of which it may be considered as a 
 soft and earthy variety. 
 
 "Wad, wod (German, watte). A little 
 mass of some soft or flexible material ; a 
 stopple of paper, tow, old rope-yarn, or 
 other material, forced into a gun, to retain 
 the powder and shot in the barrel. 
 
 Wadd, wod (Saxon, wad). A local term 
 for plumbago or black-lead. 
 
 "Waddle, wod-dl (Saxon, wadan). To 
 move from side to side while progressing ; 
 to move with frequent efforts on each side 
 repeatedly ; to walk like a duck. 
 
 "Wade, wade (Dutch, vjaeden). To walk 
 through water, mud, or anything impeding 
 the motion ; hence, to move slowly and 
 laboriously; to pass through with difficulty 
 and labour, as to wade through a volumi- 
 nous report. 
 
 "Wafer, way-fur (Dutch, waefel). A 
 small thin cake of dried paste. In the 
 Roman Catholic Church, a small cake of 
 bread used in the celebratioia of the Lord's 
 supper. 
 
 Waft, waft (from wave). Literally, to 
 imi^el in a waving motion, or motion of the 
 waves; to convey on the surface of the 
 water or through the air ; to make a wav- 
 ing motion, as a signal or notice ; to 
 beckon ; to buoy ; to float. 
 
 Wag, wag (Saxon, wagyan). To move 
 from side to side ; to shake slightly ; to be 
 in quick or ludicrous motion ; also, a term 
 for a jester ; one who plays tricks aud 
 antics ; one fuU of humour and jocularity. 
 
 WAL 
 
 857 
 
 Wage, waje (another form of gage, a 
 pawn or pledge), A pledge of battle, or to 
 maintain and carry on warfare ; to engage 
 in; to undertake; to commence ; to carry 
 on. 
 
 Wager, way-jur (from gage). Anything 
 pledged or deposited as a stake ; something 
 hazarded on the event of a contest ; a bet. 
 In law, an offer to take oath of non-liability 
 or of innocence. 
 
 Waif, wafe (from waive). A thing 
 found but not claimed; anything found 
 astray without an owner. 
 
 Wail, wale (Icelandic, vcela). Lamenta- 
 tion ; loud weeping ; a cry of grief and 
 despair ; sorrow expressed audibly. 
 
 Wain, wane (a corruption of wago7i). A 
 kind of cart or wagon ; a vehicle for 
 burdens. 
 
 W"ainscot, wane-skot (Dutch, wagen- 
 schot). The inner wooden covering of a 
 wall ; the panel work of an apartment ; 
 deals of oaks. 
 
 Waits, wayts, a term the literal 
 signification of which is supposed by some 
 authorities to be watchers or persons who 
 keep awake ; others derive the name from 
 the nuncios, who formerly attended or 
 waited on great personages, mayors, and 
 bodies corporate ; now applied to a class of 
 street musicians, who give notice of the 
 approach of Christmas, by playing dm'ing 
 the nights immediately preceding the 
 festive season. 
 
 Waive, wave. To relinquish; to 
 resign ; to set aside or put off ; to cease or 
 to decline to insist upon, 
 
 W"aiver, wave-ur. In law, a term 
 signifying that a person declines or refuses 
 to accept or to avail himself of something. 
 
 Wake, wake. A nautical term, denot- 
 ing the smooth water which is astern of a 
 ship under sail. It serves to show the way 
 the vessel is taking ; if the wake be right 
 astern, she makes her way forward ; if it be 
 to leeward a point or two, the ship falls off 
 to the leeward of her course. 
 
 Wale, wale, A ridge or streak in 
 cloth ; the mark made in the flesh by a 
 blow with a stick, strap, &c. ; a thick 
 planking which surrounds the sides of a 
 ship. 
 
 Walhaila, wawl-hallaw. In Northern 
 mythology, the place of immortality, in- 
 habited by the heroes of Scandinavia," 
 also, the name given to a remarkable monu- 
 ment consecrated to the most eminent 
 personages of Germany, and situated on 
 
358 
 
 WAL 
 
 the north bank of the Danube, near 
 
 Eatisbon. 
 
 "Wallet, wol-let (Saxon, iceallian, to 
 travel). A bag to receive the necessaries 
 for travelling ; a traveller's package. 
 
 Wallow, wol-lo (Saxon, wahoiaii). 
 Literally, to roU ; usually applied to rolling 
 for enjoyment or indulgence, as swine in 
 the mud ; to indulge in sensual or mean 
 gi'atifications ; to live in filth; to revel 
 in grossness. 
 
 Waltz, wawltz (German, waltzer'). A 
 species of German national dance, and the 
 nausic which accompanies it; a modem 
 dance and tune, the music of which is 
 triple, three quavers to a bar. 
 
 Wampum, wom-pum. A kind of 
 broad felt formed of strings of shells, and 
 worn as an ornament or ghdle by the North 
 American Indians. This name has been 
 also given to the interior parts of the clam 
 shell, formerly used as current money 
 among the natives. 
 
 Wan, won (Saxon, ican). Emaciated; 
 care-worn ; faint ; languid ; exhausted ; 
 sickly -looking ; pale. 
 
 W"and, wond (Dutch, vaand). A 
 slender stick or staff ; a staff of authority ; 
 a pretended rod of enchantment. 
 
 Wane, wane (Saxon, wanian, to de- 
 crease, or fall away). Decrease; decline; 
 failure ; diminution. The moon being on the 
 icaiie signifies a decreasing in her light, 
 as she proceeds from the full to the 
 change. 
 
 Wanton, won-ttm (perhaps from the 
 verb to want, to seek, or long for). Desire 
 for or indulgence in sensual enjoyments ; 
 unrestrained imagination ; unchaste desire ; 
 licentious ; loose ; sportive ; reckless ; 
 thoughtless. 
 
 Wapentake. A district or division in 
 some of the northern counties of England. 
 The name was apphed by the early Danish 
 inhabitants, and is derived from wapen, a 
 weapon. 
 
 Warble, wawi'-bl (German, wirbebi). 
 To quaver a sound ; to sing with quick and 
 varied voice, or with vibrations of tone ; 
 especially applied to the singing of birds. 
 
 W"ard, wawrd (Saxon, weard). A 
 person under the care of a guardian ; a 
 division or apartment in a hospital, prison, 
 &c. To ioard, to guard ; to keep in safety ; 
 to shield ; to interpose prot(sction ; to act 
 on the defensive ; to repel ; to defer d 
 agamst invasion or attack. 
 
 WAS, 
 
 Wardmote, wawrd-mote. A court in 
 each ward of the city of London, and in 
 some other cities, having the control and 
 an-angement of a certain district. 
 
 Wardrobe, wawrd-robe {ward and 
 robe). A place or receptacle where clothes 
 are kept and preserved ; also, applied to 
 the stock of wearing apparel which a 
 person possesses. 
 
 Ward-room, wawrd-room. In ships, 
 a room usually situated over the gun-room, 
 where the lieutenant and other principal 
 officers mess and sleep. 
 
 W"areliouse, ware-hows. A store- 
 house for goods or merchandise ; an esta- 
 blishment where goods and merchandise 
 are dealt in wholesale. 
 
 Wares, wares. Articles made for use ; 
 goods ; merchandise ; saleable commodities. 
 
 Warfare, wawr-fare. State of war and 
 opposition ; state of hostiUty ; mihtary 
 service ; conflict ; struggle with spiritual 
 enemies. 
 
 Warlock, wawr-lok (Saxon, icerlog, an 
 evil spu'it). A wizard ; a wandering evil 
 spirit ; an enchanter. 
 
 Warp, wawi-p (Saxon, wearp). In 
 weaving, the threads which are extended 
 lengthwise in a loom, across which the 
 woof is passed by means of a shuttle. In 
 naval affau-s, a rope laid out for the purpose 
 of mooring a ship. 
 
 Warp, wawrp (Dutch, werpen). To 
 throw out of a straight line or course ; to 
 project crookedly; to change in form or 
 position; to turn awry; to contract or 
 shrink ; figTU'atively, to misdirect the judg- 
 ment ; to bias the feelings. 
 
 Warrant, wor-rant (Saxon, wariaii). 
 A writ conferring authority ; a writ giving 
 an officer of justice the power of caption; 
 an authorisation ; a permission ; an assur- 
 ance ; a security. 
 
 Warrant-ofEicers. In the navy, the 
 gunner, the boatswain, and the carpenter 
 of a ship. 
 
 Warranty. In common law, a pro- 
 mise made in a deed by one man to another, 
 for himself and his heirs, for the enjoying 
 of anything agreed on between them. 
 
 Warren, wor-ren (Dutch, waerende). 
 An inclosed place for the safe keeping and 
 protection of rabbits or other animals ; 
 also, a pond or other place for the presei^a- 
 tion of fish. 
 
 War-whoop. A cry or yell raised by 
 savages as a signal for war. 
 
WAE, 
 
 WED 
 
 359 
 
 "W"ary, ware-ry (Saxon, woe^'). Watch- 
 ful ; on the look out ; cautious ; vigilant ; 
 taking heed; guarding against deception 
 or surprise ; circumspect. 
 
 "Washer, wawsh-ur. In mechanics, an 
 iron ring interposed between the surface of 
 wood, &c., and the head or nut of a bolt, 
 to protect the wood from injury during the 
 process of screwing up. 
 
 Wassail, wos-sil (Saxon, woeshael, 
 " good health to you " ). A jovial bout ; a 
 convivial meeting ; a drink variously com- 
 pounded, but frequently of apples, sugar, 
 and ale. 
 
 "Watchword, wotsh-wurd. The Avord 
 given to sentinels, with which all passers-by 
 are challenged. 
 
 "Water-colours. In painting, colours 
 ground with water and gum, or size, which 
 preserve their consistency in a solid cake 
 when dried, and can be readily mixed with 
 water by rubbing them on a moistened 
 palette when required. Waier-colour paint- 
 ings are those which are done in water- 
 colours, in contradistinction to oil- 
 paintings. 
 
 "Water-level. The level formed by 
 the surface of still water. 
 
 "Water-line. A horizontal line sup- 
 posed to be drawn above the ship's bottom, 
 at the surface of the water, which line 
 alters according to the depth of water 
 necessary to float the vessel. 
 
 "Water-logged, wawtur-loggd. In 
 nautical langviage, that state in which a 
 vessel is when, by leaking and receiving a 
 great quantity of water into her hold, she 
 has become so hea^y as not to be manage- 
 able by the helm, but is tossed about like 
 a log by the waves. 
 
 "Water-tight. That degree of closeness 
 of a vessel or tube which prevents the 
 ingress or the egress of watei*. 
 
 "Wattle, wot-tl (Saxon, watelas). A 
 fence or hurdle made of withys ; a plaiting 
 of twigs ; the loose red flesh which hangs 
 beneath the throat of a cock or turkey. 
 
 "Waver, wayvur (Saxon, roafian). To 
 move loosely ; to move to and fro ; to be 
 unfixed or unsettled ; to hesitate ; to 
 fluctuate. 
 
 "Wayfarer, wayfare-vir. One who is on 
 a journey; a traveller; a passenger. 
 
 "Wayward, way-wurd. Having regard 
 to one's own way or practice ; self-willed ; 
 obstinate ; peirverse ; refusing to be guided 
 or directed by others. 
 
 "Waywode, way-wode. In the Turkish 
 empire, the governor of a small province 
 or town. 
 
 "Ways and Means. A parliamentary 
 term for the method of raising the supply 
 of money annually required for the support 
 and maintenance of the State and the 
 national requirements, 
 
 "Weal, weel (Saxon, icelan). A state of 
 prosperity and good fortune ; abundant 
 possession ; affluence ; happiness ; benefit ; 
 advantage. 
 
 "Wean, ween (Dutch, wennen). Tv. 
 deprive a child of the nourishment it has 
 hitherto derived from its mother's breast, 
 and to substitute artificial food ; to gra- 
 dually diminish an indulgence till it ceases 
 wholly ; to withdraw from any habit or 
 desire ; to disengage the affections ; tc 
 entice from former pursuits or enjoy- 
 ments. 
 
 "Weapon, wep-un (Saxon, v;cepun). Tha 
 name for any instrument of offence or 
 defence ; any instrument by which one may 
 be hurt or defeated. 
 
 "Weasand, ) we-zand (Saxon, wasen). 
 
 "Wesand, | The windpipe, or the pipe 
 through which we breathe. 
 
 "Weather-board, wetthur-bawrd. The 
 windward side of a vessel ; also, a board in 
 the roof of a building, to keep out rain, 
 damp, &c. 
 
 Weather-bound, wetthur-bownd. 
 Delayed, or prevented from progressing by 
 contrary winds or stormy weather. 
 
 "Weather-cock, wetthur-cok. A plate 
 or turning vane set on a spire, to show from 
 what direction the wind blows ; metapho- 
 rically, anything which is turning or chang- 
 ing continually; a person of unsettled 
 habits ; an inconstant or fickle person. 
 
 Weather-gauge, wetthur-gaje. Any- 
 thing whi ch shows the weather. In nautical 
 language, the advantage of the wind, as 
 when a ship is to windward of another, she 
 is said to have the weather-gauge of that 
 other. 
 
 "Weave, weev (Saxon, wefan). To form 
 cloth in a loom by the intermixture of 
 threads; to intermix, so as to form one 
 substance. 
 
 Web-footed. Having films between 
 the toes, as in the feet of water-fowl. 
 
 Wedge, wej (Dutch, loeggh^. In 
 mechanics, a piece of metal, wood, or other 
 material, having a sharp edge, and gTadu- 
 ally growing thicker; used for the purpose 
 
WED 
 
 WIE 
 
 of inserting and driving into any mass, so 
 as to split or divide it. 
 
 Wedlock, wed-lok (Saxon, toed, wed; 
 lac, marriage, or gift). The married state; 
 matrimony. 
 
 Ween, ween (Saxon, wenan). To think ; 
 to imagine ; to fancy ; also, to mean ; to 
 intend ; to signify ; to make known. This 
 word is obsolete in ordinary use, and is 
 only employed in imitation of antiquity, or 
 affectedly. 
 
 Weet, weet (Saxon, witan). To Imow ; 
 to perceive ; to vmderstand. 
 
 Weft, weft. The yam or threads which 
 run from selvage to selvage in a web ; the 
 threads which cross the warp. 
 
 W"eir, weer. An erection carried across 
 a river or riATilet, for the purpose of dam- 
 ming up the water, so as to facilitate irriga- 
 tion, to render the taking of fish more 
 easy, and for other purposes. 
 
 Weird, weerd (Saxon, wyrd). A 
 witch ; a spell or charm ; sMlled in witch- 
 craft. 
 
 Welding, weid-ing. In metallurgy, 
 the process of joining two pieces of metal 
 together, by the aid of heat ; the beating 
 oi one mass into another. 
 
 "Welfare, wel-fare {-ivell and fare). 
 Happiness ; success ; prosperity ; a state 
 3f advantage ; exemption from misfortune ; 
 well-being. 
 
 Welkin, wel-kin (Saxon, wealcan). 
 The visible regions of the air; the vault of 
 heaven ; the sky. 
 
 Welt, we]t. A sewed border or edg- 
 ing; anything turned over and sewed to 
 strengthen the border 
 
 Welter, welt-m' (Latin, volufaH, to 
 roll). To roU or wallow, as in blood. 
 
 W"esleyan. A follower of John 
 Wesley, founder of the religious sect called 
 Methodists. 
 
 W Jtiarf, oo'awrf (Swedish, wharf). A 
 bank or place where goods are landed and 
 shipped. 
 
 WTieedle, oo'wee-dl (Saxon, looedlian). 
 To cajole ; to coax ; to flatter ; to entice 
 by soft words. 
 
 WTieeze, oo'weez (Saxon, Imeoson). To 
 breathe with difficulty and noise. 
 
 Wlielp, oo'welp (Dutch, welpe). A 
 puppy ; the young of a dog or beast of 
 prey ; a cub. 
 
 Wherry, oo'wer-ry. A light small 
 boat used on rivers. 
 
 Whet, oo'wet (Dutch, wetten). To 
 sharpen ; to give a sha^ edge to ; to 
 stimulate ; to incite •; to render keen. 
 
 Whey, oo'ay (Dutch, wey). The watery 
 portion of milk, separated from the curds • 
 anything white or thin ; anything pale. 
 
 Whig, oo'ig. In English politics, a 
 designation for one of a party opposed to 
 the Tories. The derivation of the term is 
 variously stated, the most probable one 
 being the Celtic word ughan, a large saddle 
 with bags attached to it, used by the free- 
 booters on the borders of Scotland ; hence, 
 those marauders were known to the High- 
 landers by the name of whiggam-more, or 
 " big saddle thieves," which word soon be- 
 came shortened to whig. 
 
 Whilom, ) oo'i-lum (Saxon, htoilum). 
 
 Whilome, ) Formerly ; at one time ; 
 once ; of old ; some time ago. 
 
 Whimsical, oo'imzy-kal (Dutch, we- 
 melen). Capricious ; full of strange fancies ; 
 difficult to be pleased or satisfied; freakish; 
 eccentric ; fantastical ; quaint. 
 
 Whin, oo'in. The thomy broom plant; 
 furze ; gorse. 
 
 Whinock, oo'in-ok. A name given in 
 some localities to the smallest or youngest 
 pig of a litter. 
 
 Whipper-in, oo'ippur-in. In hunting, 
 one who rides with hounds and pi'events 
 them from straying. In politics, a person 
 whose duty it is to rally the membei:s of a 
 party ; to bring them to their posts when 
 their presence is required, secure their 
 votes, ensure their support, &c. 
 
 Whirl, oo'url (Saxon, whoerlan). To 
 force or hm-ry round ; to turn round 
 rapidly ; to throw or cast round. 
 
 Whirlpool, oo'url-pool (Saxon, hwi/rf- 
 pole). A circular movement in the water, 
 tending to draw everything that approaches 
 into its centre. 
 
 Whirlwind, oo'url-wind. A stormy 
 wind moving in a circular direction. 
 
 Whitsuntide. The fiftieth day after 
 Easter. It is said to have received its 
 name from the circumstance that formerly . 
 people newly baptised came to church, at 
 this period, clothed in white garments. 
 
 Whittle, oo'ittul. To pare or cut off 
 the surface of a thing with a small knife. 
 
 Whoop, hoop. A shout of pursuit ; a 
 war-cry ; a signal for attack. 
 
 Wield, weeld (Saxon, wealdan). To 
 manage or use without obstruction, as not 
 
WIG 
 
 WOO 
 
 361 
 
 being too heavy ; to lift and poise in the 
 air with freedom ; to employ with dex- 
 terity and force ; to use with full power. 
 
 Wight, wite (Saxon, wild). A person ; 
 a being; used chiefly as a sportive allusion. 
 
 "Wigwam, wig-wam. A name given 
 by the English to the huts or cabins of the 
 North American Indians. 
 
 Wilderness, wilder-ness (from wild). 
 A desert ; an uncultivated and iminhabited 
 tract of country ; a spacious and desolate 
 place ; a barren spot, or one choked with 
 weeds and wild vegetation. 
 
 Wile, wile (Saxon, wiglian). To cheat ; 
 to deceive ; to impose upon ; to give a false 
 colour or appearance to ; to cause time to 
 pass pleasantly by some agreeable artifice. 
 
 W^ily, wi-ly. Cunning; crafty; exer- 
 cising stratagem; acting with caution; 
 subtle. 
 
 Winch, wintsh. In mechanics, the 
 crank-handle by which the axis of a 
 machine is turned. 
 
 Windage, wind-aje. In gunnery, the 
 difference between the diameter of the 
 bore and that of ball, shell, &c. 
 
 Windlass, wind-las. A modification 
 of the wheel and axle, consisting of a 
 barrel which turns upon two points of 
 support on a pivot at each extremity of its 
 axis, or upon a pivot at one extremity only. 
 
 Windward, wind-wurd. Towards the 
 wind; the point from which the wind 
 blows. 
 
 Wine-press, wihn-press. An instru- 
 ment or apparatus in which grapes are 
 pressed during the process of wine-making. 
 
 Wing, wing. In military affairs, the 
 division of an army right and left. 
 
 Winnow, win-no (Dutch, wannen, a 
 fan). To separate the chaff from grain by 
 . the agency of wind ; to beat or fan the 
 wind ; to examine ; to sift ; to part. 
 
 Winsome, win-sum (Saxon, winsum). 
 Engaging ; affable ; lovable ; cheerful ; 
 merry. 
 
 Wire - dr awin g, wihr - drawing. A 
 process by which, by means of the power 
 of steam, water, or other mechanical power, 
 wire is drawn through orifices successively 
 smaller, and thus increased in length ; 
 fig\iratively, applied to a tedious and prolix 
 style of narrative or argument. 
 
 Wiry, wi-ry. Made of wire ; resem- 
 bling wire: spare, but muscular; flexible 
 
 and strong ; a harsh tone of voice ; a dis- 
 cordant musical sound. 
 
 Wiseacre, wize-aykur (corrupted from 
 the German, weissager, vnse sayer). An 
 ironical term for a fool or dunce ; one who 
 affects to be very wise, being at the same 
 time extremely ignorant. 
 
 Wishful, wish-ful. Desirous ; anxious 
 or eager for ; having an ardent desire. 
 
 Wistful, wist-ful. Attentive; earnest; 
 grave ; full of thought. 
 
 Wit, wit (Saxon, witan). Intellect; the 
 power of associating the ideas in novel and 
 striking combinations. To wit, signifies 
 namely, that is tD say. 
 
 Witchcraft, witsh-krahft. The prac- 
 tices of witches; exercise of enchantment; 
 sorcery. 
 
 Witchery, witsh-ery. Sorcery; en- 
 chantment ; fascination. 
 
 Withers, with-tirz. In horses, the 
 jointing of the shoulder-bone at the bottom 
 of the neck and mane. 
 
 Withy, with-e. A large species of 
 willow. 
 
 Witless, wit-less {wit and less). De- 
 ficient in wit or understanding ; wanting 
 judgment; unwise; inexperienced. 
 
 Witticism, witty-sizm. An attempt 
 at wit; a species of mean wit; a saying 
 cv phrase that affects smartness and 
 humour. 
 
 Wittingly, witting -ly. Knowingly; 
 with a full knowledge of the consequences ; 
 by design. 
 
 Wizard, wiz-ard. Literally, one who 
 affects to be very wise; a conjurer; a 
 necromancer ; an enchanter ; a sorcerer. 
 
 Wont, wunt (Saxon, wunian). Habit ; 
 custom ; habitual or ordinary manner ; as 
 formerly. 
 
 Wonted, wunt-ed. Ordinary; usual; 
 customary ; characteristic. 
 
 Woodbine, wood-bine. Another 
 name for the honeysuckle. 
 
 Woof, woof. In weaving, the threads 
 that cross the warp ; another term for 
 weft. 
 
 Woolfel, wool-fel. A skin not stripped 
 of the wool. 
 
 Woolsack, wool-sak. The name given 
 to the seat of the Lord Chancellor of Eng- 
 land in the House of Lords, so called from 
 its being a large square bag of wool, with- 
 out back or arms, covered witlj red cloth. 
 
woo 
 
 TEO 
 
 Wool-stapler, wool stape-lur. A 
 dealer in wool ; one who collects wool for 
 the markets. 
 
 Wraith, rathe (Scottish) . The supposed 
 spectral appearance of a person shortly to 
 die, which is pretended to be seen by the 
 people of some countries, and is regarded 
 as a sui'e sign of approaching death. 
 
 Wrangler, rang-glerr. One who is 
 habitually disputatious. In the Cambridge 
 University, a technical term for those 
 students who pass the best examination in 
 the senate-house : the chief of these is 
 called the senior icrangler, and those who 
 exhibit proficiency in a lesser degree are 
 termed second tvrangler, third xvrangler, 
 and so on. 
 
 Wreak, reek (Saxon, vjrican). To 
 inflict; to visit signally; to exhaust; to 
 glut. 
 
 Wreathe, reethe (Saxon, ^crithan). To 
 twist or twine ; to intertwine ; to plait ; to 
 interweave ; to encircle ; to appear in 
 circles. 
 
 Wrest, rest (Saxon, wrcestan). To 
 extort ; to force ; to deprive with violence ; 
 to distort ; to pervert. 
 
 Writer, ryter. One who writes; an 
 author. Writer to the signet, in Scottish 
 law, a denomination equivalent to attorney 
 in England. 
 
 Writhe, rithe (Saxon, wriikan). To 
 twist or twine as the body is twisted in pain ; 
 to distort ; to move with contortions. 
 
 Wrought, rawt (Saxon, wyrcan). 
 Formed by work or labour ; fashioned ; 
 performed ; affected. In architecture, 
 any material brought to a fair surface. 
 
 X 
 
 Xanthic, zan-thik (Greek, xanilios, 
 yellow). Tending to yellow, as xanthic 
 acid, xanthic oxide. 
 
 Xebee, ze-bek. A small three-masted 
 vessel without bowsprit, navigated princi- 
 pally in the Mediterranean. 
 
 Xerophagy, ze-roffah-jy (Gk., xeras, 
 dry ; 'phago, to eat). The eating of dry 
 food ; a kind of fast observed by the early 
 Christians, in which the exclusive employ- 
 ment of dry elementary substances was 
 observed. 
 
 Xylography, zi-loggrah-fy (Greek, 
 xylon, wood ; grai^ho, to write). The art 
 or practice of engraving upon wood. 
 
 Xy&tus, zis-tus. A walking place ; a 
 gymnasium ; a place for athletic exercises. 
 
 Yacht, yot (German, yacAi). A sailing 
 vessel or small ship with one deck, suffi- 
 ciently large for a sea voyage. They are 
 most used for purposes of pleasure, and 
 those of the larger kind for the conveyance 
 of princes, ambassadors, and exalted 
 personages. 
 
 Yager, yah-gur (German, jager, from 
 jagen, to chase). In Prussia, Austria, &c., 
 a light horseman armed with a rifle. 
 
 Yahoo, yah-hoo. A term for a savage, 
 barbarous person, or one having the pro- 
 pensities and manners of a savage. The 
 word is said to have been invented by 
 Dean Swift. 
 
 Yam, yam. A large esculent root 
 which grows in tropical climates. 
 
 Yankee, yank-e. A corruption of the 
 word English, or Anglais, by the North 
 American Indians. The popular name for 
 New Englanders in America; and a term 
 applied by the English to a native of the 
 United States. 
 
 Yard. In ships, a long, slender piece of 
 timber, nearly cylindrical, suspended upon 
 the mast, by which a sail is extended ; the 
 portions projecting on each side of the 
 masts are denominated the yard-arms. 
 
 Yarn, yarn (Saxon, yearn) . Spun wool ; 
 thread of wool, cotton, or linen. In rope- 
 making, one of the threads of which the 
 rope is composed. 
 
 Yataghan, yatta-gan. A long Turkish 
 dagger. 
 
 Yaw, yaw. At sea, a temporary 
 deviation of a ship's course ; a zigzag 
 motion. 
 
 Yawl, yawl. A boat belonging to a 
 ship, usually rowed with four or six oars. 
 
 Ycleped, > e-klept (Saxon, • clepan). 
 
 Yclept, ] Called ; named ; termed ; 
 denominated. 
 
 Ye, ye. The nominative plural of thou, 
 used when addressing more persons than 
 one. 
 
 Yea, yay (Saxon, gea). Yes; surely'^ 
 certainly. 
 
 Yean, yeen (Saxon, eanian). To bring 
 forth young ; to lamb. 
 
 Yearn, yern (Saxon, geornian). To 
 long after or for ; to desire eagerly ; to be 
 deeply anxious ; to be pained or distressed 
 in mind. 
 
 Yeoman, yo-man (Saxon, gemen, com- 
 mon). A man possessing a small landed 
 
YSO 
 
 WTJ 
 
 383 
 
 estate ; a freeholder ; one who ranks next 
 in degree below a gentleman. Yeomen of 
 tfie guard, certain inferior military attend- 
 ants upon the sovereign on state occasions ; 
 on board a ship, a seaman who attends to 
 the store-rooms. 
 
 ^ Yeomanry, yoman-ry. The collec- 
 tive body of yeomen. Yeomanry cavalry, 
 a species of volunteer cavalry, drilled for a 
 short period at cei-tain intervals, and called 
 out to assist in quelling popular tumults on 
 extraordinary emergencies. 
 
 Yoke, yoke (Saxon, joe). A bandage 
 on the neck of beasts of draught, by means 
 of which two are connected so as to draw 
 conjointly ; a bondage imposed upon slaves; 
 a mark of servitude ; a bond of connection. 
 
 Yolk, yoke (Saxon, gealeio, yellow). 
 The yellow portion of an egg; the oily 
 secretion from the skin of sheep. 
 
 Yon, yon. That within view. The 
 literal signification is gone, and therefore 
 distant. 
 
 Yonder, yon-dur. Being at a distance 
 within view. 
 
 Yore, yore (Saxon, geara from gear, a 
 year). Years past; in' the time past; in 
 former times ; of old. 
 
 Yule, yewl (Saxon, gelml, a feast). The 
 old name for Christmas or Christmas time. 
 Yule log was a log of wood which in former 
 times was laid on the fire on Christmas-eve 
 with appropriate ceremony — a custom still 
 prevailing in some parts of England. 
 
 Zaeeho, zak-ko. In architecture, a low 
 square member, used instead of a pedestal 
 to support a eolumn. 
 
 Zarabo, zam-bo. A term applied to a 
 child born of a negro and a mulatto. 
 
 Zany, zay-ny (Italian, zanni). A merry- 
 andrew ; a buffoon ; a droll ; a silly 
 fellow. 
 
 Zeal, zeel (Greek, zylos). Passionate 
 ardour ; warmth ; fervour ; earnestness in 
 a cause. 
 
 Zealot, zel-ot. One passionately 
 ardent in any cause ; one whose ardour 
 gets the better of his judgment. 
 
 Zemindar, zemmin-dahr. In India, a 
 feudatory or landholder who governs a dis- 
 trict of country, and is the receiver of the 
 taxes. 
 
 Zenda Vesta, zend-ah ves-tah. The 
 sacred volume of Guebres, or modem fire- 
 worshippers. 
 
 Zenith, ze-nith, or zen-ith (Italian, 
 zeiiit). In astronomy, that point in the 
 heavens immediately overhead, opposed to 
 nadir ; figuratively, that point in a person's 
 life or career which is marked by the 
 greatest amount of fame, prosperity, 
 proweF.s, beauty ; the highest point. 
 
 Zephyr, zef-ur (Greek, zephyros, the 
 west wind). Poetically, a soft wind; a 
 gentle gale ; a mild and balmy breeze. 
 
 Zero, ze-ro (Italian). The commence- 
 ment of a scale marked with a cipher 0, 
 for nothing ; a cipher ; nothing. 
 
 Zest, zest (Persian, zistan). Originally, 
 tiie peel of an orange thinly pared, and 
 squeezed into wine to flavour it ; sub- 
 sequently applied to anything which im* 
 parts a relish or savour ; ..^nd hence, figura- 
 tively, that which enhances a pleasm-e, or 
 heightens enjoyment. 
 
 Zetetie, ze-tettik (Greek, zeteto, to in- 
 quire). Proceeding by inquiry ; seeking 
 by investigation. 
 
 Zigzag, zig-zag. Something with short 
 turns ; lines turning sharply, as in the 
 letter Z. 
 
 Zinc, zink (Gennan, zinlc). A metal of 
 a bluish-white colour, of considerable 
 hardness, and easily malleable. 
 
 Zincography, zin-coggi-ah-fy. Tlie 
 art or process of engraving on zinc. 
 
 Zodiac, zody-ak (Greek, zodicJcos, con- 
 taining living creatures, from zoon^ an 
 animal). A broad circle of the sphere, 
 containing the twelve signs through which 
 the sun passes in its annual course. 
 
 Zone, zone (Greek, zone). A girdle ; a 
 cincture ; a division of the earth with 
 respect to the temperature of the different^ 
 latitudes. 
 
 Zoology, zo-oUo-jy (Greek, zoon, an 
 animal ; logos, a discourse). That part of 
 natural history which treats of animals. 
 
 Zoonomia, zo-o-nomy-ah \ (Gk., zoon, 
 
 Zoonomy, zo-onno-my ) an animal; 
 nomos, a law). The science of the lavrs 
 of animal life. 
 
 Zoophyte, zo-o-fite (Greek, zoon, an 
 animal ; phyton, a plant). A body which 
 partakes of the nature of both an animai 
 and a vegetable. 
 
 Zootomy, zo-otto-my (Greek, zoon^ an 
 animal; tome, an invasion). A dissection of 
 the bodies of animals. 
 
 Zouave, zwahv. The name given to 
 a body of soldiers attached to the Freiieh 
 
3B4 
 
 ZUM 
 
 ZTM 
 
 army, and originally composed of Arabs. 
 They ai'e famous for the feats of prowess 
 and valour they perform, for the zeal which 
 they display in the service, and for their 
 peculiarly robust, hardy natures. 
 
 Zumic, zu-mik ) (Gk., zyme, ferment). 
 
 Zymic, zy-mik ) An acid supposed to 
 be produced or developed in aU vegetable 
 substances, in the process of acetous 
 
 fermentation, especially in rice. The 
 existence of such a compound is, however, 
 still a matter of doubt. 
 
 Zymome, zim-ome (Gk., zyme, leaven). 
 The residue of the gluten of wheat, after 
 it has been treated by alcohol, and produc- 
 ing several kinds of fermentation, accord- 
 ing to the nature of the substance witii 
 wMch it comes in contact. 
 
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 Knitting & Netting Instructions. 
 
 Lace Stitches. 
 
 Point Lace Patterns. 
 
 Guipure Patterns. 
 
 In all, upwards of Five Hundred Accurate Patterns, and New and Old Stitches. 
 
 *** y-ust as The Book of Household Management takes due precedence 0/ 
 every other Cookery Book, so this extraordifiary collection of Needlework Designs 
 will become the book, par excellence, Jor Ladies to consult, both for Itistruction in 
 Stitches and all kinds of Work, and Patter7ts of elegant style and irreproachable 
 good taste. 
 
 Published by Ward, Lock, and Tyler. 
 
New Boohs and New Editions. 
 
 Demy 8vo, half-rotin, price 15^. With Maps and Illustrations. 
 BEETON'S DICTIONARY of UNIVERSAL' INFORMATION, 
 
 A to Z, comprising Geography, Biography, History, Mythology, Biblical Know- 
 ledge, Chronology, with the Pronunciation of every Proper Name. 
 
 "The 'Dictionary of Universal Information,' just published by Mr. S. O. Beeton, supplies a 
 desideratum much and widely felt— that of a comprehensive yet portable dictionary of proper 
 names. The ' Encyclopsedia Britannica,' the ' Engflish Encyclopedia,' and the other great digests 
 of hum.an knowledge, in consequence of their high price, are accessible only to a few. In such 
 works no special provision is made for supplying short and comprehensive information regarding 
 individual words, arranged in their alphabetical order, of the kind most Ukely to be required by 
 the great mass of general readers. Mr. Beeton to some extent enters a new field in devoting a 
 Dictionary exclusively to proper names in Geography, History, Biography, Mythology, Bible 
 Knowledge, and Chronology. In these pages condensation has been in every way sought after, 
 and we know of no work which supplies more information at a smaller cost."— Z-^e Times, 
 
 TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE. 
 
 Now ready, Vol. i, A-G, price Sj. 6d. Vol. 2, H-Z, 85. 6d., ready in December. 
 BEETON'S DICTIONARY of UNIVERSAL INFORMATION. 
 Comprising the Sciences, the Arts, Literary Knowledge, with the Pronunciation 
 and Etymology of every Leading Term. 
 
 Of special value in " Beeton's Dictionary " of Science, Art, and Literature will be 
 found carefully draivn and elaborately engraved representations of machines and 
 other subjects, of which the following is a brief list : — 
 
 Atlantic Cables. 
 
 Ballons. 
 
 Bathing Machine. 
 
 Boring Machine and Cor- 
 neering Saw. 
 
 Blast Furnaces. 
 
 Brewery and Brewing Ar- 
 ticles. 
 
 Bridges. 
 
 Carving Wood. 
 
 Candle Making. 
 
 Clouds. 
 
 Coiling Machine. 
 
 Corn Mill. 
 
 Cutting Machine. 
 
 Connecting Crank. 
 
 Deal Sawing Machine. 
 
 Diving Bells. 
 
 Dredging Machine. 
 
 Drilling Machine. 
 
 Eclipses. 
 
 Elizabethan Architecture. 
 
 Envelope Making Machi- 
 nery. 
 
 Ethnological Tj^es. 
 
 Eudiometer. 
 
 Fortifications. 
 
 Fringe Machine. 
 
 Fire and Burglar Alarum. 
 
 Furnace. 
 
 Glaciers. 
 
 Gas Furnace. 
 
 Greek Architecture. 
 
 Grinding Machine and 
 Grinding Mill. 
 
 Hydraulic Press. 
 
 Iceberg. 
 
 Ice Crystals. 
 
 Jacquard Perforating Ma- 
 chine. 
 
 Lathes, Various Forms of 
 
 Locomotives, English and 
 American. 
 
 Loom. 
 
 Mammalia. 
 
 Marking Machine. 
 
 Mule, Self-acting. 
 
 Moulding Machine. 
 
 Nail Making Machine. 
 Needle Gun. 
 Norman Architecture. 
 Ordnance Shields. 
 Paper Making Machinery. 
 Percussion Cap Machinery. 
 Photometer. 
 Pile Drivers. 
 Pin Making Machinery. 
 Punching and Plate Cut- 
 ting ]\Iachine. 
 Pyrotechny. 
 Pyrometer. 
 Riveting Machine. 
 Sculpture. 
 Snider Rifle, 
 Steam Gun. 
 Steam Loading Gun. 
 Steam Pumps. 
 Steam Punching Machine. 
 Sugar Boiler. 
 Turbine. 
 
 Whitworth Gun and Shells. 
 &c. &c. 
 
 Thus it will be seen that the information in " Beeton's Dictionary " is designed 
 to give that which has been so long needed, and that it will be thoroughly illustrated 
 with a number of indispensable engravings. 
 
 Published by Ward, Lock, and Tyler. 
 
New Books and New Editions, 
 
 fertfltt's " 111 %\mi It" loxtU 
 
 Just Ready, handsomely bound, price zs. 6d. each. 
 
 1. ALL ABOUT COOKERY. Being a Dictionary of Everyday- 
 
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 Cyclopsedia, arranged in Alphabetical Order, and Usefully Illustrated. 
 
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 cation, and of Knowledge necessary to the Management of the Farm, &c. 
 
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 andcheapness. There are infinitely more Recipes ifi this volume than in any other 
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 and there are also coloured plates to show how they ought to look when dished and ready for the 
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 which is quite delightful; and I should say any one might learn to cook from it who never tried 
 before." — T/ie Athenceu-m.. 
 
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 to about Ten Thousand Points of Law, Forms for Legal Documents, with nume- 
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 150 pages. 
 
 How frequently a want is felt of better legal knowledge upon points which con- 
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 in the most sitnple m.anner, so as to be easily understood by the non-professional 
 student. It will save its clients frofn the bill of costs often so very unsatisfactory. 
 
 Published by Ward, Lock, a7id Tyler. 
 
 I 
 
New Books and New Editions, 5 
 
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 number of new names have been added. The Portraits, printed on tinted paper, 
 are faithfully reprodticed fro7>z originator authoritative sources. These En- 
 gravings form a totally new feature in Beeton's Biographical Dictionary, 
 none having appeared in the First Edition. 
 
 Price One Shilling each. 
 
 1. Bret Harte : Poems and Prose. 
 
 2. Artemus Ward : His Book. 
 
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 5. Charades. By Ditto. 
 
 6. The Biglow Papers. By J. R. Lowell. 
 
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 10. Model Men and Model Women. By Augustus Mayhew. 
 
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 16. Pusley ; of, My Summer in a Garden. By Charles Dudley 
 
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 *** This Volume contains upwards of One Hundred Engravings and Five 
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 Tales, Articles, Essays, Letters 
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 Hubert Ellis. 
 
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 *.,,* The best set of Volumes for Prizes, Rewards, or Gifts to English lads. 
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 Beeton's Guide Book to the Stock Exchange and Money Market 
 
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 to which many of them are sung. Fcap. 8vo, 180 pp., fancy wrapper. 
 
 Published by Ward, Lock, and Tyler, 
 
10 New Books and New Editions. 
 
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 Noble Thoughts in Noble Language : A Collection of Wise and 
 
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 Christmas with the Poets. A Collection of Songs, Carols, and 
 
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 Poets' Wit and Humour. Selected by W. H. Wills. With 100 
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 JL :b'jei-v7' ESZ^iyri^XjEs 
 
 Terms and Expressions which more or less Piizsle tlie General Reader, 
 
 FJBLECTEO FitOM THE 
 
 DiCTiONABY OF EVERY-OAY DiFFiCULTIES. 
 
 the ; was, 
 
 *^d captandllin,?.ci-kap-tinduTT. (lyatin, j liOCUm teuens, lukum Lt,eiie:,s (LatiijJ 
 lowaitig; caj)taHo, : atching or aimiug). ' 
 o attract or plyasft ; to captivate tlw vulgar. 
 Al Fresco, al fresco (Italian), lit tbo 
 penHiriUsuiiDv-appiiea to entertainments, &c. 
 I AmoUT-Propro, amoor-propr (F.^fench, 
 mnur, love ; prop-,'^., belonging to oneself). 
 If-lovo ; thus an appeal ia made to a per- 
 n's vanity, or a^nour-propre. 
 An Coui*ailt, oa-fcoorong (French). 
 '.ware of acquainted with ; Kkmiliar with. 
 '[ An Fait, oa-f»j (FMnch). Best manner 
 |f doing: a completo and porfoct acquaint- 
 !/\ce with any art. 
 
 I Boau Ideal, bo- i -deal (Freuchj6(fau, 
 flenutiful ; ideal, imsgiuary.) ita ^ei^M^'iT 
 liScancK is a model of «>xcellenco wSr^ t 
 Utod or the fancy has depicted, to itself. 
 Belloa Lettres, bel iet-ter (French, 
 illes, elegaiit; lettreSf Jitenvturo). A Utriu 
 yeaning polite ■iteratur©. 
 i] 3ona Fide, bo-uc'.i fy-do (Latin. 6o«i«*, 
 d ; fides, fiiiih). A levm signifying in 
 faith; witaout fir.rd or subte-.fuge. 
 €Jb©r d.*Qiitlvre', shaj-durver CFjench, 
 if d'osrtvre). A master- pipco; ii perfor ;« 
 ace of disUnguiahed merit. 
 jlJ Ci-devant, Beed-vawng (t'rcooh, c%- 
 T\yvari,t, heretofore), BeHjnpnij txt fcinier 
 i(n.es. or other or.ys; per-iimo;:;- io )!- syBterr. 
 things gone by. 
 
 Contie-temps, koutrah-ttmg (French, 
 nU-e, afidinst ; temps, time), a n»»scbancei 
 mJal»rtj. J happening inopportouely. 
 25e Facto, do fakto (Latin, de facto). In 
 ueral sense, it is a phrase implying any- 
 a\' established as a fact. 
 £iitO, ay-lcet (Frcncli, eUtCy elect, or 
 loice). A select body ol pei-sons ; the flower 
 an army ; the best part- or portion. 
 £iX par^e, ex par-to (Latin). A term 
 ifying on one side ; a partial statement, 
 that which is, made by one side only. 
 
 ^orma Pauperis fiiwr-ma paw-pur-is 
 ^tin). In the quality or after the manner 
 j' a poor p»jrson. 
 
 > Ich Dien (German, I ■erre). The mo».to ! riage constructed to carry two pei-sons only, 
 ' the Prince of Waies. j who sit face to face. 
 
 (Ipse Dixit, ip-sy dik-sit. A Latin ( Viva voce, vi-vah vo-se (Latin, living 
 0*056, signifying "he himself said it." | voice) By word of mouth ; oral. ^'K , 
 
 DDilt WARD. l OCiTTmER, WA KWJCI HOU sITPATERMOSTEil ROwl*''^ 
 
 i 
 
 A snhsiiti'to; ii liepuiy; a person acting in 
 th'^ ].!uco of anor.ljer. 
 
 Multum ii* Parvo, multum in parro 
 (Latin). Much in little; a great deal in 
 iuia.l coraj>ass. 
 
 Ne Plus Ultra, nepluaul-trah (Lat^n). 
 Ho farther beyond; the utmost extreme of 
 anything ; an epithet applied to excellence in 
 the highest degree. 
 
 Non est Inventus, non est in-ventus 
 (Latin). He is not found. 
 
 Parvenu, parvy-nn (French, parvenu, 
 a netv comer). An upstart; an adventurer; 
 ono who fi*om a mean origin attains an ele- 
 vated ptisitiou, and forgettijig what he once 
 presumes on hie acquired position, tu« 
 commit acts of folly. 
 
 Prima facie, pri-mah fay-she (LatinJT 
 on the first A^ew). In law, that which ap- 
 pears a c Jirat sight, before the case is argued 
 or evidence adduced. 
 
 Qui vive, ke vc.»r (French). Literally, 
 "Who lives or moves there r" the challeDga 
 of a French senciuel ; hence, the term means 
 to bfc on the alert, like a sentinel j to keepj 
 on tho look-ont ; to bo on the tip-toe of ex- 
 pect fjtion. 
 
 HendeavoUS, ronday-voo or reudyrvoo 
 (Fr<:tich). A meeting-place J a place ap^; 
 point O'l; a house of call; a place for 
 sembUng troops; a meeting. 
 
 Sine qua non (Latin). Without which^ 
 a thiriL' cannot be, therefore, an indiEpeti^aVilei 
 condiiiun. \ 
 
 Soiree, swah-ray (French>, Aa eveniBg 
 party. 
 
 Sub rosa, 8ub-ro«e-ah (Latin). Literally,^ 
 under the rose j privately ; secretly ; in con- 
 fidence.' 
 
 Tout ensemble, tooton-sawmbul (Fr.). 
 Whole appearance; general aspect; compre« 
 bonding everything which presents it. 
 
 Vis-a-vis, vizzah-vee (French). Pace to 
 ! face ; a person standing or sitting opposite ;] 
 j au opposite neighbour ; the name of a cai*. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 003 337 225 5